A Parent’s Guide..

“Making the Best Better”

for Your Child

Paulding County 4-H Youth Development

paulding.osu.edu

Phone Number 419-399-8225

Fax Number 419-399-5590

What Does My Child Need to Do to get Started in 4-H?

Age Requirements

Cloverbuds

4-H members age 5 and in Kindergarten through 2nd grade or until they reach the age and grade requirements for 4-H project membership. Clo-verbuds may not enroll in competitive 4-H Projects. Cloverbuds must at-tend Cloverbud Show-n-Tell during the fair in order to receive their premi-um.

4-H Age

Membership to the 4-H program begins when a child is at least age 8 and enrolled in 3rd grade as of Jan. 1st of the current year. Ohio 4-H mem-bership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.

Enrollment

4-H Enrollment Deadline is February 1st, 2015 for returning members and March 1st, 2015 for new members. Your child must be enrolled with a club and have projects chosen by this date to be eligible for full county 4-H opportunities including Fair participation. Members can be in any club they choose. It may be based on location, projects, or friends they have in the club.

What Will 4-H Cost?

County 4-H Activity Fee

The cost is currently $5.00 per Family to join Paulding County 4-H to enjoy full 4-H opportunities and awards including Junior Fair Participation. This fee is used to cover costs associated with 4-H mailings, delivery of pro-gram, awards and opportunities including camp, skill-a-thon/project judg-ing, clinics, workshops, trips, and much more.

Club Fees

Some clubs may charge a per member and/or family fee based for their club’s activities. The amount is based on what the club covers with the fee. Club fees may be used towards refreshments, project book cost, club t-shirt, etc. Please ask your club advisor about their club fee structure.

Project Books

Most project books cost $6.00 plus tax. Some projects require an additional Resource Handbook that is pur-chased once by the family and used for all the projects within an area by all members in the family. Check with your 4-H advisor for Project Book costs or look at the Pub-lications Order Form at (paulding.osu.edu).

Project Items

Every project has some cost beyond the 4-H book. For some projects, this may be supplies and materials that you already have at home. For other projects, your child will be required to invest in an animal & supplies for its care, specialized equipment and/or other items. Please keep this in mind when selecting projects with your child.

Fair

If members plan to participate in the fair, they may have some additional costs associated with their 4-H experience.

For Club Meetings

Attend regularly scheduled 4-H club meetings/activities. If unable to attend, contact 4-H Club Advisor prior to meeting.

Participate in community service, fundraising, leadership and recrea-tional activities.

Come with a positive attitude, eager to “Learn by Doing” the 4-H Way through project work, demonstrations, & hands-on activities.

Serve as a club officer, on a committee, or as a Junior Leader, Camp Counselor, or Junior Fairboard Member.

Strive to excel in the four H’s…Head, Heart, Hands and Health by supporting club goals and activities.

For Projects

Select one or more 4-H projects listed in the 4-H Family Guide (www.ohio4h.org.) We strongly encourage first year members to select only one project to complete.

Meet all project requirements and guidelines. Refer to the Paulding 4-H Family Handbook (available from your advisor) or at (paulding.osu.edu.)

Attend required programs for project participation… Tag-Ins/ Weigh-Ins/, Livestock Quality Assurance, Horse Safety Programs, Skill-a-thon/Project Judging, etc.

Still Project Information

Still Project Judging

Evaluation of a member’s project knowledge through in-terview with an adult judge, review of project book rec-ords and exhibit of project item and/or educational display.

Still Project Requirements

Self-Determined Outline deadline, add/drop project deadlines, project judging guidelines, judging schedule, judging dates, proper dress code, and poster information can be found in the 2015 Paulding County 4-H Family Handbook or the Paulding County 4-H Calendar.

Food and Nutrition Projects

Bring completed project book with records and results of foods prepared. Bring completed Portfolio, a single serving or family serving of one recipe included in the project book. Bring a balanced menu for one day’s meals written appropriately, including the food prepared. Bring an appropriate table setting (dishes and silverware) for ALL foods for that meal with tablecloth or mat for the menu. Centerpiece optional. Be prepared to discuss what was learned in the project, including good nutrition. All participants should be prepared to answer nutrition questions according to the My Plate. For more information go to: http://myplate.gov. Dress appropriately for your judging.

Intermediate and advanced projects may bring a recipe selected from project book or a recipe of choice. (If food is intended to be served hot or cold, it should be packed to maintain quality.) 4-H members age 12 and older or taking the intermediate and advanced project are required to bring a cost analysis to judging regardless of project. The knowledge of the analysis process is more important than the actual cost of the project. This should be written on a paper or note card to share with the judge.

Style Review/Modeling Contest

Clothing project members must participate in the style review in order to be considered for an award or participation in State Fair. Style Re-view Cards must be turned into the Extension Office by May 21st. Outfit must include garment(s) sewn and/or purchased and selected accesso-ries for a Total Look Outfit. Modeling contest: each club may have 4 participants plus all clothing project participants for the modeling con-test. Modeling Cue Cards must be turned into the Extension Office by

May 21st.

State Fair Selection & Requirements

Members will be selected to represent the county at the Ohio State Fair for a given project or project area based on judges’ discretion. State fair dele-gates will need to pick up their state fair packet at the Extension Office and confirm attendance by July 1st.

Livestock Project Information

Possession Dates and Weight Requirement

Please refer to the sheet at the end of this booklet, the fair book, the Ex-tension Office, or visit our website, paulding.osu.edu.

Turkey Order

Each year Cooper Farms donates 5 free baby turkeys to Jr. Fair members wanting to exhibit turkeys at the fair. The orders are due to the Extension Office by January 1st. Additional birds maybe purchased with your order.

Chicken Order

The OSU Extension is recommending that all 4-H and FFA members tak-ing a market chicken project should place their order through the Exten-sion Office. You are not required to purchase your poultry from the Exten-sion Office, however those who do not purchase from the Extension office must have Pullorum free hatchery papers or a blood test for Pullorum com-pleted. We will once again be placing a bulk order through Milan Center Feed and Grain. Chicken Order forms are due March 19th by 4:30 p.m. to the Extension Office. The order forms will be available online or at the Ex-tension Office at the beginning of February.

Quality Assurance

Annual quality assurance is required for members and a parent or legal guardian exhibiting livestock or horse project by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Members meet this requirement by attending a two hour quali-ty assurance program focusing on the 10 Good Production Practices. Ex-tension Educators in cooperation with local Agriculture Societies determine county QA delivery and completion requirements within the State’s mini-mum standards. It is the responsibility of the member to call the Extension Office for other counties’ QA dates. All Jr. Fair members must have com-pleted QA by June 1st in order to exhibit at the Paulding County Fair. Quali-ty Assurance is scheduled on March 17th from 6:00pm-8:00pm and March 21st from 9:00am-11:00am at the Extension Building.

Skill-a-thon

Members must bring their completed livestock/horse entry form to be turned in, entry forms will be mailed to each member Evaluation of live-stock and horse project knowledge through participating in hands-on skill stations which include parts, breeds, Medication Label, and personal interview with current record book (available online with exception of horses. These must purchase from Extension Office for $2.00). Proper dress code is required (refer to fair book.)

Required Record Books

Members are required to bring a completed 2015 record book (market, non-market or horse) to Skill-a-thon. They are available online to print or at the Extension Office for a $2.00 fee. Additional resource materials including Project Books and Resource manuals are available to order through your club or from the Extension office.

DUNF – Drug Use Notification Form

This form indicates your project animal has met all drug withdrawal peri-ods at time of exhibition. They will be available at Skill-a-thon and must be filled out completely at pull in which is June 7th. A DUNF is required each animal/pen. Our County Code for the DUNF form is 07.

Thanking Your Buyers and Trophy Donors

The community provides tremendous support to our Jr. Fair members. We ask that you make thank you posters to hang at your livestock exhibit thanking your buyers. We also require members to send thank you cards out to their livestock buyers and trophy donors. Thank you cards should be turned into the Extension Office prior to the distribution of livestock sale checks.

Livestock Auction Check

Paid by the Paulding Ag Society for premium and packer/base bids re-ceived with animals sold through the Jr. Fair Livestock Auction. Mem-bers are only permitted to go through the sale ring with 2 animals/pens (Members will receive payment through 4-H club advisor).

Horse Information

Required Paperwork for Horses

Member and his/her parent/guardian must annually sign the Permission to Participate in Ohio 4-H Activities Form. The Permission to participate in Ohio 4-H Activities Form, Horse I.D. form with 2015 picture, as well as a lease agreement (if leasing a horse) must be on file in the Extension Office by

May 1st. Entry forms for the Horse Shows are due at Skill-a-thon and PAS entry forms are due by May 28th (pending a PAS show being held in Paulding this year).

Horse Safety Video

1st year 4-H horse project members and their parent/guardian must com-plete this video before being eligible to participate in the 4-H Horse Pro-gram.

Performance Against Standards (PAS)

Horse project members may choose to participate in Performance Against Standards (PAS) Show(s) to quality to participate in the State Fair Horse Show. A member may show in a maximum of four classes and must quali-fy in at least two classes to show at the State Fair. Members that qualify in more than four classes must select the three classes they intend to show in at the State Fair with ground roping being its own class, and not included in the three classes. For more information on the PAS show or qualifying for the state fair please contact the Extension Office.

What Dates Do I Put On My Family’s Calendar?

All of the Paulding 4-H Program dates can be found in the 2015 Paulding County 4-H Calendar given to families and also on line at pauldng.osu.edu.

Steer Weigh-in

December 6, 2014 from 9-11a.m on the Fairgrounds

Quality Assurance

March 17th 6-8 p.m. and March 21st 9-11a.m. at the Ex-tension Building

Livestock Tagging/Weigh-in

April 4th from 9-11 a.m. on the Fairgounds

Rabbit Tattooing

May 20th from 6-8 p.m. All Market Rabbits must be tattooed in order to be able to exhibit at the Paulding County Fair.

Skill-a-thon

May 27th 4-7p.m. in Extension Building. Pre-Skill-a-thon is scheduled for May 14th from 6-8p.m. in the Extension Building. This is available to members not being able to attend actual Skill-a-thon or for members who prefer a quieter environment. Members must attend regular Skill-a-thon in

order to be eligible for Skill-a-thon awards.

Project Judging

Dates can be found in fair book. Actual judging times will be included in the May Newsletter.

For Fair

All Livestock must enter through the West Gate and turn DUNF forms into Livestock Chairman.

Must have completed DUNF form when arriving for livestock pull-in.

Make Thank You poster and display by animal project.

No straw bedding will be permitted on the grounds .

Cattle must have a neck tie along with halter.

You are responsible for providing your own tack throughout the week (feed, hay, buckets, utensils).

Proper attire for show and livestock sale (please refer to Fair Book).

Care for animal projects throughout fair week. Keep stalls and animals clean, fed, watered and presentable to the public at all times.

Show good sportsmanship before, during, and after the Fair.

Open Class Shows

Please refer to Fair book for open class entry information.

Youth Opportunities

4-H Project Clinics

There are a variety of project clinics offered around the region. Please check out the list of clinics on your Family Calendar or on our website under EERA Clinics.

4-H Camp

Members enjoy outdoor fun and adventure while learning and making new friends at 4-H Camp. Camping opportunities are available for Clo-verbuds, members, and teens. Scholarships are available online at paulding.osu.edu or from the Extension Office. 4-H Camp Scholarships are due June 1st. 2015 Paulding County 4-H Camp is July 9th-13th at 4-H Camp Palmer in Fayette, Ohio. Registration and Health forms are available online or at Extension Office and are due June 23rd. Cloverbud day at camp will be July 11th. Cloverbud registrations are also due on

June 23rd.

Junior Leaders

Junior Leaders may enroll in the Junior Leaders 4-H Club and must be 14 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. Membership in a home club is required for all new 4-H members, and if member is tak-ing a project other than the Jr. Leaders project. Junior Leaders will pro-vide leadership to their home club along with various community ser-vice projects.

Junior Fairboard

The Jr. Fairboard is a great opportunity to meet new friends while learning new leadership skills and abilities by working together as a team to make the Paulding County Fair better each and every year. Membership is open to anyone involved in a youth organization in Paulding County. Members must be 14 as of Jan. 1 of the current year or a freshman in high school.

Camp Counselor

Youth have the opportunity to plan and implement 4-H camp experi-ences each year in Paulding County at 4-H Camp Palmer. Must be a freshman or older to apply and other requirements include being able to attend the Lock-In on January 18-19, 2015. Must be a 4-H member in Paulding County and complete a 4-H project/judging. Must com-plete the required 24 hours of training. Applications are available online at paulding.osu.edu or in the Extension Office.

Achievement Awards

4-H members, age 14-18 as of January 1st, may apply for one of twen-ty State Achievement Project Awards as well as the opportunity to serve on State Junior Fair Board and/or attend a variety of State and National Conferences. For more information, contact the Extension Office.

The Outstanding Livestocker

Open to all Junior Fair participants in good standing who have not pre-viously won this award. All animal projects are eligible. Must have two or more years of experience with Junior Fair animal projects to apply. The 4-H Advisory Committee will conduct personal interviews in May. This award is presented only if the judges deem the applicant as being worthy and meeting the judging criteria. Judging will be based on the following: 40% livestock projects, 40% other projects and activities, and 20% community service.

Jr. Fair Royal Court

The Royal Court will consist of a maximum of three girls and three boys. Junior Fair participants are selected from applications submitted by candi-dates. Those nominated must be currently enrolled in the youth organiza-tion they represent and be 14 years old as of January 1st of the current year. The King and Queen shall preside over the Junior Fair and Grand-stand activities.

Agricultural Scholarship

This yearly scholarship (approximately $200) is funded with interest from a $5000 gift in November of 1995 from the Paulding County Agronomy Committee, Inc. to the Paulding County 4-H and Youth Endowment Fund. Applicant must be a graduating senior or high school graduate of any Paulding County School, or previous recipient of this scholarship in good standing. Applicant must be currently enrolled in an Ohio based college in the pursuit of a degree in agriculture or an agricultural related field. Applica-tions are available online at paulding.osu.edu or in the Extension Office.

4-H Scholarship

To help young people continue their efforts toward becoming self directing, productive, contributing members of society. One $300 scholarship will be awarded to a qualified candidate. Applicant must be a graduating senior. The funds may be used for tuition, books, or lab fees and will be made pay-able to their school. Applicant must have been a 4-H member in Paulding County for at least four years (including the present year). Available online at paulding.osu.edu or in the Extension Office.

Application Deadlines

What Does My Child’s 4-H Club Expect From Me?

Help your child attend club meetings, activities and events. Notify the club advisor if your child can’t attend a meeting/activity.

Camp Counselor - January 1st

4-H College Scholarship- May 1st

Ag Scholarship- May 1st

King/Queen - May 1st

Outstanding Livestocker- May 1st

4-H Camp Scholarship- June 1st

Jr. King/Queen Contest-June 2nd

Prince/Princess - June 2nd

Junior Fairboard- September 1st

Jr. Leaders - October 1st

Help with the club and/or county fundraising events and pay your child’s county activity fee and/or club dues.

Transport your child to all club meetings and activities.

Attend special events planned by the 4-H club.

Encourage and guide your child’s project work. Don’t do their work.

Read the 4-H newsletter, mailings, Junior Fair Book, and other information with your child. Use the county 4-H website to print off forms, find project and fair requirements and find answers to ques-tions. (paulding.osu.edu)

Encourage your child to participate in club/county Skill-a-thon/project judging, clinics/workshops, 4-H camp(s), public speaking opportunities, Jr. Fair events, and much more.

Encourage your child to keep up-to-date records & complete project.

Model a positive attitude, good sportsmanship, respect and coopera-tion.

Assist with 4-H club activities in your areas of interest and expertise…teach a project skill, help with a community service project, plan a field trip, assist with fundraising, etc.

Help out the club… host a meeting, provide refreshments, sponsor an award.

Support the club by cooperating with club advisors and exhibiting a positive attitude towards your child’s personal and club 4-H goals.

What Should I Expect From My 4-H Club and

Advisors?

Information provided at one of the first meetings

Notice of 4-H club meetings and/or a printed schedule of club meetings for the year.

4-H Family Guide

Paulding County Family Handbook

Paulding County 4-H Calendar

4-H Club Program and Calendar of Activities

Information provided at all meetings:

Review of the 4-H Calendar, 4-H Newsletter or Recent Mailings from the 4-H Office

Reminders of Upcoming Deadlines, Requirements, etc.

What’s Coming Up in the Club and How My Child and I Get Involved?

Help in ordering & receiving Project Books for my child.

Hands-on and mind-on learning experiences for my child… project work, demonstrations, practice skill-a-thons and/or project judging, livestock quality assurance and/or horse safety programs, field trips/tours, etc.

Opportunity for my child to give back to the community through service projects… fairground clean up day, adopt a family, picking up trash, etc.

Opportunity for my child to build leadership skills through serving as a club officer, on a committee, leading the American or 4-H pledges, participating in a business meeting, etc.

Opportunity for my child to have FUN with friends (new and old) through recreational, social, educational and/or competitive activities.

A welcoming place for my child and I to learn and grow through the 4-H Program and work together to “Make the Best Better”.

Where Do I Go For Information?

OSU Extension Office, Paulding County

Address: 503 Fairground Dr. Paulding, OH 45879

Phone Number: 419-399-8225

Fax: 419-399-5590

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8a.m-4:30p.m Closed Friday

Web address: paulding.osu.edu

Services Provided by the Extension

Purchase and/or Pick Up 4-H Project Books

4-H County Fundraising Orders & Pick-Up

Drop Off 4-H Event Entries and Registrations & Make Payments (unless mailing)

Purchase 4-H Merchandise

Register For 4-H Camps

Reserve and Pick Up 4-H Resources – (Horse Safety Video, Resource Books, etc.)

Access all forms, requirements, information on the web or in the Extension Office.

Who Can Answer Questions?

Club Advisors

Start with your local club advisor(s) first. Make sure you have a phone number and/or e-mail address to communicate with them.

Extension Staff

Call 419-399-8225 or e-mail at any time.

4-H Youth Development Educator

Michael Schweinsberg, 4-H Youth Development Educator

Email: Schweinsberg.5@osu.edu

Senior Fairboard Secretaries Office, Paulding County

Phone: 419-399-2961

Make Open Class Fair Entry

Pick Up Fair Books & Info

Ohio 4-H Web, www.ohio4h.org

Visit for the latest information about Ohio 4-H programs, events, activities, policies, etc.

Ohio State Fair, www.ohiostatefair.com

Visit the web for: Fair Book and Entry Forms to make entry for Livestock, Poultry, Rabbit, Small Animal, Horticulture

Fair Schedule for All Ohio State Fair Events

Fair Results from 4-H and Open Class Shows

2015 Paulding County Fair - June 8th-13th

2015 Ohio State Fair - July 29th- August 8th

Weight Requirements

ANIMAL Birth Date Range Possession & Tagging Date Limits Weight/Age/Sex

Beef Steer (market animal) Born after Dec. 1, 2013 Possession, tagging, and weigh-in1st Sat. in Dec. at fairgrounds

Dec. 6, 2014

Min. weight of 875 lbs. to be eligible for championship clas-

ses.

Dairy Beef Steer (market animal) Born Nov. 1, 13 through

Jan . 1, 2014

Possession, tagging, and weigh-in1st Sat. in Dec. at fairgrounds

Dec. 6, 2014

Min. weight of 875 lbs. to be eligible for championship clas-

ses.

Beef and Dairy Feeder Calves

Born December 1, 2014

through February 1, 2015.

Possession and tagging date is 1st. Saturday in April at the fairgrounds

April , 2015

Min. weight of 350 lbs. to be eligible for championship clas-

ses. Max weight: 650 lbs.

Goats (market) Born Oct.1, 2014 through

Jan. 1, 2015

Possession and tagging date is 1st. Saturday in April at the fairgrounds

April 4, 2015

Min. weight of 50 lbs. to be eligible for championship clas-

ses.

Goats (dairy or harness) variable Possession and tagging date is 1st. Saturday in April at the fairgrounds

April 4, 2015

n/a

Min. weight of each rabbit of

meat pen is 3.5 lbs. and max.

weight of 5 lbs. Rabbits (fryers and meat pen) Born March 29- April 5, 2015

70 days on show day

Tattoo May 20, 2015 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Rabbit Barn

Swine (market) Farrowed after Dec. 1, 2014

through Jan.1, 2015

Possession and tagging date is 1st Saturday in April at the fairgrounds

April 4, 2015

Min. weight of 190 lbs. to be eligible for championship clas-

ses.

Sheep (market)

Born Dec. 2014

Possession and tagging date is 1st. Saturday in April at the fairgrounds

April 4, 2015

Min. weight of 90 lbs. to be eligible for championship clas-

ses.

Horses n/a Must have a updated photo/form on

file by 5/1 n/a

Dogs n/a May 1st. Must have photo ID. n/a

Animal

Turkey Meat Pen of Two Hens

Tom Turkeys

Chicken Meat Pen of Three

Geese Meat Pen of Two

Duck Meat Pen of Two

Order Due Date Pick-up Date

Jan. 5, 2015 January 19, 2015

Jan. 5, 2015 January 19, 2015

3/19/2015 through Extension

Office

Possession by April 14, 2015 Chicken Order Pick-Up:

3-4:30p.m.

May order on your own Possession by March 15, 2015

May order on your own Possession by April 19, 2015

Min. Weight at Fair

Hens: 14 lbs. per bird

(Meat pen of two hens)

Toms: 28 lbs. per bird

3.5 lbs. per bird

10 lbs. per bird

5 lbs. per bird

“4-H, Making the Best Better in Paulding County”

“clearer thinking” “greater loyalty”

“larger service” “better living”

A Parents Guide… Making the Best Better for Your Child, written and developed by

Patty House, OSU Extension, Clark County, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, 4400 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, Springfield, OH 45502. 937-328-4607 house.18@osu.edu

1/2006.

OSU Extension embraces diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice-President for Agricultural Administration and Director, OSU

Extension. TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-2868.