Lubbock County Extension Office ! (806) 775-1680 ! Fax (806) 775-1658 !http://lubbock.agrilife.org/Physical Address: 916 Main, Suite 201 ! Lubbock, TX 79401 ! Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10536 ! Lubbock TX 79408

Page 1Lubbock County 4-H is on Facebook4-H Awards and Recognition4-H Project FormsPage 24-H Teen CouncilDistrict 4-H Council Officer ApplicationsLubbock County 4-H T-ShirtsYouth Leadership OpportunitiesTexas 4-H Day at the Texas Rangers4-H Parent Leaders Association4-H Club Manager Training4-H Day at Fuddrucker’sJudging Teams/ContestsPage 3Horse JudgingLivestock Judging4-H Soils Judging ContestTexas 4-H European TripInternational ExchangeScholarships for Future Ag LeadersTexas 4-H Foundation Announces New FundraiserCamps, Camps, Camps: Page 4Camps continuedTexas 4-H CongressNational 4-H CongressRoundupPage 5Roundup continuedPage 64-H Recordbooks4-H Projects: Clothing and Textiles Project

4-H Entomology Project4-H Photography Project

Page 7 Beef ProjectSwine, Sheep & Goat Projects4-H Horse Project

Page 8 & 9 Kay’s KornerPage 10 4-H Livestock Exhibitor UpdatePage 11 & 12 March & April CalendarsPage 13 Horse Validation FormBack Page

Educational programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

Lubbock County 4-H News

March - April, 2012

LUBBOCK COUNTY 4-H IS ON FACEBOOK

Be sure to become a “Fan” of the Lubbock County 4-HFacebook page. Visiting the page will help remind youabout upcoming 4-H activities and events. Our page willalso inform you about meeting changes, cancellations ornotices. For example, if you are signed up for recordbooktraining (or thinking about attending) and we have “bad oriffy” weather - check the facebook page to see if we are stillgoing to have the meeting. This will hopefully save extraphone calls, missing the meeting or coming to the office andfinding out the meeting was cancelled. We hope this willbecome a more efficient way to communicate with each ofyou!

4-H AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Parents and Leaders, please mark your calendars forWednesday, April 18th at 5:30 pm for the next Awardsand Recognition Committee Meeting. We will begin plansfor the County Achievement Banquet. The meeting will beheld at the County Extension Office.

4-H Project FormsJust a reminder that 4-H’ers need tocomplete at least one project form, found inyour 4-H Handbook in order to receive aproject and year pin at the County 4-HAchievement Banquet in August. These forms may bepicked up from the Extension Office. *Once forms andprojects are completed, they need to be turned in to clubmanagers or to the County Extension Office.

Let us know if you have questions about completing theseforms. The forms are also at the website under 4-Hpublications.

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 2

4-H TEENS

Teen CouncilThe March 4-H Teen Council Meeting will be held onMonday, March 19 at 7:00 pm (tentative) at the CountyExtension Office following the County Fashion Show. April’s meeting will be at the County Extension Office onApril 16 at 6:30 pm. Just a reminder that we will elect2012-13 officers at the April meeting. All 4-H’ers age 13and older are invited to participate in Teen Councilactivities. If you would like more information about thisgroup, please give Ronda a call at 775-1680.

District 4-H Council Officer ApplicationsSenior age 4-H’ers may want to consider running for anoffice on the District 4-H Council. To run, you mustsubmit an officer application to District by May 1,elections will be conducted at State 4-H Roundup. Pleasecontact us if you are interested, applications are availablefrom the County Extension Office.

LUBBOCK COUNTY 4-H T-SHIRTS

The Lubbock County 4-H Teen Councilstill has 4-H t-shirts for sale. They areNavy blue, with a Superman/4-H typemotif, they are $10 each. You may contactthe Extension Office to purchase a t-shirt.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

There are several leadership opportunities which areavailable for youth to assist with. 4-H’ers participatingwill assist Ronda at these specific activities. If you areinterested, give her a call to find out exact details(775-1680).

TEXAS 4-H DAY AT THE TEXAS RANGERS

We are excited to announce thesecond 4-H "GREEN OUT" eventwith Major League Baseball's clubthe Texas Rangers vs. the SeattleMariners on September 15, 2012at the Rangers Ballpark inArlington. More details will follow.

4-H PARENT LEADERS ASSOCIATION

All parents and leaders are invited and encouraged to attendthe Parent Leaders Meetings which are held monthly. Thismonths meeting will be on Monday, March 19 at 7:00 pm(tentative), at the County Extension Office, following theCounty Fashion Show. April’s meeting will be held onApril 16 at the County Extension Office at 6:30 pm. If youreally want to know what all is going on in the LubbockCounty 4-H program or if you just want to get involved,then plan on attending these meetings. Make sure that yourclub is represented so your club will know what all is goingon. Spring gets really busy and there are manyopportunities for both youth and adults to participate in. So,don’t be left out and get involved today!

4-H CLUB MANAGER TRAINING

We will have a 4-H Club Manager training on Wednesday,April 18 at 6:30 pm at the County Extension Office. Thetraining topic for the meeting will be on recordkeeping andthe awards and recognition process.

4-H Day at Fuddrucker’s

Don’t forget about 4-H Day at Fuddrucker’s! LubbockCounty 4-H and the Texas 4-H Scholarship program receivea donation from Fuddrucker’s when you eat there on 4-HDay and place your receipt in the 4-H box. If you plan oneating out on the 3rd Tuesday - we hope you will support4-H and Fuddrucker’s. Mark your calendars and tell yourfriends about 4-H Day at Fuddrucker’s.March 20 April 17 and May 22 (4th Tuesday)

JUDGING TEAMS/CONTESTS

4-H’ers are reminded that if they are interested inparticipating on a judging team, they need to call theExtension Office to sign up and find out about practiceschedules. County teams will be determined prior toparticipation at the District Contest. District 4-H JudgingContest dates are: tentatively set for:

Dairy - March 23 Soil - April 14- LubbockLivestock - April 21 - Texas TechWool - TBA - Texas TechHorse - April 13 - West Texas A & M at

Canyon (This is a Friday contest)Other District Contests:

Rifle - April 21 - LevellandArchery - April 28 - Floyd County

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 3

If you are interested in participating on a judging teamand you have not signed up yet, you need to do soimmediately. Practices are getting started and you don’twant to miss out.

Horse JudgingHorse Judging practices are currently underway. If you areinterested in getting involved, contact Ronda to find outabout practice times.

Livestock JudgingIf you would like to participate in Livestock Judging,practices are currently scheduled for Sundays at 3pm at theCounty Extension Office (except for March 11, 18 andApril 8).

4-H Soils Judging ContestThe 4-H Soils Judging Contest is one of the Texas 4-HRoundup events, and thus, includes competitive events atDistrict and State levels. In this project, 4-H members learnabout soil characteristics such as soil texture, structure,slope, drainage, and suitability for cultivation. Thisknowledge is helpful for people involved in: agriculture,real estate appraisal, construction, soil and waterconservation, and other professions.

Practice is typically on Wednesdays after school duringMarch to mid-April. If you are interested in participatingin this project, contact Mark Brown, CEA-Agriculture, atthe Lubbock County Extension Office 806-775-1680.

TEXAS 4-H EUROPEAN TRIP

Texas 4-H members will have theopportunity to travel to Europe July3-12, 2013. The visit will includeScotland and Ireland, cost is $3,395.Please contact Ronda for moreinformation.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

Texas is looking for families to host youth from Japan,Costa Rica and Greece, from mid July through mid-August. Contact Ronda for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FUTURE AG LEADERS

High School and college students may apply forscholarships from the CH Foundation. Applications are dueby April 1 and are at www.chsfoundation.org/upartnerships.html

TEXAS 4-H FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDRAISER

The Texas 4-H Foundation Trustees are excited to announcea new fundraising opportunity. “Rodeo Extravaganza ~Texas 4-H Style”. This raffle is to benefit the 4-H membersin Texas through county program support grants,scholarships and statewide event sponsorship. The Prizepackage includes premier rodeo tickets to major Texasrodeos beginning Fall 2012 - Spring 2013, free nights stayat LaQuinta, $400 gift certificate, pair of 4-H boots, westernhat, trophy belt buckle, Priefert calf roping chute, calfroping dummy and ropes, and 10 pairs of Wrangler jeans.Tickets are on sale now for $5.00 each. The drawing will beheld in July 2012 during the Texas 4-H Horse Show inAbilene, TX. You need not be present to win. Please contactRonda to purchase your tickets and support Texas 4-H!

Special thank you to the following sponosrs: AndersonBean Boot Company, Cavender’s, David’s Western Store,Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Heart of Texas Fair andRodeo, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, La Quinta Inns& Suites, Lone Star Silversmith, McCoy’s, NRS, SanAngelo Stock Show & Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show &Rodeo, Rodeo Austin and Wrangler. This fundraisingingeffort will replace the “I Support the Clover” Silent Auctionhosted by the Texas 4-H Foundation, that has been held thepast two years during the Texas 4-H Roundup. The raffle ishosted by the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation,a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.

CAMPS, CAMPS, CAMPS

Summer Camp Sign-UpRegistration and payments must be made utilizing 4-HConnect. The following summer camp dates and costs aretentative:South Plains 4-H Leadership Camp, May 29 - 31Registration in April . . . . . . . full details not available yetYouth Ages 9-13 South Plains College, LevellandSouth Plains 4-H Electric Camp, June 25-29 Youth Ages 13-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Info. not available

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 4

The Texas 4-H Clover Handbook is on-line athttp://texas4-h.tamu.edu/files/2011/12/member

ship_-membership_4h_clover.pdf Check it out to learn more about 4-H.

Prime Time #1, July 22-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225Youth Grades 5-8 Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood

Prime Time #2, July 25-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225Youth Grades 2-5 Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood

Horizons, July 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $275Youth Grades 4-8 Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood

South Plains 4-H Leadership Camp Counselor Applications

Senior age 4-H’ers age 15-18 are invited to apply to serveas camp counselors at South Plains Leadership Camp. Counselors must be available from May 27-31, to plan andconduct camp activities. To apply, counselors must submitan application to the District 4-H Specialist. Applicationsare due to District by April 1st.

County 4-H Camp at Texas 4-H CenterTwo sessions will be offered this year for County 4-HCamp at the Texas 4-H Center. Session 1 - July 9-11,youth $175/adult $80; Session II - July 11-14, youth$225/adult $105. Registration information is available onthe Texas 4-H Center Website.

We must also have adults who will volunteer to serve aschaperones for this event. If you are interested in attendingcamp please call Ronda to find out about reserving ourspot.

Lamb and Goat CampHoward College will be conducting Lamb Camp - June10-12, and Goat Camp - June 3-5. Cost is $85 andapplications are currently being accepted, until each campis full. Registration is available on the Howard Collegewebsite; just google Howard College Lamb Camp.

Texas Brigades Wildlife Leadership Camp4-H’ers may submit applications to be considered to attendeither of the Texas Brigades Wildlife Camps. Tuition is$400 per camp, which covers meals, lodging and supplies.Applications are due by March 15.

Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, June 16-20, nearColeman; South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, June 24-28 atCampbellton;

Bass Brigade, July 9-13, outside of Santa Anna;South Texas Buckskin Brigade, June 3-7, Uvalde; North Texas Buckskin Brigade, July 15-19, AlbanyWater Fowl Brigade, July 22-26 at Tennessee Colony

Application information is available at www.texasbrigades.org

Mark you calendars for July 15-18, to attend Texas 4-HCongress in Austin. Registration opens in March through4-H Connect; 4-H’ers may apply in April to serve on thePress Corp or as a lobbyist. Youth must be at least 15 yearsold. Specific registration dates and costs aren’t available yet- but be on the look-out if you are interested. At Texas 4-HCongress, youth learn first hand about the legislativeprocess and have a great time!

The National 4-H Congress will be held in Atlanta, Georgia,November 22-27. Youth age 14-18 may apply to attend.Participants must complete an on-line application; then willbe selected for an interview during State 4-H Roundup.Cost to attend is approximately $1,600 plus transportationto and from the delegation’s departure hotel; plus meals onNovember 22nd. Congress provides an outstandingopportunity for youth to have fun, and learn througheducational, recreational and networking opportunities ona nation-wide level. Applications must be completed on-lineand are due by April 16th.

ROUNDUP

County 4-H RoundupApril 5 has been scheduled for County 4-H Roundup. Presentations will begin at 6:00 pm, an awards ceremonywill be held following all presentations. This event will beheld at the County Extension Office. All 4-H participants must sign up by March 26th by calling the ExtensionOffice, 775-1680. 4-H’ers needing a special judging time

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 5

on April 5, need to notify Ronda as soon as possible. Alternate judging will be held, for any 4-H’ers whoabsolutely cannot participate on April 5, providing there isnot competition in the designated category. Pleaseremember that 4-H’ers must be eligible according toschool U.I.L. rules in order to participate. Forcompetition categories please refer to the State 4-HRoundup Guide available from the County ExtensionOffice or the State 4-H Website.

District 4-H RoundupDistrict 4-H Roundup will be held on Saturday, May 5 inLevelland. Senior contestants placing first, second orthird at District will be eligible to advance to State 4-HRoundup which will be held June 11-15 here in Lubbock.(Except for Fashion Show, Food Show and Share-The-Fun).

“How to Do An Educational Presentation” Information Meeting

4-H’ers and parents interested in learning more about thePublic Speaking Project should plan on attending thismeeting. Information provided at this meeting will assist4-H’ers and their parents in writing, presenting andpreparing visuals for educational presentations, (formerlyknown as method demonstrations or illustrated talks); aswell as covering information about the public speakingcontest and share-the-fun’s. Share-the-fun categoriesinclude: Celebrate 4-H, choreographed routines,poet/prose, vocal and musical/band. The meeting will beheld on Wednesday, March 21 at 6:00 pm at the CountyExtension Office. This project provides youth an excellentopportunity to develop public speaking skills, even if theyhate to talk in front of others. 4-H’ers will present theirprepared presentations at “County 4-H Roundup”. 1st

place winners in each category will advance to District 4-HRoundup, which will be held on May 5.

PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 20 IF

YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE

MEETING. (775-1680).

State Roundup

Invitational Contests and WorkshopsThis year with State 4-H Roundup being here in Lubbock,there are many opportunities for both Intermediate andSenior 4-H’ers to compete in a Roundup competition.The following is a list of these available opportunities:

Tuesday - June 12, 2012! 4-H Has Talent - entry due April 1st

! Invitational Swine Quiz Bowl - New for 2012! Quilt Challenge

Thursday - June 14, 2012! Discover Scientific Method: Science, Engineering &

Technology Poster Competition! Healthy Lifestyles Invitational (District Contest also

available for practice)! Invitational Livestock judging Contest and Workshop! Invitational Meats Judging and Identification Contest

and Workshop - New for 2012! Invitational Poultry Contest and Workshop! Wildlife Contest and Workshop

Information currently available for each of these contests isonline at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/roundup Groupsparticipating in these contests will need to secure their ownproject leader and schedule their own practices due tolimited office staff. Please let us know if you have questionsor plant to participat in any of these contests.

4-H Has TalentApril 1 is the deadline to enter “4-H Has Talent.” If you areinterested, do not miss your chance to be a star - at State4-H Roundup. Entry information is available on the Texas4-H website.http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/files/2012/01/youth_roundup_update0112.jpg

Texas 4-H Roundup Wildlife ChallengeThe Wildlife contest will be held during 4-H Roundup onJune 14. Contestants must compete as a team. The contestconsists of: species identification, decision-making, andknowledge and skills quiz. Please contact us for moreinformation about preparing for or registering for thecontest. This is an open invitation contest for Senior andIntermediate age 4-H’ers.

Invitational Poultry Contest and WorkshopDon’t miss out on the Invitational Poultry Contest andWorkshop being held at the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup. Thisevent will give intermediate and senior aged youth theopportunity to compete and learn about different aspects ofthe poultry industry. For more information please visit thefollowing website:http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/roundup/index.php.

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 6

4-H RECORDBOOKS

A County 4-H Recordbook Workshop for Beginners willbe held on Tuesday, March 27 beginning at 6 pm, andTuesday, April 24th at 6 pm. The workshops will be heldat the County Extension Office Conference Room. PleaseRSVP by March 26 at Noon if you plan to attend, or if youwill be late to the meeting. There are minor changes thisyear for Juniors and Intermediates. For District 2; we havedecided not to follow state recommendations for Juniorand Intermediates this year. Please contact Ronda forspecific information.

Senior RecordbooksThis year there have been some major changes forRecordbooks for Seniors. Please plan on attending one ofthe following recordbook workshops for Seniors: March28 at 6 pm or April 26 at 6 pm; if neither date will workplease contact Ronda to schedule another time to meet.Training will be held at the County Extension Office.

District and State Recordbook JudgingAttention all 4-H Leaders, if you would like to judgeRecordbooks at State or District, please contact Ronda forapplication information. State applications are due by May1st and District are due June 1st. This is one of the bestways to learn more about recordbooks.

4-H PROJECTS

CLOTHING AND TEXTILESPROJECT ACTIVITIES

County 4-H Fashion Show We will have the County 4-H Fashion Show on Monday,March 19 at the County Extension Office, in conjunctionwith the Parent Leaders and Teen Council meetings. Entrymaterials may be picked up at the County Extension Officeand are due back by March 9 . First place winners atCounty will advance to the District Contest on April 10th in Abernathy.

Please remember that 4-H’ers must be eligible accordingto School U.I.L. rules in order to participate.Clovers, Juniors, Intermediate and Seniors may compete.Competition categories include: Buying: Specialty, Casual,Dressy, or Formal; Construction: Specialty, Casual, Dressyor Formal. No Formal categorizes for Juniors orIntermediates. Juniors and Intermediates may also enter theEmbellished/Recycled Category. Judging will begin at5:00 pm. If a specific judging time is needed, please call

in ASAP. A clothing project newsletter was mailed to allfamilies in February; more detailed information wasincluded in that newsletter. The newsletter may also befound on the County website http://lubbock.agrilife.org/newsletters/4-h/2012-4-h/

District 2 Fashion Show Narrator Contest4-H’ers may apply to serve as narrators for the District 24-H Fashion Show. Application and audio tape is due byMarch 16. To the Parmer County Extension Office.

4-H ENTOMOLOGY PROJECT

The 4-H Entomology project will begin meetingon Wednesdays beginning on March 21

through May 2 from 5-6pm. Meetings will be held atLubbock High, Room 1402. Park in lot West of Building,enter West door, go to ramp, turn left, second door on right. Project meetings will be conducted by Clinton Smith. Please contact Ronda at 775-1680 by March 20 to sign up;so that study packets can be prepared for you.

4-H PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

Complete rules and guidelines for theSenior and Junior/Intermediate PhotographyContests are available from the CountyExtension Office; or may be obtained fromthe County Website under publications at:http://lubbock.agrilife.org/

JUNIOR CONTEST INFORMATION: Entries for theCounty Junior 4-H Photography contest are due to theCounty Extension Office by Monday, March 19 . 1st place entries at county, will then advance to the DistrictJunior Photography Contest. County Awards will bepresented during County 4-H Roundup on April 5.Please review the categories and entry information forspecific guidelines. They are located on the countywebsite or from the County Extension Office.

First Place entries will advance to District and are due byApril 2. - Participants may enter only 1 photo in each category andclass (for a maximum of 14 entries)- Junior Entries must be 4"x6" and may be mounted onphotographic mount board or thin white foam board cut tosame dimension. (Not required to be mounted for County,but must be for District.)- Photo’s must be dry-mounted

continued on next page...

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 7

- Entries must use the photography label and release formand attach it to the back of the photo entry. Labels may bepicked up from the County Extension Office ordownloaded from the County website.

Please read the D2 photo rules and guidelines to seespecific requirements for each category. Information is available on the County website under publications - 4-H.

The categories and class requirements are due for bothJunior/Intermediate and Senior entries.

- CATEGORY: black and white; color

- CLASSES: 1. People; 2. Animals-Wildlife; 3. Animals-Domestic; 4. Marine/Aquatic; 5. Elements ofDesign; 6. Nature & Landscape; 7. Plant/flora; 8. Details & Macro; 9. DigitalDarkroom; 10. Theme - Clover; 11. NightPhotography; 12. Food; 13. Dominant Color; 14.Catch-All

SENIOR CONTEST INFORMATION: Entries for theCounty Senior 4-H Photography contest are due to theCounty Extension Office by Monday, March 19. CountyAwards will be presented at 7 pm at County 4-H Roundupon April 5. 1st place entries at county, will then advanceto the State 4-H Photography Contest. For County, any size of photo may be entered, however the1st place winner will have to email their photo to4hevents@ag.tamu.edu - you will be given instructions forthis as needed. - Participants may enter only 1 photo in each category andclass (for a maximum of 14).

The photography label/release must be attached to eachphoto. Please refer to the State guidelines for specificcategory information. They are located on the countywebsite or from the County Extension Office.

BEEF PROJECT

2012-13 Steer Project ValidationAlthough information has not yet been received from theState 4-H Office, ear tag orders for 2012-13 steer projectswill be completed in May. Anyone who plans to have asteer project on feed should plan to order your TexasValidation ear tags through the Lubbock County Office inMay. Tags must be paid for at the time of the order.

SWINE, SHEEP & GOATS PROJECT

State Fair of Texas ValidationLamb, goat and swine validation program for the 2012 StateFair of Texas will be a separate tag order from the fallstatewide validation due to the difference in dates.

If you plan to show sheep or goats at the State Fair, youneed to order tags and pay for them prior to April 1st; Swinetag orders are due by May 1st, for entry at the Dallas event.

Fort Worth Stock Show Calf Scramble Photo’sIf you attended the Fort Worth Stockshow, be sure to visitwww.rodeobum.com; to see if you are featured in theirphotos.

4-H Livestock Ambassador Short CourseTexas Tech will host the 4-H Livestock Ambassador ShortCourse from July 23-25. Cost is $100 and includes mealsand lodging. Only 25 participants will be selected.Participants must be 14 or older. Applications are due byJune 22, and may be obtained from the following website:http://d24-h.tamu.edu

2012 Junior Beef ChallengeThrough this program, youth learn about the cattle feedingindustry and compete for scholarships and prize money.Specific program information is available athttp://www.tcfa.org/jfbc/index.html

See 4-H Livestock Exhibitor Update at the end of thisnewsletter.

4-H HORSE PROJECT

Futurity Horse Project NominationsAll 4-H Futurity nominations are due to theCounty Extension Office by May 1st. These forms may be picked up from the County ExtensionOffice. 4-H’ers must be 12 years old in order to nominatea futurity project.

Big 5 Horse Show4-H’ers interested in showing or competing may want toregister for the Big 5 Horse Show. The registration fee is$20 prior to March 25; or $40 after the deadline. 4-H’ersthen sign-up for the individual shows held

April 14 - Potter County, WTAMU ArenaApril 21 - Big 5, Range Riders Arena

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 8

Parents and 4-H’ers:If you have questions about the Lubbock County4-H program, need assistance or need moreinformation about an event, activity or project,please give us a call.

We’re here to serve you, but you must let us knowwhen you need assistance or have special interest

April 28 - Swisher County, WTAMU ArenaMay 19 - Moore County, Damas Arena June 2 - Randall County, Range Riders Arena

For information, visit their website at

http://big5horseshow.com/

Horse ValidationJust a reminder that 4-H’ers planning on showing/competing in the District Horse Show or the Big 5 HorseShows must validate their horses by May 1st. Thevalidation process includes completing the paperwork andpaying a $10 fee per horse. Horses must be validated everyyear. If you have questions, please contact Ronda.

The “New Horse Project Validation Form,” $10 validationfee, and a copy of horse registration/grade horse forms aredue to the County Extension Office by May 1st. The HorseValidation form is included with this newsletter.

4-H Horse Quiz BowlIt’s not too late to participate in the 4-H Horse Quiz Bowlcompetition. Please RSVP to Ronda at 775-1680 or emailto RAlexand@tamu.edu by Tuesday, March 20, if you areinterested.

Piaffe and Passage Horse ClinicThis specialized horse clinic will be held April 7-8 inLafayette, Colorado. For more information visithttp://blueroofequestrian.com/

KAY’S KORNER

Dangers of Energy Drinks

A lack of sleep can lead to the need for caffeine during theday while we are at work, school or at other activities thatdemand our focus and energy. Unfortunately, manyindividuals turn to energy drinks to keep them awakethroughout the day and this can lead to a multitude of healthproblems. So what are the risks of drinking energybeverages on a consistent basis? What harm can it do tohave extra energy or caffeine during the day?

About Energy DrinksEnergy drinks can provide anywhere from 75 to 400 mg ofcaffeine per container, which is a very high amount ofcaffeine for one serving. The average soda contains for 40-45 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces. The United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) has put a limit on theamount of caffeine that can be contained in a soda, which is71 mg per 12 fluid ounces. However, energy drinks are notregulated by the USDA and can therefore contain largeramounts of caffeine. If you look at the ingredient list on theback of an energy drink, you may see some items like “kolanut,” “cocoa,” “yerba mate” and “guarana” (1). Theseingredients are caffeine additives that are not calculated inwith the total amount of caffeine that is written on thenutritional facts label. In other words, you may beconsuming even more caffeine than you think you aregetting if you drink an energy beverage. Because energydrinks are considered as a “nutritional supplement,” they arenot regulated by the USDA which means that the nutritionlabel can be misleading to the consumer.

Trouble with Energy DrinksIn 2007 there were a total of 5,558 caffeine overdosesreported in the United States. A total of 46% of theseincidence involved children under the age of 19. About 30-50% of energy drinks purchased are consumed by children,teenagers and young adults (1). It is suggested that thereasons why these individuals consume the majority ofenergy drinks is due to the targeting of the media on youngpeople. Energy drinks are often found in special coolercases in convenience stores that attract young people tothem. Sometimes during final exam weeks at universities,companies will hand out cans of energy drinks for free tomarket their product. The energy drink cans are oftendesigned in a “rebellious” sort of fashion that appeals tosome teenagers and young adults. Camouflage cans, specialscrew-on lids, a snake eye on the front of the can, boldcolors and lightning bolts are used to attract younger

4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 9

Ronda Alexander

Texas AgriLife County Extension Agent, 4-HLubbock County

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceLubbock County Staff

P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock, TX 79408916 Main, Suite 201, Lubbock TX 79401

(806) 775-1680 Fax: (806) 775-1658

C. Mark Brown E. Kay DavisCEA-Agriculture CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with theunderstanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by theTexas AgriLife Extension Service is implied.

We will seek to provide reasonable accommodations for allpersons with disabilities for any of our meetings. We request that youcontact Texas AgriLife Extension Service - (806) 775-1680, as soon aspossible to advise us of the auxiliary aid or service that you will require.

populations. So it is obvious that young people are at ahigh risk for being targeted by energy drink companies, butwhat are some of the reasons why these are so dangerous?

Risks of High Amounts of Caffeine Found in EnergyDrinksThe United States has not completed a lot of researchabout the toxic effects of caffeine, but other countries havedone so and have found alarming results. Germany,Australia and New Zealand have reported the possibleadverse effects of excess caffeine consumption and how detrimental it can be to health. Some of the outcomes ofexcess caffeine consumption include: kidney failure,respiratory disorders, agitation, seizures, psychoticconditions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,rhabdomyolysis (destruction of skeletal muscle), cardiacdysrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat), tachycardia(abnormally fast heartbeat), liver damage, hypertension,myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure anddeath. Even though there have not been many studies overthe effects of consuming energy drinks, many of theingredients found in them can counteract medications thatindividuals are taking. Studies have shown that theingredients 5-hydroxy tryptophan, vinpocetine, yohimbine,and ginseng can potentially cause adverse drug interactionsin individuals on certain medications. According to a studylead by Sara M. Seifert and her colleagues found that thepopulations that are most at risk for adverse health effectsfrom energy drinks include: children, teenagers, youngadults with heart problems, attention-deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD), eating disorders and diabetes as well asthose taking other medications or consuming alcohol.Researchers have also found that the high amount ofcaffeine in energy drinks can interfere with bonemineralization, which can lead to problems in developmentfor young people who are still growing (1).

Safe Amount of CaffeineEven though caffeine can be harmful in high amounts, it isnot necessary that it be completely taken out of the diet.Many people like to drink a cup or two of coffee in themorning, a soft drink in the afternoon or perhaps achocolate candy bar on occasion. For children, it issuggested that they should receive no more than 2.5 mg ofcaffeine per kilogram of weight per day. As foradolescents, it is suggested that they receive no more than100 mg of caffeine per kilogram of weight per day.Although there is no recommended amount of caffeine foradults to consume, it is important that caffeine beconsumed as little as possible. Caffeine is a diuretic, whichmeans that you will urinate more frequently and thusbecome dehydrated if you do not replace the lost water (1).

Too much caffeine can also cause sleep problems, whichcan negatively affect your health as well.

If you notice that you are urinating more frequently afterdrinking or eating a caffeinated food, have a rapid heartbeat,cannot sleep well at night or suffer from any other caffeine-related side effects, it is important that you decrease theamount of caffeine you consume. This may mean that youwill need to switch to decaf coffee, tea, and sodas anddecrease the amount of cocoa-based products you consume.Although if you suffer from headaches due to a lack ofcaffeine, you may need to cut down gradually on theamount you consume each day instead of stopping caffeineconsumption all at once. By lowering the amount ofcaffeine you consume on a daily basis, the less likely youwill be at risk for adverse health problems from too muchcaffeine consumption.

1. Medline http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/7373112. http://www.energyfiend.com/the-caffeine-database

Ethan Walker Nichole Keeton Tyler EndicottJacob Keeton

4-H Livestock Exhibitor Update

Congratulations to the 4-H Livestock exhibitors who haveraised and exhibited 137 projects this year at the local,county, state and national levels.

Exhibitors who qualified for the Lubbock County PremiumAuction at the Lubbock County Junior LivestockShow included:

Tyler Endicott - Reserve Breed & 3rd Place BarrowNichole Keeton - 1st Place SteerBailey Johnson - 2nd Place Lamb, 2nd Place LambEathan Walker - 2nd Place SteerJacob Keeton - 2nd Place SteerBaylie Bowles - 2nd & 4th Place BarrowsHadley Chote - 2nd Place LambHailey Dye - 3rd Place BarrowShelby Austin - 3rd & 4th Place BarrowsPaycos Noble - 4th Place BarrowAlyssa Scott - 5th Place BarrowTyler Endicott - Junior Swine Showmanship Award

Lubbock County Heifer ShowNichole Keeton - Supreme Champion HeiferAllie Henrie - 1st Place Polled Hereford, 1st Place AngusJacob Keeton - 2nd Place LimousinTravis McGougan - 4th Place Polled Hereford

Lubbock County Meat Goat JackpotJames Brady - 2nd PlaceEmma Brady - 5th PlaceBrady Mandrell - 3rd Place, 4th Place, 4th Place

State Fair of TexasAllie Henrie - Breed Champion Hereford

Odessa Herford ShowAllie Henrie - 1st & 4th Place Heifers

Ft Worth Stock Show & RodeoThe following exhibitors obtained more than $20,000 inpremiums from the Ft Worth Show.

Ethan Walker - 10th Place HerefordNichole Keeton - 9th Place European CrossJacob Keeton - 9th Place European CrossTyler Endicott - 4th Place Hampshire Barrow

(Allie Henrie did Lubbock County proud at the Ft. WorthCalf Scramble, displaying outstanding sportsmanship to afellow exhibitor.)

San Angelo Stock Show & RodeoTyler Endicott - Reserve Breed Ch Spotted Gilt; 2nd Place

Black OPB BarrowHailey Dye - 5th Place Duroc Breeding GiltColton Fulton - 5th Place White OPB BarrowJaden Antu - 5th Place Crossbred BarrowJake McMillan - 2nd Place Public SpeakingTravis McGougan - Calf Scramble participant.

San Antonio Stock ShowJaden Antu - 2nd Place Duroc & 7th Place Chester Breeding

GiltsTyler Endicott - 3rd Place Spotted Breeding GiltNichole Keeton - Reserve Breed Champion Limousin

HeiferAllie Henrie - 5th Place Hereford HeiferHadley Chote - 1st Place Medium Wool LambBailey Johnson - 4th Place Medium Wool Lamb(Premiums forth-coming).

Also, Hadley Chote and Allie Henrie both representedLubbock County at the National Western LivestockShow in Denver.

Lubbock County exhibitors have 28 entries at the HoustonLivestock Show and 7 entries at the Star of TexasLivestock Show in Austin.

Congratulations to all Lubbock County 4-H Livestock Exhibitors.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service Lubbock County 4-HMARCH 2012

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in Extension-sponsored meetings are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 775-1680 to determinehow reasonable accommodations can be made. Extension programs of Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

The Texas A& M University System, U. S. Department of Agriculture and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock TX 79408; 916 Main, Suite 201, Lubbock TX 79401Phone: (806) 775-1680 FAX (806) 775-1658

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

NOTE:Not alldates are listedon this calendar.

1 2 3

43pm LivestockJudging Practice,CEO

5 6 7 8 9! Co 4-H FashionShow Entries DUE toCEO

10

11Daylight SavingsTime - moveclocks up 1 hour

@

12 13 14Fashion Story BoardEntries due to CEO

15!Tx Brigades WildlifeLeadership CampAppl. Due

16!D2 Fashion ShowNarrator ContestAppl. Due to Parmer

CEO

17

Happy St. Patrick’sDay!

18 19!ENTRIES DUE FORJUNIOR & SENIOR PHOTOCONTEST, CEO! County 4-H FashionShow, CEO! 7 pm PLA & TeenCouncil Meetings, CEO

20 !4-H Day atFuddrucker’s!Call CEO to attend“How to do anEducationalPresentation” !RSVPfor 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl

21 !6:00 pm “How todo an EducationalPresentation”, CEO!5-6 pm 4-HEntomology ProjectPractice, LHS, Rm 1402– thru May 2nd

22 23!District DairyJudging Contest

24

253pm LivestockJudging Practice,CEO

26!Registration deadlinefor Co 4-H Roundup,Call CEO!12 - RSVP if attendingANY Recordbook wkshp

27!6pm Beginner 4-HRecordbookWorkshop, CEO

28!6pm SENIOR 4-HRecordbookWorkshop, CEO

29 30 31

Texas AgriLife Extension Service Lubbock County 4-HAPRIL 2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

NOTE:Not alldates are listedon this calendar.

1 !3pm LivestockJudging Practice, CEO!SP 4-H LeadershipCamp CounselorApplication Due.!4-H Has Talent entryDue

2 3 4 5!6pm County 4-HRoundup & 4-H PhotoAwards, CEO

6Good Friday, CountyHoliday - CEO Closed

7

8 9 10 11 12 13!District HorseJudging Contest,WTA&M @ Canyon

14!District Soil JudgingContest, Lubbock

!Big 5 Horse Show,Potter Co.

15 16!6:30 PLA & TeenCouncil meetings, CEO!Nat’l 4-H Congressapplications due online

17!4-H Day atFuddrucker’s

18!5:30 Awards &Recognition CommitteeMtg, CEO!6:30 4-H ClubManager Training, CEO

19 20 21!District LivestockJudging Contest, TTU!District Rifle Contest,Levelland!Big 5 Horse Show

22 23 24!6pm Beginner 4-HRecordbookWorkshop, CEO

25 26!6pm SENIOR 4-HRecordbookWorkshop, CEO

27 28!District ArcheryContest, Floyd Co.!Big 5 Horse Show,Swisher Co.

29 30 MAY 1 Horse Validation due to CEO 22 4-H Day at Fuddrucker’s1 District 4-H Council Officer Applications Due 29-31 South Plains 4-H Leadership Camp, Levelland1 State Recordbook Judging applications Due (for District Due June 1)1 Futurity Horse Nominations Due to CEO5 District 4-H Roundup, Levelland19 Big 5 Horse Show, Moore County

CEO = Lubbock County Office of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, 916 Main, Suite 201, Lubbock TX