Comal County 4-H Monthly News & Updates

Holiday Office Closures:

Monday, September 2, 2024 - Labor Day

Friday, September 27, 2024 - Comal County Fair Day

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Teal = District and State

Green = Comal County


SEP 1NEW 2024-2025 4-H YEAR BEGINS!

SEP 3 - FALL HEIFER TAG ORDER DEADLINE

SEP 4 - 4-H COUNCIL, ADULT LEADERS, & SPECIAL HEARTS AMBASSADORS MEETING

6 P.M. EXTENSION MEETING ROOM

SEP 8 - CYSS NEW SHOOTER ORIENTATION AT CYSS SHOOTING RANGE

SEP 8 - CLAYBUSTERS OPEN HOUSE AND SAFETY MEETING

SEP 9 - SPECIAL HEARTS AMBASSADORS MEETING 6 P.M. AT EXTENSION MEETING ROOM

SEP 12 - SHOW PIG FUNDAMENTALS AT ST. HEDWIG FEED

SEP 13 - FOOD CHALLENGE AND FOOD SHOW WORKSHOP REGISTRATION DEADLINE

SEP 16 - CCLS MEAT & GREET and DAIRY CATTLE JUDGING MEETING 6 P.M. AT EXTENSION MEETING ROOM

SEP 21 & OCT 5 - FOOD CHALLENGE WORKSHOP see below for more info

SEP 23 - SPECIAL HEARTS AMBASSADORS MEETING 6 P.M. AT EXTENSION MEETING ROOM

SEP 24 - SPECIAL HEARTS LIVESTOCK SHOW AT COMAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

SEP 25 - 29 - COMAL COUNTY FAIR

SEP 26 - CCJLSA (COUNTY) BROILER ORDERS DUE

SEP 26 - MAJOR BROILER ORDERS DUE

SEP 26 - SWINE TAG ORDERS DUE

SEP 27 - COMAL COUNTY FAIR PARADE

OCT 12 - ONE DAY 4-H

OCT 12 - FOOD SHOW WORKSHOP

OCT 17 - SHOW PIG FUNDAMENTALS AT ST. HEDWIG FEED

CLICK CALENDAR TO ENLARGE/PRINT

COMAL COUNTY HAPPENINGS

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Before school starts, we ask that you take some time to reach out to local businesses, family, and friends to sponsor this years Dance Fundraiser.


Go to 4-H Google Forms to enter all your sponsors, so others can see who has contributed before contact.

We're gearing up for 2024 Comal County 4-H Dance Fundraiser on October 19, 2024, at the Columbus Hall in New Braunfels, and it's going to be epic!


To make it the best it can be, we need your help with sponsorships.

Think of all the fun things we can have at the event – live band (will be announced later), great barbeque dinner, silent auction items, and games! Sponsorships help us make those things happen.


Here's where you come in! We've attached a cool flyer about the 2024 Comal County 4-H Dance Fundraiser Sponsorships and the 501(c)(3). We'd love for you to show it to your parents, family friends, and even local businesses!

Here's how you can be a Sponsorship Superhero:

  • Talk it up! Tell everyone about the event and how awesome it's going to be. Show them the flyer and explain how sponsorships help make it happen.
  • Target local businesses that might be interested in supporting the Comal County 4-H (restaurants, shops, etc.). You can even offer to help write a short message to go with the flyer.
  • Be polite and enthusiastic! Everyone loves someone who's excited about something.


Every sponsorship counts! The more sponsors we get, the better the event will be for everyone.

Flyer & 501(c)(3) 

Ready to Roll? Join the Comal County 4-H Parade Float! Get ready to shine as we represent 4-H at the Comal County Fair Parade on September 27th. Let's create an unforgettable float together! Don't miss out – sign up now!

Deadline to sign up is September 16th

Sign Up Here

MEAT JUDGING MEETING


Monday, September 16th at 6 p.m.

at the Comal County Extension Office - 325 Resource Drive New Braunfels TX 78132

DAIRY CATTLE JUDGING MEETING


Monday, September 16th at 6 p.m.

at the Comal County Extension Office - 325 Resource Drive New Braunfels TX 78132

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH


SHOW PIG FUNDAMENTALS


Where: St. Hedwig Feed

540 E. FM 1518 South

St. Hedwig TX 78152


Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17TH

Calling all Texas Rangeland Enthusiasts!


The county-wide Range Management Project is saddling up for another exciting year!


This project is perfect for 4-H members who want to:

  • Become an expert on Texas rangelands: Learn about the different grasses that grow here and how to identify them for the 4-H Range & Pasture Grass Identification Contest (Grass Judging).
  • Master the art of range management: Discover practices for keeping your rangeland healthy and productive, preparing you for the 4-H Range Evaluation Contest. This contest goes beyond grasses and will test your knowledge of forbs, legumes, and woody plants too!
  • Have fun and make new friends: Learn alongside other passionate 4-H members through engaging activities and occasional field trips. (Mostly indoor meetings, though!)


Ready to show off your skills? District contests are held in April in Fredericksburg, open to all ages. Senior 4-H members can even compete at the State 4-H Roundup in College Station next June (2025)!


Project meetings will be scheduled based on member interest. We're flexible and can meet after school during the week or on weekends to fit everyone's schedule.


Have questions? Contact project leader Carolyn Phelan at 830-237-0450 or carolynfeyphelan@gmail.com.


Don't miss your chance to explore the fascinating world of Texas rangelands!

It's time to kick-start the back-to-school season in style. And what better way to make a statement than with trendy Texas 4-H socks?

 

You’re invited to our exclusive Back-to-School Sock Bash! It's simple... you purchase a pair of socks and 100% of profit supports your County 4-H.

CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING

We are excited to announce the upcoming Special Hearts Show on September 24th at the Comal County Fairgrounds!


To make this event a success, we are seeking dedicated volunteers to help with various section areas, including:

Petting Zoo, Registration, Ring Helper, Showing a Lamb or Goat with our special needs participants, or general help.


Your involvement will make a significant difference in creating a memorable and inclusive experience for our special guests. No experience is necessary; we will provide training and support.


If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below and sign up.


Thank you for considering volunteering for the Special Hearts Show. Your support is greatly appreciated!

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP HERE

Planning on Joining the 24-25 Food Challenge?


You won't want to miss out on this great opportunity to join FCH Agent, Amanda Molina on this Food Challenge Workshop.


Food Challenge Workshop

  • Focus will be on skills and safety – FIGHT BAC, kitchen safety, food safety, knife skills,
  • September 21, Saturday 10am-1pm
  • Extension Meeting Room (325 Resource Dr.)


Food Challenge Workshop

  • Focus will be presentation – MyPlate, DGA, Nutrients & Healthy Substitutes
  • October 5, Saturday 10am-1pm
  • Extension Meeting Room (325 Resource Dr.)


Contact office at 830-620-3440 with any questions.


Sign Up By September 13th by clicking below!

Food Challenge Sign Up

Planning on Joining the 24-25 Food Show?


You won't want to miss out on this great opportunity to join FCH Agent, Amanda Molina on this Food Show Workshop.


Food Show Workshop

  • Focus presentation – MyPlate, DGA, Nutrients & Healthy Substitutes
  • October 12, Saturday 10am-1pm
  • Extension Meeting Room (325 Resource Dr.)


Contact office at 830-620-3440 with any questions.


Sign Up By September 13th by clicking below!

Food Show Sign Up

2024-2025 Food Show & Food Challenge State Guidelines:

Information: The Texas 4-H Food Show and Food Challenge committees are pleased to release the 2024-25 guidelines for each of these contests! As you will see in the guidelines, there have been a few changes made. These changes are highlighted in each of the packets linked below. A reminder that these changes are for the Texas 4-H STATE contests. County and district contest rules will vary so please review those guidelines related to those contests.

Food Show:

24-25 Rules & Guidelines PACKET

Food Show PREPARATION Scorecard   

Food Show PRESENTATION Scorecard     


Food Challenge:

24-25 Rules & Guidelines PACKET

Food Challenge PRESENTATION Scorecard

Food Challenge PREPARATION Scorecard

 

click order form to print

2024-2025 SWINE Validation Tag Order 

TAG ORDERS DUE BY SEPTEMBER 26TH

 

All swine, including gilts, to be shown by 4-H Exhibitors during the current school year must be validated. The cost is $20.00 per head. The validation date, time, and location will be announced (usually in November).


Please note When buying pigs, please remember that all gilt papers must be recorded in the respective breed association herd book by December 1st.

 

Payment is due at the time of Submission

Purchasing a validation tag does NOT enter an exhibitor in a livestock show


24-25 FALL Heifer Validation

TAG ORDERS BEGIN AUGUST 12TH through SEPTEMBER 2ND


The validation date, time, and location will be announced later.


Click button below to fill out and return to Extension Office with Payment before the deadline.

Fall Heifer Order Form

click order form to print

Comal County 4-H Broiler Orders for CCJLSA




All Comal County 4-H broiler orders must be submitted to our office by September 26, 2024.


LATE ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.


Payment is due at the time of submission. Birds are expected to arrive on January 17, 2025.


Important Note: Ordering chicks does NOT automatically enter you in the Livestock Show. If you plan to participate in the show, you must also register separately.

For more information, please contact our office.

click order form to print

Comal County 4-H Broiler Orders for MAJOR SHOWS




All Comal County 4-H broiler orders must be submitted to our office by September 26, 2024.


LATE ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.


Payment is due at the time of submission.

Birds are expected to arrive;

San Antonio (SASSR) birds -

December 20, 2024

Houston (HLSR)/Rodeo Austin (RA) birds - January 31, 2025


Important Note: Ordering chicks does NOT automatically enter you in the Livestock Show. If you plan to participate in the show, you must also register separately.

For more information, please contact our office.

SHOOTING SPORTS

Shooting Sports Coaches

Trainings Info


A complete list of trainings for the 24-25 year should be available sometime in September. You can go to SHOOTING SPORTS WEBSITE and scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see a link under Coach Training “Scheduled Coach Trainings” (See Picture Above).


If you click it now, you will notice it is all the listings for the 23-24 year, but when it is updated sometime in September, you will see all the trainings for the 24-25 year. 

SHOOTING SPORTS AMBASSADOR

CLICK ABOVE FOR APPLICATION


We're excited to invite you to apply for the 2024-2025 Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador position!

 

As an ambassador, you will have the opportunity to represent Texas 4-H on a state level, promoting shooting sports safety, education, and participation. This is a fantastic chance to develop leadership skills, network with other youth leaders, and make a positive impact on your community.

 

To learn more about the ambassador program and the application process, please read the attached information packet. The 2024-2025 Texas Shooting Sports Ambassador Application is still open on https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in until the August 26, 2024, deadline. We encourage you to submit your application early.

 

You will sign on to your family account and go to your child’s profile. You would then click on EventsRegister for a New Event2024-2025 Texas Shooting Sports Ambassador Application. You would then begin the application process.

 

We look forward to receiving your application!

Interested in joining our 4-H shotgun shooting team? Don't miss our mandatory information meeting/safety orientation.


  • Ages 8-18 Welcome
  • Must Enroll in Comal County 4-H to participate
  • 1 parent must attend meeting with shooter


Questions?

Contact David Kutac at either 210-827-0544 or david@spectrumresource.com

Claybusters 4-H Club


Open House 

September 8, 2024

1:00 p.m.


Location: Comal County Shooting Sports

1898 Rittimann Road

Spring Branch TX 78070


RSVP

comal4hshoot@gmail.com



New Member Mandatory Safety Training 

October 6, 2024 at 9:30am


HAPPENING AROUND TEXAS 4-H

Get Ready for Another Amazing 4-H Year!


Registration opens August 15th!

Are you excited for another year of fun, learning, and growth with 4-H?

The 2024-2025 4-H year is right around the corner, and we can't wait to see you there!

Want to learn more? Click the button below for all the details!


Share the information with your friends and encourage them to join the 4-H family!


4HOnline Guides

Quality Counts

Focused on quality assurance and character education, Quality Counts is designed to teach young people the importance of displaying good character in carrying out livestock projects, and in every aspect of their lives. Quality Counts helps youth exhibitors learn the importance of using proper livestock management practices so that food quality and safety are preserved.

Important notes:

  • Each student must register individually. Family registration/verification is not allowed.
  • Info entered into registration must match that provided in the course. Otherwise, the verified number will not populate.
  • Reminder, you will not receive your Quality Counts number until you complete and pass the course and exam.


Quality Counts Website

The Glen Rose 4-H Club is excited to announce the upcoming jackpot fundraiser, October 12, in Clifton, TX.


Please pass along all the information to your 4-H and FFA families and SAVE THE DATE! 


CLICK THE FLYER FOR MORE INFO

Tri-State Fair Livestock Quiz Bowl

Tri-State Fair will be holding a Livestock Quiz Bowl contest open to any 4-H or FFA team from across the state! The event will be held on Sunday, September 15th at 1PM at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. There will be two age divisions and the deadline to enter is Thursday, August 15th

Click here for rules, entry forms, and more information. 


click above for complete guide


ONE DAY 4-H

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024


All the 2024 One Day 4-H Information can now be found on the Texas 4-H Website at: https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/oneday/.

T-shirts are being offered in five different colors and must be ordered on C.C. Creations Texas 4-H Storefront at: https://texas-4-h-online-store-fall-2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/ (not 4Honline) and they will all be shipped directly to you. T-shirt ordering is open now and will close on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Shirts will be mailed directly to the purchases. Shirts will be $17+tax and shipping. 

We invite you to the 2024 Guadalupe County 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest on Saturday, September 28 at The Country Church in Marion, Texas. This contest will be held at the same time and location as the Guadalupe County 4-H Livestock Judging Contest! Cost is $40 per team or $10 for an individual. Please see the attached rules for details.  

GUADALUPE COUNTY 4-H LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

THE COUNTRY CHURCH ARENA

1005 W FM 78, MARION, TEXAS 78124


SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m. Registration - Cattle Barn

8:45 a.m. Orientation

9:00 a.m. Judging Starts

ASAP Awards Presentation


$40.00 per team/$10.00 per individual


For more information contact the Guadalupe County Extension office at (830) 379-1972 or

j-hanselka@tamu.edu

Turkey Farm Showdown

4-H Members are invited on September 14th for the Gillespie Turkey Farm Showdown. Entries are $30 per head/per ring. Cash, Check, or Venmo are acceptable forms of payment. Exhibitors must show in Ring A in order to show in Ring B. For more information click on the flyer (above) to visit the Facebook page or contact

Duane Kuhl at 512.924.1348

GLOBE is a multi-faceted program that explores culture, poverty, sustainable agriculture, leadership, and service-learning, open to 4-H members in grades 7-11.


The 2024-2025 cohort will have three in-person activities, a webinar series, and a self-directed service-learning project.


How to Apply: applications will be accepted in 4-H Online from August 26 to September 20, 2024. Event title: GLOBE 2024-2025 Cohort application


To learn more about GLOBE, please see the attached press release.