4-H Event Sept. 15 will Honor “Best of the Best” from Southwest Missouri and Feature Pie Auction, Cake Wars

Contact: David Burton, county program director

Tel: (417) 881-8909

E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- All 4-H alumni from southwest Missouri are invited to the 6th Annual 4-H Alumni Pie Supper and Awards Program, 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, inside the Center Hall E-plex, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Sponsored by the Greene County 4-H Foundation, the program includes a pie supper where pies, cakes and cookies are auctioned off to the crowd. All clubs and 4-H supporters are invited to the event and encouraged to bring pies or other auction items.

Cake Wars is a 4-H member cake decorating contest (limited to 12 two-person teams of 4-H members and volunteer leaders from Greene County). The “Cake Wars” will include a cash award for the Greene County 4-H Club with the highest points earned from participating in the pie auction and other events.

A cake decorating contest for county 4-H members will also be held this year with $25 prizes going to the judged and people’s choice division winners.

All 4-H members, leaders, supporters and alumni are invited to attend and bring 4-H pictures, scrapbooks and memories to share with fellow 4-H’ers.

“Best of the Best” awards will be presented to members of 4-H clubs (ages 8 to 18) from southwest Missouri. Two members per county are eligible for this honor and will be recognized at Greene County 4-H Foundation's Alumni Reunion and Pie Supper.

All 4-H members are invited to apply for this special recognition by contacting their county extension center.  County 4-H programs must forward their winning applications to the Greene County 4-H Foundation by Sept. 6.

This event is sponsored by The Greene County 4-H Foundation. For more information, contact Byron Morrison, Greene County 4-H Foundation president by email at morrisonb@missouri.edu or by phone at (417) 840-6822.

Steers of 4-H’ers Evaluated by Meat Scientist July 29

Contact: Eldon Cole, livestock specialist
Tel: (417) 466-3102
E-mail: colee@missouri.edu

MT. VERNON, Mo. -- Six 4-H members in Lawrence County and their family and friends learned, “what was under the hides of their steers” on July 29. The six steers were evaluated on the rail by Dr. Bryon Wiegand, a meat scientist with University of Missouri.

“These steers had been on-feed since February 2 under the watchful eyes of the 4-H boys and girls,” said Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

During the 169 day feeding period, the six steers averaged 3.56 pounds per day gain with a range of 2.51 to 4.82 pounds per day.  The ending weights averaged 1328 pounds with the range going from 1245 to 1560 pounds.

The steers were slaughtered at Cloud’s Meats in Carthage and Wiegand did the objective measuring of fat thickness, ribeye area and the subjective estimate of intramuscular fat (marbling) and kidney, pelvic, heart fat.

With this data, Wiegand calculated a carcass quality and yield grade.  These are the two grades put on cattle to establish their value when harvested.

“The carcasses were on display, along with pictures of them at the beginning and end of the program.  Wiegand praised the project for its practical approach of stressing more than showing an animal in the ring and not getting a chance to find its real value in the carcass,” said Cole.

The carcasses ran the gamut in both yield and quality grades.  Yield grades go from 1 (very lean, high retail yield) to a 5 (extremely fat and wasty).  Among the six steers, one calculated a 1.46 Yield with only 0.3 inch of fat over the rib and a 16.2 square inch ribeye.  His ribeye only had a Slight 30 marbling score making his Quality grade a Select minus.  The owner was Atley Kleinman, Wentworth.  He was an Angus-Charolais cross.

A contrast to the above steer was a Red Angus, owned by Dallas Kleiboeker, Stotts City.  His Yield Grade was a 4.96 due to having 0.95 inch of rib fat and only an 11.0 square inch ribeye.  His quality grade was a Choice plus, almost Prime, with a marbling score of Moderate 80.

“Wiegand told the audience that they should not make drastic adjustments to their program based on the observation on one animal.  He added that markets do change seasonally, with supply and be cautious about selecting maximums for carcass traits,” said Cole.

After the carcasses were evaluated, Andy Cloud demonstrated the breaking down of one side of a carcass into the wholesale and some retail cuts.  One, one-inch rib steak from each steer will be sent to Columbia for fat and tenderness testing.

This was the second year of the 4-H project in Lawrence County.

Other members in the project were Ashley Bailey, Mt. Vernon, Rachel Callison, Verona, Samantha Schnake and Donell Kleiboeker both from Stotts City.  Project leader was John Kleiboeker. The project will wrap up in September when all the costs and expenses are computed to determine the “profit,” if any, for the year’s effort.

Persons interested in learning more may contact the Lawrence County Extension Center at (417) 466-3102.
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PHOTOS AVAILABLE:  The direct links to these photos for use with this story are http://www.flickr.com/photos/muextension417/9411153117/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/muextension417/9411156299/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/muextension417/9413906944/

4-H Steer Project Concludes July 29 with in Carthage

Contact: Eldon Cole, livestock specialist
Tel: (417) 466-3102
E-mail: colee@missouri.edu

MT. VERNON, Mo. -- The Lawrence County Steer Project for 4-H Youth will conclude at 6 p.m., July 29 with a program at Cloud’s Meats in Carthage.

The project began with the steers being weighed, graded and discussed on Feb. 2. The ending weights were taken July 21 and slaughtered on July 22. The official feeding period covered 169 days.

The steer’s carcasses will be evaluated on the July 29 by Dr. Bryon Wiegand, meat scientist at the University of Missouri. Measurements will be taken to determine fat thickness, ribeye area and Yield Grade.

Dr. Wiegand will subjectively score each carcass for marbling which determines the steer’s quality grade.

Andy Cloud will process one-half of a carcass and explain where the wholesale and retail cuts come from as part of the program.

“This program is especially designed for youth interested in learning more about real-world beef cattle production and management. Persons interested in learning more are welcome to attend,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

For more information contact Lawrence County Extension, 417-466-3102.

103 4-Her’s from 11 Southwest Missouri Counties Compete at Regional Shooting Sports Event near Bois D’Arc July 2

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist 
Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The 2013 Southwest Regional Shooting Sports Contest was held July 2nd at the Andy Dalton Range located near Bois D’Arc, Mo. A total of 103 participants from 11 different counties registered and participated in 31different events. 

The counties represented by participating 4-H’ers were, Barton, Cedar, Dallas, Greene, Howell, Jasper, Lawrence, Newton, Polk, Taney and Texas. 

“The members and instructors from Greene County 4-H Shooting Sports program would like to start by thanking the staff and management of the Andy Dalton Range for allowing the use of their facility for this event,” said Parrish Witt, a leader in the 4-H shooting sports program. “Thanks to all the participants and their families for attending, the instructors who helped staff the event and all the other people who helped make this event possible.” 

Adding to the success of the event were two clubs. Cedar County supplied archery backstops so two archery lines could run at the same time. The Bois D'arc Braves 4-H Club provided concessions during the event.
 
A document showing results from this regional shooting event can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/4hnews.aspx.

For information on the shooting sports program, or 4-H in general, contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists in southwest Missouri: Karla Deaver in Lawrence County at (417) 466-3102; Velynda Cameron in Polk County at (417) 326-4916; Bob McNary in Jasper County at (417) 358-2158; Amy Patillo in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500.

Lawrence County 4-H Members Joel Adams and Katie Pennell Elected to State 4-H Council

Contact: Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialistTel: (417) 466-3102

E-mail: deaverk@missouri.edu

MT. VERNON, Mo. – Two Lawrence County 4-H members were elected  to the 2013-2014 State 4-H Council at the State 4-H Congress, held May 29 – 31 at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  

Katie Pennell was elected secretary of the State 4-H Council. Pennell, the daughter of Gary and KayLynn Pennell of Aurora, begins her final term on the council as a member of the executive committee.

Joel Adams was elected as Southwest Region Representative to the State 4-H Council.  Adams, the son of Ronnie and Janet Adams of Stotts City, begins serving his second term.

Serving on State Council is an important responsibility and a great leadership opportunity, according to Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist.

“This year Katie will have additional responsibilities on the executive committee, and will provide even more leadership on council,” Deaver said.  “Both our members have served on council previously, so they will have more opportunities to practice leadership skills in their roles this year.”

State Council members meet several times per year, and plan annual events such as State Teen Conference and State Congress.  Adams and Pennell are joined by Cady Littlefield and Greg Vangunda of Newton County and Anne Marie Anibal of Jasper County as representatives for the Southwest Region.   

There are currently over 23,000 Missouri youth participating in 4-H clubs, with over 290,000 youth being reached by the variety of Missouri 4-H programs in 2011.  For more information on Missouri 4-H youth programs, visit the 4-H website at http://4h.missouri.edu.  Missouri 4-H is a program of University of Missouri (MU) Extension.

Students from Diamond and Seneca Elected to Missouri State 4-H Council; Other Local Students Attend

Contact: Lynda Dumond, youth program assistant
Tel: (417) 223-4475
E-mail: dumondl@missouri.edu

NEOSHO, Mo. -- Teens from Newton and McDonald counties recently attended the 68th Annual State 4-H Congress (May 29 – 31) on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., with nearly 300 other Missouri teens.

Participants experienced life on a university campus and elected the next State 4-H Council. Workshops were held on topics like creating websites, citizen response to active threats, babysitting, livestock judging and food preparation with locally grown products and more.

The State 4-H Council represents Missouri 4-H youth, provides youth input on 4-H policy issues, and plays a major role in the statewide 4-H youth events of University of Missouri Extension.

Cady Littlefield, a coming-senior at Diamond High School and an active member of the Diamond Renegades 4-H Club was re-elected to the State 4-H Council as one of four Regional Representatives. She is the daughter of John and Sheila Littlefield, Diamond. Cady was also selected to represent Missouri 4-H at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. She is one of only 20 teens selected based on a paper application and interview to evaluate member growth in 4-H.

Greg Vangunda, the President of Lucky Clover 4-H Club and a coming-senior at Seneca High School, was elected Regional Representative to the State 4-H Council. He is the son of Manford and Dana Vangunda, Seneca. Greg placed 5th high individual in the Missouri 4-H Congress Livestock Judging Contest.

Emily Paul, a Sophomore at University of Missouri-Columbia and a McDonald County 4-H member retired as the State 4-H Council Representative to the State University of Missouri Extension Council. During her year, she launched a program to increase 4-H youth that serve on local county Extension Councils, which resulted in youth serving on both Newton and McDonald County MU Extension Council. Emily is the daughter of James and Shelley Paul, Neosho.

There are currently over 23,000 youth participating in 4-H clubs, with over 290,000 youth being reached a variety of Missouri 4-H programs. For more information on 4-H youth programs, visit the 4-H website at http://4h.missouri.edu. Missouri 4-H is a program of MU Extension.

For information on 4-H contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists in southwest Missouri: Karla Deaver in Lawrence County at (417) 466-3102; Velynda Cameron in Polk County at (417) 326-4916; Bob McNary in Jasper County at (417) 358-2158; Amy Patillo in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500.

Barry County 4-H Members Showcase Life Skills at Local Achievement Day

Contact: Jeremy Elliot-Engel, county program director
Tel: (417) 455-9500
E-mail: elliottengelj@missouri.edu

CASSVILLE, Mo. – Barry County 4-H members participated in a wide variety of public speaking and knowledge contests, Tuesday, June 11 at the Barry County Courthouse as part of the Barry County 4-H Achievement Day.

Contests in traditional public speaking endeavors included “Prepared Public Speaking” where youth memorize a 5 to 7 minute speech on any topic and “Extemporaneous Speaking” where a topic is drawn the day-of the speech and then a five-minute speech is developed.

The overall champion public speaker at the 2013 Barry County Achievement Day was Rachel Bridges of Washburn, a member of the Exeter Trailblazers 4-H Club.

The 4-H standard demonstration is when a youth explains how to do an activity related to their Project Area. Youth prepare demonstrations to share their project area knowledge throughout the year with members of their 4-H club. The overall champion demonstration was given by Savanna Gunter of Purdy, a member of the Exeter Trailblazers 4-H Club.

Project Judging is a 4-H evaluation tool, where a knowledge test is administered and then members are asked to evaluate a class of four items, based on a scenario. The member then gives a verbal explanation of why they ranked the items the way they have, also known as reasons.

“Project judging is unique to 4-H. This evaluation process not only measures knowledge, but expects students to apply what they have learned through their project work in a real life setting,” said Jeremy Elliot-Engel, a 4-H youth specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

The top ten project areas in Missouri are given evaluations at the county competition.

Overall Champion in Foods Project Judging was Erika Bridges of Washburn, a member of Exeter Trailblazers 4-H Club.

Overall Champion in Cake Decorating Project Judging was Maranda Gunter of Purdy, a member of Exeter Trailblazers 4-H Club.

Overall Champion in Horse Project Judging was Dylan Bridges of Washburn, a member of Exeter Trailblazers 4-H Club.

“I remember when I was in middle school and scared about public speaking. It is great that members are stepping up and sharing what they know now, it will only get easier,” said Becky Wogoman, administrative assistant for Barry County MU Extension.

“Our members continue to grow, learn and be successful at all levels of learning and competition,” said Elliott-Engel.

Top contestants can now start preparing for competition with the 17 southwest Missouri counties at Regional Achievement Day in July at Springfield.

For information on 4-H contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists in southwest Missouri: Karla Deaver in Lawrence County at (417) 466-3102; Velynda Cameron in Polk County at (417) 326-4916; Bob McNary in Jasper County at (417) 358-2158; Amy Patillo in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500.

Taney County 4-H Fair and Achievement Day is June 12 - 15 at Fairgrounds in Forsyth

Contact: Chrystal Irons, business development specialist
Tel: (417) 546-4431
E-mail: ironsc@missouri.edu

FORSYTH, Mo. – The 2013 Taney County 4-H Fair and Achievement Day is being held June 12-15 at the Taney County Fairgrounds in Forsyth.

Taney County 4-H Achievement Day begins at 6 p.m. on June 11. The evening of June 12 will showcase the rabbit and poultry shows. The goat show is planned for June 13 followed by the sheep show on June 14. Beef and dairy cattle will have a show on Saturday, June 15.

“The fair showcases the finest 4-H projects in Taney County this year,” said Chrystal Irons, the county program director for Taney County Extension.

A complete schedule of events for the 4-H Fair can be found by clicking the 4-H link on the Greene County Extension website at http://extension.missouri.edu/taney.

For information on 4-H contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists in southwest Missouri: Karla Deaver in Lawrence County at (417) 466-3102; Velynda Cameron in Polk County at (417) 326-4916; Bob McNary in Jasper County at (417) 358-2158; Amy Patillo in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500.

Fundraisers and 4-H Among Issues on Agenda for May 28th Meeting of Greene County Extension Council

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist and county program director
Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Members of the Greene County Extension Council will conduct their regular monthly public meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28 in the large classroom at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 South Scenic Avenue, Springfield, Mo. The Botanical Center is home to the Greene County Extension Center.

Typically the Extension Council meets the last month of each month but because of the Memorial Day holiday the meeting for May has been moved to a Tuesday.

The full agenda for the meeting, as well as minutes from the previous month’s meeting, can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene under the “plans and reports” tab.

Unfinished business items include a report from the 4-H Action Committee and discussion of 4-H club audits. Under new business, council will discuss the upcoming “Dinner at the Orchard” fundraiser, a new partnership with AutoWranglers to turn donated junk vehicles in to cash for the Greene County Extension, the annual program review event, and a possible county government information day in the fall.

“The Greene County Extension Council is an elected governing body established in Missouri state law as a function of county government,” said Carl Allison, chair of the Greene County Extension Council. “The steps council members are taking now are designed to raise awareness and keep minimum programming in place until funding from the county improves.”

This month’s meeting also includes a report from the regional director of MU Extension about moving another specialist out of the Greene County office due to lack of funding from the Greene County Commission.

The county extension council, comprised of both elected and appointed citizens, is a full partner with Missouri's land-grant universities to deliver high-quality education and research-based information that helps people solve real-world problems and take advantage of opportunities.

Council members work with extension specialists to provide county educational programs, manage finances of local extension operations, provide personnel to carry out extension activities, and elect and organize the local extension council

The Greene County 4-H Fair is June 7 – 8 in Springfield

Contact: Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist
Tel: (417) 466-3102
E-mail: deaverk@missouri.edu

The 2013 Greene County 4-H Fair is being held over three different weekends and gets underway June 7-8 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield.

“The fair showcases the finest 4-H projects in Greene County this year,” said Karla Deaver, the University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist that serves Greene County.

On Friday, June 7, horse demonstrations get underway and the livestock judging contest is held. There are livestock shows in beef, sheep, rabbits, swine, meat and cats along with live animal demonstrations in the Swine Arena. Handmade exhibits will be on display in the 4-H Building.

On Saturday, June 8, the handmade exhibits will be on display in the 4-H building. There will also be poultry, dairy and meat goat shows along with a dairy cattle and horse show in the main arena.

The horticulture exhibits from 4-H are actually showcased later in the summer to give vegetables and other garden plants the opportunity to grow. On July 12-13, the 4-H horticulture exhibits will be on display at the Springfield – Greene County Botanical Center.

An offshoot of the 4-H Fair, the Greene County 4-H Dog Show will be held June 30 at Springfield Dog Training Club Facility, 454N. Farm Road 223, Springfield. There will be demonstrations in several categories including Clover Kids, trick class, showmanship, rally, agility, obedience and costume.

A complete schedule of events for the 4-H Fair can be found by clicking the 4-H link on the Greene County Extension website at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

For information on 4-H contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists in southwest Missouri: Karla Deaver in Lawrence County at (417) 466-3102; Velynda Cameron in Polk County at (417) 326-4916; Bob McNary in Jasper County at (417) 358-2158; Amy Patillo in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500.

4-H Members in Southwest Missouri Fighting Hunger with “Invest an Acre” Program

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist
Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

Statewide, 4-H members are seeking donations from Missouri farmers for the Invest an Acre program as part of a 4-H Revolution of Responsibility campaign to find solutions to hunger through community service.

Promotion of the Invest an Acre program by 4-H clubs includes awareness building ranging from hosting meals and display booths, speaking at farmer meetings to even passing out snacks at grain elevators to organizing food drives and constructing and planting community gardens.

Farmers can make an Invest an Acre donation from the proceeds of their harvest at the grain elevator where they do business. Pledge cards can be filled out at any time during the growing season, at harvest or at the time of delivery to the elevator.

Elevators receive tax-deductible donations from farmers and send them to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. Every dollar donated by farmers goes back to the food bank serving the multi-county region where they live.

Invest an Acre sponsors say efforts by 4-H and other partnering organizations are key to making the program accessible to “any Missouri farmer, any location, any time.”

More than one in five children in Missouri do not have enough nutritious food to eat, and 4-H members want to change this, says University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist Steve Henness.

“When children do not have enough to eat, their health and well-being is affected, which also puts them at greater risk academically,” said Henness. “4-H youth are inviting farmers and their communities to join in the fight because we know hunger is really not a game.”

BARTON AND DADE COUNTIES

In Barton County, 4-H clover kids participated in a “Down on the Farm” event April 20. Special activities were designed to help the youngsters learn how to get along and share with others , explore different interests, learn basic life skills, build self-confidence, learn how to communicate effectively and be a part of a group. The Barton County 4-H Teen leaders planned “Down on the Farm” to introduce farming to young children.

In Dade County, 4-H Youth Program Associate Becky Fay is working with local students to promote the “Invest an Acre” program. She is also working on a Farm to School initiative, which is giving 4-H’ers access to farmers.

In both counties, 4-H members are talking with community groups and community leaders about the “Invest an Acre” program.

SPONSORS AND MORE

The Invest an Acre program is sponsored by ADM, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Monsanto and Feeding America. Missouri ADM elevators can process donations in Audrain, Knox, Lewis, Linn, New Madrid, Ralls, Shelby, St. Louis, Stoddard and Vernon counties.

Monsanto has committed to match Invest an Acre farmer donations nationally dollar-for-dollar, up to $675,000 this year.

The Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Farmers Care and the Missouri Food Bank Association are promoting the program to give more farmers opportunities to participate. Any grain elevator can receive and process Invest an Acre donations with a letter printed from the website.

For more information, please visit www.investanacre.org or 4h.missouri.edu/programs/hunger. Persons wanting to know more about the “Invest an Acre” program can also contact Steven Henness at 573-884-6618.

For information on 4-H contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists in southwest Missouri: Karla Deaver in Lawrence County at (417) 466-3102; Velynda Cameron in Polk County at (417) 326-4916; Bob McNary in Jasper County at (417) 358-2158; Amy Patillo in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Jeremy Elliott-Engel in Newton County at (417) 455-9500.