4-H

Press release:

Did you know that chickens make amazing backyard pets? They help control the bug population, eat table scraps, and provide nutrient-rich, great-tasting eggs! Learn how chickens make ideal 4-H projects for youth in rural, suburban, and urban settings by attending Poultry Palooza!

This program, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee and Monroe Counties, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

This event is open to all Finger Lakes area youth ages 5–19. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate. Youth ages 5–8 must have an adult present.

Poultry Palooza will feature two levels of workshops: beginner and advanced. The beginner level workshop is for youth who are new to owning poultry or are thinking of starting a poultry project. The advanced level workshop is for youth who are familiar with poultry and wish to advance their knowledge.

Workshop topics include: proper bird handling, flock management, nutrition, diseases, showmanship and more!

The registration fee is $10 per youth and includes lunch (or youth may bring their own), and a copy of the "4-H Poultry Resource Handbook" courtesy of the New York State 4-H Rice Fund. (One resource guide per family will be provided.)

The registration deadline is May 23. For a complete event brochure and registration form, please visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact the Monroe County 4-H Office at 585-753-2568 or monroe4h@cornell.edu.

Press release:

National 4-H Council has announced the launch of the spring 2016 4-H Paper Clover Campaign in partnership with Tractor Supply Company (TSC).

Stop by Batavia Tractor Supply Company Store (4974 E. Main Street Road, Batavia) April 13 – 24 and support Genesee Co. 4-H Youth Development Programming by purchasing a paper clover for a $1 at checkout.

Funds donated during the national campaign will be tracked online and recorded by state and by store. Visit www.tractorsupply.com/4-H for more information on the spring 2016 4-H Paper Clover Campaign and to view the donation tracker.

This event marks the sixth year of collaboration between the organizations on the national in-store fundraiser, benefiting state and local 4‑H programming in each of the communities where a TSC store is located.

Last year, across 49 states, the TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaign provided more than $1.8 million to 4-H across the country. All proceeds raised directly benefit 4-H, with 70 percent of funds being returned to state and local 4-H programs.

The effort has provided direct support for local camps, after-school programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships to these events where youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.

Press release:

The Cornell University Department of Animal Science is pleased to announce Animal Crackers 2016 "Animal Crackers: Kids are Udderly Moomentous!" on Saturday, May 7, at Cornell University. Registration deadline is April 29.

The upcoming program will incorporate both goat and dairy cattle topics for youth ages 9-12 or those with a beginners/intermediate knowledge of the species. All youth, 4-H and non-4-H, are invited to participate. Adult chaperones are also invited to attend to make Udderly Moomentous a family event!

Interesting, educational, hands-on activities are planned to make Animal Crackers a memorable teaching event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn goat or dairy care, biology, or management while having fun in two different learning tracts (goat or dairy cattle). There will also be sessions on making ice cream, animal demonstrations, and much, much more!

Cost of the program will be $15 per youth (adult chaperones are free!) and everyone is asked to bring their own lunch. Genesee County residents can register by contacting the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee Co. 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or e-mail genesee4h@cornell.edu no later than April 29. All groups must have at least one chaperone per species tract.

More information can be found on the Animal Crackers Web site: http://4h.ansci.cornell.edu/events-2/animal-crackers/topics/

(Submitted photo) 2016 General District 4-H Public Presentations – From left, back row: Becky Kron, Melissa Keller, Teagan Mathes; front row: Colton Tarbell, Clare Mathes, Torrance Tillery.

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2016 District 4-H Public Presentations and the Region 2 Horse Communications Event at Mid Lakes High School in Phelps on Saturday, April 2.

4-H youth from across the region came together to compete at the district level and gave presentations in front of a panel of volunteer judges. 

Representing Genesee County at the 4-H District Presentations event were:

Melissa Keller – score 97, Blue Ribbon

Becky Kron – score 97, Blue Ribbon

Clare Mathes – score 94, Blue Ribbon

Teagan Mathes – score 94, Blue Ribbon

Colton Tarbell – score 93, Blue Ribbon

Torrance Tillery – score 82, Red Ribbon

All public presentation competitors worked very hard and did a great job! Eligible Blue Ribbon participants are still under consideration and have yet to be announced for the state event to be held May 14^th at Cornell University.

(Submitted photo) 2016 General Region 2 Horse Communications: Alexandria Tarbell, left, and Alianna Baris.

Representing  Genesee County at the Region 2 Horse Communications Event were:

Alexandria Tarbell – 1^st Place in the Junior Division

Alianna Baris – 4^th Place in the Junior Division  

Both girls worked very hard and were well prepared for the event, they are both eligible to attend the State Communication Contest on May 14th at Cornell University.

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or e-mailgenesee4h@cornell.edu. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our program or about joining 4-H!

Students participating in the 4-H Club's annual tractor safety course were tested today on their hands-on knowledge at Empire Tractor.

Above, Christian Gerold steers through an obstacle course, and below, Tim Zipfel attached a combine to the back of a tractor while instructor Tim Adams scores his effort. Zipfel passed.

Submitted photo of the 2016 Genesee County 4-H Horse Bowl Club. From left, back row: Alexandria Tarbell, Gabriella Rindell, Eva Rhoads, Elizabeth Rindell, and Cindy Bovier, Horse Bowl Leader. Front row: Colton Tarbell, Annalee Winnicki, Karly Smith and Katie Ewert. 

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2016 Region II 4-H Horse Extravaganza at Mid Lakes High School in Phelps on Saturday, March 5.

4-H youth from across the region came together to compete in both 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl, in which youth compete as a team in answering horse knowledge based questions and 4-H Horse Hippology, a contest in which youth participate in a written exam, identification of items shown on slides, placing and/or ID of feedstuffs or feed tags, judging, ID stations, and team problems.

The results from participating Genesee County 4-H youth participants are as follows:

4-H Horse Bowl Event Results

Senior Category:  Team placement -- 6^th of 6 teams; member: Emily Boldt.

Individual Ranking within the senior participants: Emily Boldt -- 15^th

Junior Category: Team placement -- 1^st of 7 teams; members: Elizabeth Rindell, Gabriella Rindell, Alexandria Tarbell and Eva Rhoads.

Individual Rankings within the junior participants:

Gabriella Rindell – 1^st

Alexandria Tarbell – 4^th

Elizabeth Rindell – 17^th

Eva Rhoads – 19^th

Novice Category: Team placement- 5^th of 6 teams; members: Katie Ewert, Karly Smith, Colton Tarbell and Annalee Winnicki.

Individual Rankings within the participants:

Karly Smith – 7^th

Colton Tarbell – 9^th

Katie Ewert – 10^th

4-H Hippology Event

Senior Category:  Team placement -- 2^nd of 6 teams; member: Emily Boldt.

Individual Ranking within the senior participants: Emily Boldt -- 7^th

Junior Category: Team placement -- 1^st of 9 teams; members: Elizabeth Rindell, Gabriella Rindell, Alexandria Tarbell and Eva Rhoads.

Individual Rankings within the junior participants:

Gabriella Rindell – 1^st

Alexandria Tarbell – 3^rd

Elizabeth Rindell – 4^th

Eva Rhoads – 20^th

Novice Category: Team placement -- 3^rd of 6 teams; members: Katie Ewert, Karly Smith, Colton Tarbell and Annalee Winnicki.

Individual Rankings within the novice participants:

Karly Smith – 2^nd

Colton Tarbell – 9^th

Katie Ewert – 11^th

Annalee Winnicki – 18^th

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or e-mail genesee4h@cornell.edu

Above, Sydney Reilly gives a cookie baking demonstration during Genesee County 4-H Club's annual public presentation day at Byron-Bergen High School. 

At the event, students ages 5 to 18  give presentations in front of their peers and a panel of volunteer judges.

Presentations include everything from illustrated talks using posters, PowerPoint slideshows, to live demonstrations and even impromptu topics.

The event is designed to help students improve their public speaking skills while developing self-confidence, poise, self-esteem, stage presence and knowledge.

Sydney's judges were Bob and Ester Leadley.

Below, Clare Mathes during her presentation and then talking with judges Denise Chatt and Karleigh Chatt. Also presenting, Teegan Mathes.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering Spring Break Workshops open to all youth ages 5-19. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate! Come learn while having fun in the featured workshops:

Kids in the Kitchen! -- Monday, March 21, at 1 p.m. -- Come learn basic kitchen skills while making easy recipes that will have you a kitchen champion in no time! The cost is $5.00 per youth.

Livestock Skillathon -- Tuesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. -- Have fun exploring the breeds of beef, goat, sheep, swine, feedstuffs, equipment and more!  Free.

Knit an Infinity Scarf -- Wednesday, March 23, at 1 p.m. -- Boy, girl, left- or right-handed, come learn how to knit an infinity scarf! The cost is $5 per youth.

Ribbon-Woven Headband -- Thursday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. -- Learn how to make a ribbon-woven headband! This workshop is designed for youth ages 8 to 12. The cost is $5 per youth.

Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required as all materials will be provided. The workshops will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia with payment taken at the door. For more information or to register, contact Brandie Schultz at the Genesee County 4-H Office, 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

Currently, 4-H programming features the National Safe Tractor & Machinery Operation Program.  

This course will qualify enrolled 4-H youth ages 14 and 15 years of age to be certified to operate farm equipment for hire. The course is scheduled to run from January through March.

The training program encompasses 32 hours of intensive instruction. Upon the completion of the training, each student will be required to take a 50-question knowledge test with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. Students who successfully pass the knowledge test will be permitted to take the Skills and Driving tests. After passing both the written test and driving tests, the students will receive their formal certification from U.S. Department of Labor.

Parents say the program allows youth to operate equipment legally, be employable, and increases self-confidence, emergency preparedness skills, and knowledge.

Training youth in safer tractor operation is a high priority in Genesee County. Our young people living and working on farms operate a variety of agricultural equipment, including tractors.

Thank you to the tireless volunteers that lead this training, and to the youth that participate. For more information, contact us at 585-343-3040 or visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is the outreach arm for Cornell University in Genesee County. We provide research based knowledge addressing unmet needs for the residents of Genesee County. We are also the home to 4-H, which is the largest out-of-school youth organization in the United States with more than 6 million youth members.

4-H Clubs, camps, after-school programs, and trips help youth reach their fullest potential.  Members have opportunities to connect to Cornell University, learn through hands-on activities, lead, be inspired, inspire others, and so much more. 4-H helps kids to do better in school, learn to help others, and feel more capable and responsible.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program to youth 14 to 15 years of age. This course will qualify youth to be certified to operate farm equipment for hire.

The course is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, beginning in January and running through March.

The training program encompasses 32 hours of intensive instruction. Upon the completion of the training, each student will be required to take a 50-question knowledge test with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. Students who successfully pass the knowledge test will be permitted to take the Skills and Driving tests. After passing both the written test and driving tests, the students will receive their formal certification from U.S. Department of Labor.

The fee for the course is $25. Note: youth are also required to be current enrolled 4-H members. (Genesee County 4-H enrollment fees are: $25 per youth or $50 per family for Genesee County residents; $35 for out of county residents.)

To request a registration packet or more information please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 343-3040, ext. 101, or e-mail: genesee4h@cornell.edu

Press release:

Genesee County 4-H is now accepting new 4-H members (ages 5 to 19) and volunteers through Oct. 30. 4-H is a year-long educational program which runs from Oct. 1st until Sept. 31st.

Clubs typically meet once a month and each club focuses on different projects throughout the year. Clubs and projects range from hands-on hobby-crafts, raising and showing livestock, gardening, robotics and much more! Genesee County 4-H youth are offered a wide range of educational experiences through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders. Through these experiences, 4-H encourages strong character traits like a sense of community, hard work and confidence.

Recent findings from Tufts University's 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-Hers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In Genesee County, more than 200 youth and 60 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.

The enrollment fee for Genesee County residents is $25 per youth or $50 per family (2 or more youth in 4-H program). If you would like more information about how to join 4-H in Genesee County or becoming a 4-H volunteer, please call the 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Genesee County 4-H Office located in the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County building at 420 E. Main St. Batavia. The office is open 8am- 5pm, Monday through Friday.

The 4-H Youth Development team can be reached by e-mail at genesee4h@cornell.edu and more information is also available on our Web site: genesee.cce.cornell.edu/genesee4h

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to thank all of the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 2015 Genesee County Fair. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, judges, family and friends who came to support our youth; we could not do it without you!

Congratulations to the following Genesee County 4-H members who were selected to show at the New York State Fair, which will take place in Syracuse from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. Genesee County 4-H non-animal exhibits selected for state fair will be on display in the Youth Building Aug. 31st through Sept. 7th. Animal exhibitors will show at their species scheduled show times, for more information visit: http://nysfair.org/

Non-Animal Exhibits

• Communications & Expressive Art: Melissa Keller
• Food & Nutrition: Ashley Ehrmentraut, Melissa Keller
• Fine Arts & Crafts: Rebekah Allen, Brianna Chesley
• Home Environment: Brianna Chesley
• Wearable Art: Maisy Ross
• Textiles & Clothing: Melissa Keller, Caroline Pelton, Eva Rhoads, Alexandria Tarbell, Colton Tarbell
• Visual Arts/Photography: Caris Carlson, Melissa Keller, Georgia Luft, Jenna Salim
• Horticulture: Amelia Brewer, Melissa Keller, Georgia Luft, Clare Mathes, Eva Rhoads, Alexandria Tarbell, Colton Tarbell, Margaret Winspear
• Cloverbud Exhibits for Display Only: Caroline Luft, Hudson Luft, Aubrianna Martinez, Anastasia Rindell, Evan Winspear

Animal Exhibitors

• Beef: Cole Carlson
• Horse: Emily Boldt, Lauren Hull, Madeline Roth
• Sheep: Melissa Keller, Becky Kron, Benjamin Kron, Brendan Pimm, Madelynn Pimm
• Dairy: Emily Mikel, Mary Sweeney, Kayla Wormuth
• Swine: Melissa Keller
• Horse Communications: Alexandria Tarbell
• Hippology: Alexandria Tarbell, Elizabeth Rindell, Gabriella Rindell, Emily Boldt
• Horse Bowl: Gabriella Rindell

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Fair will take place July 21-25 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street in Batavia. This year’s 4-H fair theme is “#iam4h” and local 4-Hers have been working hard all year to show the community what 4-H means to them!

4-H is a year-long educational program and most clubs meet once a month. Each club focuses on different projects throughout the year, and many 4-H members are able to display the results of their hard work at fair. This ranges from raising animals to sewing and gardening and even projects about alternative energy!

Genesee County 4-H youth are offered a wide range of educational experiences through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders. Through these experiences, 4-H encourages strong character traits like a sense of community, hard work and confidence.

We encourage you to stop out at this year’s 4-H Fair to support our youth and have some fun!
 
Tentative 2015 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule of Events:

(Dates and times are subject to change)
 
Tuesday, July 21
8 a.m.-- 12 p.m. ---      Final Setup of Merton & Kennedy Buildings:
                                    4-H Club Exhibits in place (Kennedy Bldg.)
                                    4-H Community Service, Promotional & Project Displays (Merton Bldg.)
9 a.m.  -------------        4-H Market Swine Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
12 p.m.  ------------       4-H Market Goat Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
2:30 p.m.  ----------       4-H Market Sheep Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                    4-H Dairy & Meat (non-market) Goat Show & Showmanship (Open Dairy Barn)
4 p.m.  -------------        4-H Non Market Beef Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                   GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
5:30 p.m.  ---------       Parade Line up- Pit Area of Raceway 5 (on Fairgrounds)
6 p.m.  ------------        4-H Market Beef Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m.  --------        Parade- Theme: “#iam4h”
7:30 p.m. ---------       GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
 
Wednesday, July 22                 
11:30 a.m.   ---------    GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
1:30 p.m.  ------------   4-H Sheep Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)

Followed by:  --------   4-H Sheep Leadline Classes (Show Ring)
                                   4-H Sheep Costume Class (Show Ring)
6 p.m.     -----------       4-H Swine Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m. ----------       4-H Rabbit Show & Showmanship (Merton Bldg.)
 
Thursday, July 23
8:30 a.m. ----------      Horse Show ring closed for Show set up
9 a.m. -------------        4-H Dairy Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                  4-H Horses in place
10 a.m.  ----------        4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship, and English Classes (Horse Ring)
1 p.m.  -----------         4-H Goat Knowledge Olympics Contest (Livestock Bldg.)
2 p.m. -----------          4-H Horse Show Dressage Classes (Horse Ring)
5:30 -- 7 p.m. ---        4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner (Kennedy Bldg.)                       
7 p.m.  ----------          4-H Market Animal Auction (Show Ring)
 
Friday, July 24
9:25 a.m.  -------         Wrangler Equine Showmanship Clinic (Horse Ring)
10 a.m.  ---------         4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship & Western Classes (Horse Ring)
3 p.m.  ----------          4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest (Livestock Bldg.)
                                  4-H Sheep Trimming and Blocking Contest (4-H Sheep Barn)
5:30 p.m.  -------         4-H Tractor Driving Contest-via Pre Registration (Kennedy Bldg.)
                                  4-H Goat Costume Contest (near Goat & Livestock Bldgs.)
7 p.m. -----------          4-H Fur & Feather Knowledge Contests (Merton Bldg.)
 
Saturday, July 25
10 a.m.  ----------       4-H Horse Gymkhana & Games Classes (Horse Ring)
2 p.m.  -----------        4-H Sheep Bowl (Merton Bldg.)
2 -- 4 p.m.  -----         4-H Vegetable Art Fun Fair Activity (Kennedy Bldg.)
4 p.m.  ----------         4-H Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m.  -------        4-H Scavenger Hunt (Kennedy Bldg.)
8 p.m.  ---------           4-H Movie Night (Kennedy or Merton Bldg.)
8 p.m.  ---------           4-H Dairy Animals released
8:30 p.m.  -----           4-H Horse Animals released
9 p.m.  ----------          4-H Fur & Feather Club Animals released
                                  4-H Non-Market Animals- Beef, Goat, Sheep, Swine released
10 – 11 p.m. ----        Kennedy, Merton, and Exhibition Buildings Open for pick up of entries

The 4-H Swine Club hosted its annual pulled pork BBQ at the Fairgrounds today.

Greg Merrell gets ready for his tractor safety test while instructor and evaluator Tim Adams looks on this morning at Empire Tractor, where students participating in the 4-H Youth Development Tractor and Machinery Certification program were put through their paces. The eight-week course provides 14- and 15-year-olds the opportunity to learn how to safely operate farm machinery.