4-H

Above, an FFA member teaches a younger student about livestock.  

Submitted photos and press release:

On Friday, June 11, the Byron-Bergen FFA brought agriculture education to the Kindergarten classes. Members of the Future Farmers of America introduced the younger students to a variety of animals including cows, sheep, goats and ducks.

The 4-H Family & Consumer Science Club is holding a Hanging Basket Sale.

All proceeds benefit the club.

Hanging baskets of petunias and million bells (calibrachoa) are $20 each, no order limits.

Order now through May 3rd. The baskets will be available for pick up Friday, May 7th, at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. It is located at 420 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Colors will be first come first serve at the time of pick up.

Please pay by cash or check made payable to "CCE Genesee."

To order, contact a 4-H FCS Club member or email Alicia Spoth:  aliciamkeller@outlook.com

Press release:

Genesee County Fair Supporters/Exhibitors: 

We are ready to move forward with the 2021 Genesee County Fair being an in-person event, but recognize the need to ensure that there is a plan in place that is supported by New York State Department of Health and Local Officials.

These plans are to help to ensure the safety of all exhibitors, vendors and visitors.

The Genesee County Agricultural Society has been meeting frequently to discuss all options on whether we can move forward with planning an in-person/ live fair this July.

During this time we will continue to communicate with our Genesee County officials as well as monitoring other large events in the county and state to ensure we can offer a safe environment in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

We will also be working closely with the Genesee County 4H Programs to come up with schedules, safety plans and items that are necessary when planning the 2021 fair. We want to ensure that our youth are given the opportunity to show and enjoy their animals and other projects.

Genesee County Fair dates are planned for July 24th through July 31st.

Our hope is to be able to host the Genesee County Fair in person for our community to enjoy.

We just wanted to thank you all for your patience as we are planning the event.

We will be sharing information on our Facebook page, Instagram, website and other social media avenues. We look forward to seeing you all in July!

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Mystic Riders Horse Club donated nonperishable food items to 40 families in the Le Roy Central School District.  

For more information about the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131. 

Photo: 4H Mystic Riders Community Service – 4-H Mystic Riders Horse Club members with the nonperishable items they collected for Le Roy families. Back row, from left: Jennifer Ewert, Alianna Baris, Katherine Ewert; front row, from left: Jillian Weaver, Jameson Smith, Riley Smith.

Photo: 4-H Teen Club members with their holiday stockings for troops in front of the “Mitten Tree.” From left: Teagan Mathes, Maggie Winspear, Clare Mathes, Madison Harrington. Not pictured: Morgan Harrington, Brooke Frega, Michael Ehrmentraut.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Teen Club is giving back this holiday season by collecting “Mitten Tree” donations and donating filled holiday stockings to deployed military members.

At their November Club meeting, teen club members donated holiday stockings for deployed military members. The stockings were put together by teen club members using items that they purchased and donated.

Members included fun and useful items such as snacks, gum, candy and puzzles. The holiday stockings will be mailed to deployed military members to enjoy this holiday season.

Teen Club members also set up a “Mitten Tree” at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office to collect donations of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves.

Donations will be accepted at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office, 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Donated items will be displayed on the Mitten Tree until Dec. 14^th and then will be donated to local families in need.

4-H is a nationwide youth program that connects youth age 5-18 to a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. For more information about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131. Enrollment forms are also available on our website.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting new youth members for the upcoming 4-H year that runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. 4-H is a nationwide youth program that connects youth age 5-18 to a variety of hands-on learning opportunities.  

There are many different clubs and programs offered by the Genesee County 4-H Program. Project areas include animal sciences, sewing, leadership, community service, gardening, public speaking and more.

Enrollment fees for Genesee County residents are $25 per youth or $50 per family of two or more youth.

For more information about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131. Enrollment forms are also available on our website.

Photo: 4-H Fall Garden Fair class champions, from left: Gia Zuber’s Sunflower Exhibit; Tate Zuber’s Field Crops Exhibit; Alexandria Tarbell’s Pumpkin Exhibit; Bing Zuber’s Dahlia Exhibit.

Submitted photos and press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 4-H Fall Garden Fair at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office on Sept. 14-16.

A variety of vegetable, field crops and cut flower projects were entered by 4-H youth.

With the County Fair cancelled this year, the 4-H Fall Garden Fair was an opportunity for 4-H members to have their gardening projects evaluated.

Projects were judged by Genesee County Master Gardener Volunteers for their overall quality, uniformity, color and being free of insects and disease.  

4-H Fall Garden Fair Class Champions:

Sunflower Cut Flowers – Gia Zuber

Field Crops – Tate Zuber, field corn exhibit

Vegetable – Alexandria Tarbell, pumpkin exhibit

Dahlia Cut Flowers – Bing Zuber

The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18. New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers and clubs are always welcome.

For information about how to join the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

Below, Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer Kim evaluating 4-H fall garden fair projects.

Submitted photo and press release:

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Genesee County 4-H Program announced that 13 local youths completed their National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification on Saturday, Aug. 22^nd.

The NSTMOP Tractor Safety Certification allows youth age 14 and 15 years of age to legally operate farm equipment for hire.

The program includes training on farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics. After completing the training course, youth are required to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

Completion of this year’s program was delayed due to public gathering restrictions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. The program was able to safely resume in August to allow participants to complete their certification.

The Genesee County 4-H Tractor Safety Program is made possible by the generosity of 4-H Volunteer Instructors and several local tractor and machinery dealerships. The program is typically held January through March.

For information about the 2021 Tractor Safety Program or about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

Enrollment forms are also available online here.

Editor's Note: We tried but were unsuccessful in getting the names of those who were certified.

Press release:

Now is a great time to become a 4-H volunteer or start a local 4-H Club with the Genesee County 4-H Program.

The 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18. 4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society.

The Genesee County 4-H Program would not be possible without the time and talents of its volunteers.

Volunteers are essential to the program and allow you to share your knowledge and hobbies with interested youth.  4-H volunteer opportunities range from coordinating monthly club meetings to leading a one-time gardening project. Whatever you have to offer, 4-H has a place for you! 

Genesee County 4-H Volunteer opportunities include:

• Lead a 4-H project in an area that excites you, such as cooking, woodworking, sewing, or animal science;
• Coordinate a 4-H Club by planning monthly meetings and projects with club families;
• Judge 4-H public speaking presentations;
• Lead a 4-H livestock event or contest;
• Coordinate a 4-H activity at the county fair;
• Help with fundraising;
• Become a certified Shooting Sports Instructor.

For more information about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131. Enrollment forms are also available on our website.

Photo: Genesee County Master Gardener volunteers evaluating 4-H Flower Fair projects.

Submitted photos and press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 4-H Flower Fair at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office on Aug. 17-19.

More than 20 4-H cut-flower projects were entered by 4-H youth.

With the County Fair cancelled this year, the 4-H Flower Fair was an opportunity for 4-H members to have their cut flower projects evaluated. Projects were judged by Genesee County Master Gardener volunteers for their overall quality, uniformity, color and being free of insects and disease.  

4-H Flower Fair Class Champions:

• Sunflower – Helena Kotarski
• Gladiolus – Kara Goodenow
• Floral Arrangement – Helena Kotarski
• Cut Flowers – Kara Goodenow
• Cut Flower Collection – Gia Zuber

The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18. New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers and clubs are always welcome.

For more information about the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131. 

Below: 4-H Flower Fair Class Champions, from left: Helena Kotarski’s sunflower; Kara Goodenow’s gladiolus; Helena Kotarski’s floral arrangement; Kara Goodenow’s cut flowers; Gia Zuber’s cut flower collection.

​Submitted photos and press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 2020 Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction Program.

Although the Genesee County Fair was cancelled this year, 4-H youth remained committed to raising high quality meat animal projects. The auction was held in an online-only format July 29-30 and featured poultry, goat, lamb, dairy steer, beef steer and hog projects raised by local 4-H youth.

The Genesee County 4-H Program would like to thank all of the friends and businesses who supported the 4-H Market Animal Auction by bidding on or purchasing a 4-H project animal.

The 4-H Program would also like to extend a huge thank you to the William Kent Family for providing their online auction services and to the Genesee County Agricultural Society for their dedication in providing a facility for our youth to showcase their project animals.

Above, Madison Harrington, Champion Live Placing Poultry.

4-H Market Poultry Results

• Champion Project – Jillian Brewer
• Champion Live Placing – Madison Harrington
• Reserve Champion Project – Madison Harrington
• Reserve Champion Live Placing – Chloe Lamb
• Master Showman – Maggie Winspear
• Reserve Master Showman – Jillian Brewer

Above, Campbell Riley, Champion Project and Champion Live Placing Goat.

4-H Market Goat Results 

• Champion Project – Campbell Riley
• Champion Live Placing – Campbell Riley
• Reserve Champion Project – John Riley
• Reserve Champion Live Placing – John Riley
• Master Showman – Campbell Riley
• Reserve Master Showman – Clare Mathes

​

Above, Chelsea Lippert, Champion Live Placing Lamb.

4-H Market Lamb Results

• Champion Project – Madelynn Pimm
• Champion Live Placing – Chelsea Lippert
• Reserve Champion Project – Makayla Sugg
• Reserve Champion Live Placing – Chelsea Lippert
• Master Showman – Madelynn Pimm
• Reserve Master Showman – Emily Ehrmentraut

 Above, Justin Deleo, Champion Project and Champion Live Placing Dairy Steer.

• Champion Project – Justin Deleo
• Champion Live Placing – Justin Deleo
• Master Showman – Justin Deleo
• Rate of Gain – Justin Deleo

​

 Above, Caleb Carlson, Champion Project and Champion Live Placing Beef Steer.

4-H Beef Steer Results

• Champion Project – Caleb Carlson
• Champion Live Placing – Caleb Carlson
• Reserve Champion Project – Shianne Foss
• Reserve Champion Live Placing – Shianne Foss
• Master Showman – Caleb Carlson
• Reserve Master Showman – Audrey Dorman
• Rate of Gain – Shianne Foss

​

Above, Ben Kron, Champion Live Placing Market Hog.

4-H Market Hog Results

• Champion Project – Cody Carlson
• Champion Live Placing – Ben Kron
• Reserve Champion Project – Cody Carlson
• Reserve Champion Live Placing – Cody Carlson
• Master Showman – Ben Kron
• Reserve Master Showman – Hudson Weber

Press release:

The 2020 Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held online. The sale will feature high quality meat animal projects raised by local Genesee County 4-H youth.

This year’s sale features approximately 40 meat chicken pairs, 14 goats, 14 lambs, one dairy steer, 14 beef steers and 37 hogs. Meat chickens will be sold as a pair of processed chickens while all other animals will be sold live, by the pound.

The 4-H Market Animal Auction will be hosted by William Kent Inc. on www.williamkentinc.com starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 29^th through 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30^th. 

Lots will be open for bidding for the duration of the sale.

The Genesee County 4-H Program would like to thank the Genesee County Agricultural Society and William Kent Inc. for their help and willingness to make this year’s auction happen.

For more information regarding this year’s 4-H Market Animal Auction, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 101.

The Genesee County 4-H Family & Consumer Science Club is holding a hanging basket sale to support the club.

Beautiful, colorful hanging baskets of petunias and million bells* are $20 each.

No order limits; colors will be first-come first-serve at pick up.

Orders are due Thursday, May 28th.

Click here to order.

Pick up Monday, June 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

This will be a drive-thru pick up, please remain in your vehicle.

Payment by cash, or check made payable to "CCE Genesee."

To order: contact a 4-H FCS Club member or email:   Aliciamkeller@outlook.com

*Calibrachoa, commonly called million bells or trailing petunia.

Addison Kerble displays her completed clothespin trivet from the kit.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee County Family & Consumer Sciences 4-H Club organized an outreach program for the other members in the Genesee County 4-H Program. Thanks to a donation of cans and bottles, the club had funding to put together “quarantine kits,” for interested members.

The kits contained supplies for eight craft projects and information on other engaging activities the county is offering at this time.

One hundred kits were assembled and distributed on Wednesday afternoon, April 22nd, in the parking lot of the Cornell Cooperattive Extension Office on East Main Street in Batavia.

Members were enthusiastic about getting the craft kits.

“This was an exciting opportunity for my club to share the fun we have each month during our FCS meetings," leader Julie Keller said. "The families that helped assemble and I had fun doing so, and it was rewarding to see members take home the kits.”

For more information on Genesee County 4-H contact genesee4h@cornell.edu.

Below, Catherine and Tegan, of Bergen, (inside the vehicle) receive a sheet of instructions from Julie and Melissa Keller, of Corfu.

Below, Julie and Melissa Keller, of Corfu, (outside the vehicle) greet Catherine and Tegan, of Bergen, and hand them some instructions.

Below, the FCS leaders greet a 4-H Family with kit materials and supplies during the 2020 FCS Spring Drive Thru. 

Below, Evan and Maggie Winspear, of Oakfield, waiting for families to arrive. 

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club members recently participated in the Finger Lakes Regional 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest.

The contest tested their knowledge of the dairy industry, dairy products, farming, government, and bovine anatomy.

There were several rounds of competition. Youths were given individual questions, followed by team questions where they could work as a group to answer. Each round ended with toss-up questions where the quickest participant to buzz in was given the chance to answer.  

Beginner Division Results

• Team: Genesee/Wayne/Seneca – First-place Team

Members: Tate Zuber – Eighth-place Individual (Genesee), Connor Schultz, Julianna Smith, and Josiah Freier (Wayne/Seneca)

• Team: Genesee/Cayuga – Second-place Team

Members:  Chase Zuber – Sixth-place Individual (Genesee), Sam Patterson, Austin Hunter, and Katherine Atherton (Cayuga)

Junior Division Results

• Team: Genesee/Monroe – First-place Team

Members: Bing Zuber – Sixth-place Individual (Genesee), Justin Deleo – Seventh-place Individual (Genesee), and Owen Avedisian (Monroe)

Other Genesee County Junior Participants: Mason Werth, Maggie Winspear, and Jillian Brewer.

Senior Division Results

• Team: Genesee/Seneca –  Third-place Team

Members: Amelia Brewer (Genesee), Ian Keberle – Sixth-place Individual (Genesee), and Dale Freier (Seneca)

Photo: Genesee County 4-H Dairy Bowl participants, back row from left -- Ian Keberle, Mason Werth, Jillian Brewer, Maggie Winspear, Amelia Brewer; front row from left -- Chase Zuber, Bing Zuber, Tate Zuber, Justin Deleo.

Submitted photos and press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who competed in the Regional 4-H Horse Extravaganza Contest at Midlakes School in Clifton Springs on Saturday, March 7^th.

4-H youth from across the Finger Lakes competed in Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology equine knowledge contests. Horse Quiz Bowl is a Jeopardy-style competition, while Hippology is a hands-on test of identifying equipment, feeds and other equine facts.

4-H Horse Bowl Results:

• Senior Team of Alexandria Tarbell and Eva Rhoads placed second out of seven teams.
• Senior Individual Results: Alexandria Tarbell -- fourth place; Eva Rhoads -- sixth place.
• Junior Team of Leah Amend, Laura Grant and Alexandra Witmer placed fifth out of 11 teams.
• Junior Individual Results: Alexandra Witmer 14^th place; Laura Grant 17^th place.
• Novice Team including Wyatt Witmer placed third and Wyatt placed third individually.

4-H Hippology Results:

• Senior Team of Alexandria Tarbell and Eva Rhoads placed second out of seven teams.
• Senior Individual Results: Alexandria Tarbell -- third place; Eva Rhoads -- 13^th place.
• Junior Team of Leah Amend, Laura Grant and Alexandra Witmer placed eighth out of 11 teams.
• Junior Individual Results: Alexandra Witmer placed seventh.
• Novice Team including Wyatt Witmer placed first and Wyatt placed fourth individually.

Alexandria Tarbell, Eva Rhoads, and Alexandra Witmer qualified for the New York State 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl Contest in April at Cornell University and the New York State 4-H Hippology Contest at the New York State Fair this summer. Congratulations!

Special thanks to Coach Cindy Bovier and Assistant Coach Sara Witmer for all of their hard work and dedication to the Genesee County 4-H Horse Bowl Club.

Top photo: Genesee County 4-H Horse Extravaganza participants, from left: Eva Rhoads, Wyatt Witmer, Coach Cindy Bovier, Leah Amend, Laura Grant, Alexandra Witmer, Alexandria Tarbell, and Assistant Coach Sara Witmer.

Below, Genesee County 4-H Senior Horse Bowl and Hippology Team members Eva Rhoads, left, and Alexandria Tarbell.

Below, Genesee County 4-H Junior Horse Bowl and Hippology Team members, from left: Laura Grant, Leah Amend and Alexandra Witmer.

Below, Genesee County 4-H Novice Horse Bowl and Hippology participant Wyatt Witmer.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction Program is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this summer! In recognition of this milestone, the 4-H Program is seeking photos, news articles and memorabilia from throughout its 50 years to be used in a display at the Genesee County Fair.    

If you have photos or items to share, please drop them off or mail to: CCE Genesee, 420 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020; or email to genesee4h@cornell.edu.  

Please mark your calendars for the 50^th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction on Thursday, July 30^th, at the Genesee County Fair in Batavia.

Press release:

Registration is now open for the 2020 Genesee County Incubation and Embryology Program.

The program is open to classrooms and school groups throughout Genesee County.

Students and teachers that participate in this hands-on program will learn all about the process of hatching a chick.

To register or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 101.

More information about the program is also available here.

Press release:

Genesee County 4-H youth are invited to register for "Bovine, Sheep and Swine -- How Divine!” -- Animal Crackers 2020, which will be held on Saturday, May 2, on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca.

Mark your calendars for one of the most exciting animal science programs of the year!

It is offered by the Cornell University Department of Animal Science and will highlight dairy, beef, swine and sheep topics for 4-H youth 9-12 years old, or those with beginner to intermediate knowledge of those species. Interesting, educational, hands-on activities are planned to make Animal Crackers a memorable learning event.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about dairy or livestock care, biology, and management while having fun participating in a variety of interactive activities with 4-H members from across New York State.

There is a $15 fee per youth to attend the program. Adult chaperones are free and each group must have at least one chaperone. Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch.  

Additional information is available on the Animal Crackers website.

Registration for the event must be done through your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office and must be completed no later than April 24.

Youth must be enrolled in 4-H in order to participate. New 4-H members are always welcome to join the Genesee County 4-H Program. To register or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is looking for volunteers to help evaluate speakers at its upcoming 4-H Public Presentations Program.

The 4-H Public Presentations Program gives 4-H youth an opportunity to expand their public speaking skills in a fun, competitive format. 

The presentations program would not be possible without volunteer evaluators! Evaluators watch 4-H youth participants give presentations and provide them with constructive comments to help them improve their public speaking skills.

The 2020 4-H Public Presentations Events will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15th, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 20th, 3 – 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 26th, 3 – 5 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office in Batavia.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer evaluator, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu, or 585-343-3040, ext. 101.