Rowan County 4-H

4-H Camp Offers Many Opportunities for Youth

2012-01-27T13:34:00.003-05:00

Kids got the winter blues? Imagine splashing in the pool, horseback riding in the sun, canoeing down the river. Sound like fun? You can enjoy this and much more at a week of summer 4-H camp! The North Carolina 4-H Camp Program offers a camp for every interest! The 4-H camping program allows young people to get away from home and enjoy swimming, campfires, outdoor living skills and challenging leadership experiences. 4-H residential camps take place at the following 4-H Centers across North Carolina: Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center (Reidsville, NC), Millstone 4-H Center (Ellerbe, NC) and the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center (Columbia, NC). Swannanoa 4-H Center (Swannanoa, NC) offers day camping only. All 4-H Camping Centers are among the estimated 25% of youth camps nationwide which have received American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation.

Traditional 4-H camp provides age-appropriate, small-group experiences in a fun, noncompetitive environment. During the day, campers swim, canoe, work on a craft, learn about nature, ride horses and learn archery skills. In the evenings, campers create campfire programs, share skits and talents and learn games and dances. Each camping center varies slightly in the programs offered, so be sure to check out each camp at http://www.nc4h.org/centers/.

North Carolina 4-H Camping Centers also offer specialty camps. These include 4-H Horsemanship Camp (Millstone), Fur, Fish and Game Rendezvous (Millstone), Take Off 4-Health (Eastern), Marine Science and Sailing Camp (Eastern), Camp Canvasback (Eastern) and Cloverbud Camp (Eastern). These camps are held at the various camping centers.

4-H Now Taking Orders for Spring Plant Sale

2012-01-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

Rowan County 4-H is now taking orders for their annual Spring Plant Sale. Varieties available include: strawberries – Allstar; raspberries – Nova; blueberries – Brightwell, Climax and Premier; blackberries – Apache and Arapaho; muscadines – Cowart and Triumph and figs – Brown Turkey and Celeste. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, muscadines and figs are in one-gallon containers and are well adapted to the piedmont growing conditions. The cost for each plant is $9 each or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered.

Allstar strawberries ripen mid-season. The plants are disease resistant and produce sweet, large fruit. Growth is vigorous. Strawberries are sold in bundles of 25 for $10, 50 for $15 and 100 for $20 and supplies are limited.

Nova raspberries are early ripening red berries that are medium to large in size. The berries have good flavor, are slightly tart and are perfect for jams and preserves. Nova raspberries are noted for winter hardiness, are heat tolerant and have good disease resistance.

When planting blueberries, it is recommended to plant at least two varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Varieties available include Brightwell, Climax and Premier. Brightwell blueberries ripen mid-season over a long period. They are very productive with large fruit and excellent quality. Growth is vigorous and upright. Climax blueberries ripen early over a short period and produce a medium size berry with a sweet flavor. The growth is upright with an open spreading crown. Premier blueberries are large in size with excellent flavor. They ripen early to mid season and are light blue in color. Plants are upright with good foliage.

Both blackberry plants are a thornless variety and are erect growing plants. The Apache produces large fruit with good flavor and typically ripens over a five week period. The Arapaho is an early ripening blackberry with a firm, medium fruit. It typically ripens over a four week period.

Cowart muscadines produce large black fruit in large clusters with good flavor. They are good for eating, making juice, jelly and wine. Cowart ripens early to mid season and is disease resistant, vigorous and productive. The Triumph muscadine has large, thin skinned, greenish-bronze fruit with high sugar content. The plants are winter hardy and productive. The fruit ripens early to mid season and are good for eating and making wine.

The Brown Turkey fig, which bears twice a year, has a copper-brown skin with the flesh turning from various shades of amber to pink. The Celeste fig produces fruit that is small to medium in size with a light brown to violet skin and a whitish-pink color flesh. It contains very few seeds and ripens early summer.

If you would like to help support the Rowan County 4-H program, please call the Extension Office at 704-216-8970 to place your order today! Orders must be received by February 23, 2012.

4-H Needs You! Become a 4-H Volunteer

2011-12-20T14:37:00.003-05:00

Volunteers are the backbone for North Carolina Cooperative Extension programming, especially the 4-H program. 4-H, the youth component of NC Cooperative Extension, provides youth ages five to eighteen with exciting and educational experiences through clubs, special interest activities, camp and much more.

A 4-H club volunteer provides overall leadership for the club and coordinates with members, parents and other volunteers. The purpose of a 4-H club volunteer is to support youth, volunteers and county 4-H staff members in conducting meaningful, educational experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential. Whether through educational programs or community service projects, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to gain life skills such as responsibility, record keeping and leadership.

All 4-H clubs must be chartered and have a minimum of five youth. Clubs typically meet once a month. Meetings include a short business meeting, club program and refreshments/recreation. Club programs are designed around the interests of the youth and can be taught by youth, parents, club volunteers or guest speakers. Club members go on tours, attend special programs, conduct service projects, make things, share what they have learned and more! There is something for every child and adult whether he or she lives in town or in the country.

Volunteering links people in a very special way. As people spend time volunteering it can help increase a sense of commitment, challenge, joy and self-esteem, all positive emotions that can help ward off stress.

If you would like to give back to the community and help youth to develop to their full potential, then become a 4-H club volunteer today! Contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970. 4-H Volunteers must complete a volunteer application. Volunteers are then trained and supported by Extension Staff.

R.A.C.E. 4-H Saddle Up® for St. Jude Event Raises $3,500

2011-11-16T09:21:00.005-05:00

By: Savanah Hipp

The Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian 4-H Clubs(R.A.C.E. 4-H) Saddle Up for St. Jude event raised $3,500 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

More than 45 riders participated in the event on November 6, 2011, which included members of the East Equine Explorers, 3 Cedars, and UTC Hoof Beats 4-H Clubs along with friends and family members. Riders from these local 4-H horse clubs combined their collected donations for St. Jude and enjoyed an afternoon of trail riding, chili eating and fellowship at Patterson Farms in Western Rowan County.

“Saddle Up for St. Jude blends crucial support and awareness for St. Jude with a fun experience for the whole family that also brings together our local community,” said Pam Hipp, coordinator of the event. “Every person who participates in a Saddle Up for St. Jude event helps the hospital in its mission to find cures and save children.” “I love getting together with friends and doing what I love, riding horses and helping others,” said Savanah Hipp, Rowan County Council 4-H president.

St. Jude depends on community-based fundraising programs like Saddle Up for St. Jude. At St. Jude, families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance and no child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.5 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.

This Saddle Up for St. Jude event was sponsored by R.A.C.E. 4-H, a volunteer organization committed to sponsoring educational and fun equestrian opportunities for youth and adults of Rowan and surrounding counties. Contact Sara Drake, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development at 704-216-8970, for more information about Rowan County 4-H opportunities.

Special thanks go out to the Patterson Family for continuing to be such wonderful hosts and allowing us to enjoy their beautiful farm. Thanks also go out to Starbucks Coffee in Mooresville for their wonderful donation of coffee. Thanks also to all of you who donated various items and other goodies we all enjoyed during the day!

About St. Jude

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded in 1962 by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. For information on how to host your own Saddle Up for St. Jude event, call 1-800-567-0675.

Order Your Holiday Wreaths from Rowan County 4-H

2011-10-28T15:44:00.003-04:00

Rowan County 4-H clubs are taking orders for the eighth annual wreath fundraiser. This year, Rowan County 4-H is selling Fraser Fir wreaths and Boxwood wreaths. Wreaths are standard door size and are made by a small family owned and operated Christmas Tree Farm in Alleghany County. A fresh wreath that is cared for properly will be a joy to its owners for a month or more. It is not only beautiful, but its fragrance is amazing!

The wreaths are stored to maintain freshness and delivered to you as soon as possible! Wreaths will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, November 29 at the Agricultural Center (2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC) from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. To order, contact a local 4-H club member or call the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office at 704-216-8970. The cost of each wreath is $20, and you must order your wreath by Thursday, November 17, 2011. Support Rowan County 4-H youth by purchasing a beautiful Fraser Fir wreath or Boxwood wreath today!

Unwanted Horse Program

2011-10-25T16:47:00.001-04:00

Rowan County Cooperative Extension and the East Equine Explorers 4-H Club would like to invite anyone interested in learning more about the unwanted horse to a special dinner meeting on Thursday, November 3 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Agricultural Center, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury. Dr. Wynne A. DiGrassie, DVM, will give our after dinner presentation on “The Unwanted Horse.”

Dr. DiGrassie is a volunteer speaker for the Unwanted Horse Coalition, as well as a full time equine veterinarian. The Unwanted Horse Coalition was formed to raise awareness of the plight of the unwanted horse and the coalition strives to educate the horse industry to “Own Responsibly.”

DiGrassie and her husband founded Mountain View Equine Hospital in northern Virginia in 2003. She grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and completed her DVM from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds an advanced degree in reproduction and neonatal medicine. Dr. DiGrassie enjoys the outdoors and also competing in hunter/jumper events and dressage.

If you plan to attend the Unwanted Horse Program, you must call 704-216-8970 or email Sara Drake by October 27.

4-H Volunteers – Supporting a Revolution

2011-10-04T10:13:00.002-04:00

By: Mitzi Downing

In North Carolina, more than 21,000 volunteers help deliver the 4-H Youth Development Program to youth. The program gives volunteers the opportunity to serve based upon their interests, skills and time. This, coupled with the needs and interests of youth in the local community, makes the perfect match for fostering a positive relationship among youth and adults.

4-H Volunteers play a vital role in the ongoing growth and development of the 4-H Youth Development Program. They build a special relationship with youth, guiding project learning experiences and offering youth with opportunities to learn and serve their community. Volunteers also serve in a coaching and mentor role for youth, helping build confidence among youth and foster positive youth development. 4-H volunteers help youth achieve their personal goals and motivate them to continue participating in and learning from the various opportunities provided through the program.

The relationships built among adult volunteers and youth have lasting effects. As Retired General Colin Powell stated, “When adults take time to help young people through 4-H, they exert an enormous, positive influence on the lives of youth.” From 4-H experiences led by volunteers, youth gain important leadership, citizenship and life skills that can be applied to daily living, used in their community, in future jobs or when they continue their education. Although it may be years before a youth realizes and truly appreciates the influence of the 4-H volunteers that served as positive adult role models, one can be certain that volunteers are truly making a difference.

The North Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program is a vital part of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at NC State University and NC A&T State University. More than 218,000 youth between the ages of 5 and 19 participate annually in the youth development program.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H, or would like to be a 4-H volunteer, contact the Rowan County Extension Office at 704-216-8970 or visit the North Carolina 4-H Youth Development website at: nc4h.org.

Rowan County 4-H Now Taking Order for Fall Plant Sale

2011-10-03T10:03:00.002-04:00

Rowan County 4-H is now taking orders for their annual Fall Plant Sale. Varieties available include: raspberries – Nova; blueberries – Brightwell, Climax and Premier; blackberries – Apache and Arapaho; muscadines – Cowart and Triumph and figs –Brown Turkey and Celeste. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, muscadines and figs are in one-gallon containers and are well adapted to the piedmont growing conditions. The cost for each plant is $9 each or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered.

Nova raspberries are early ripening red berries that are medium to large in size. The berries have good flavor, are slightly tart and are perfect for jams and preserves. Nova raspberries are noted for winter hardiness, is heat tolerant and has good disease resistance.

When planting blueberries, it is recommended to plant at least two varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Varieties available include Brightwell, Climax and Premier. Brightwell blueberries ripen mid-season over a long period. It is very productive with large fruit and excellent quality. Growth is vigorous and upright. Climax blueberries ripen early over a short period and produce a medium size berry with a sweet flavor. The growth is upright with an open spreading crown. Premier blueberries are large in size with excellent flavor. They ripen early to mid season and are light blue in color. Plants are upright with good foliage.

Both blackberry plants are a thornless variety and are erect growing plants. The Apache produces large fruit with good flavor and typically ripens over a five week period. The Arapaho is an early ripening blackberry with a firm, medium fruit. It typically ripens over a four week period.

Cowart muscadines produce large black fruit in large clusters with good flavor. They are good for eating, making juice, jelly and wine. Cowart ripens early to mid season and is disease resistant, vigorous and productive. The Triumph muscadine has large, thin skinned, greenish-bronze fruit with high sugar content. The plants are winter hardy and productive. The fruit ripens early to mid season and are good for eating and making wine.

The Brown Turkey fig, which bears twice a year, has a copper-brown skin with the flesh turning from various shades of amber to pink. The Celeste fig produces fruit that is small to medium in size with a light brown to violet skin and a whitish-pink color flesh. It contains very few seeds and ripens early summer.

If you would like to help support the Rowan County 4-H program, please call the Extension Office at 704-216-8970 to place your order today! Orders must be received by October 26, 2011.

Youth: Joining the Revolution of Responsibility

2011-09-30T09:57:00.004-04:00

For more than 100 years, the 4-H Program of North Carolina has been engaging youth in programs that help develop skills for a lifetime. These skills range from communication to community service and from goal setting to leadership. Regardless of the skill learned, the benefits gathered from a young person participating in the 4-H Program are priceless.

The 4-H is the largest youth development program in the nation, serving more than 6.5 million youth annually. Administered by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at NC State University and NC A&T State University, 4-H serves youth in all 100 counties in the state plus the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians through a network of 100 County Extension Offices. 4-H is managed jointly by both a professional and volunteer staff. North Carolina 4-H, one of the leading 4-H programs in the country, has more than 218,000 youth participants and more than 21,000 volunteers working together to deliver the more than 100 projects, opportunities, and events offered annually through the program.

4-H is unique in that it offers experiences to the most urban young person and youth in rural areas by providing the opportunity to participate in community 4-H clubs, K-12 outreach programs (delivered in school classrooms), day and overnight camps, and other special interest opportunities. North Carolina 4-H serves the sons and daughhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifters of our military personnel through the 4-H Military Program located throughout the state, primarily on military bases.

Youth members can participate in a variety of projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, healthy living, citizenship and leadership. Beyond the excitement of learning something new through a project, youth have the opportunity to participate in citizenship and leadership conferences, travel the state, become involved in their community through service, and meet new friends in a safe and comfortable setting.

4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing Revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measureable difference right where they live.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H, or have a family member wanting to join 4-H, contact the Rowan County Extension Office at 704-216-8970 or

National Youth Science Day Experiment

2011-09-23T16:16:00.001-04:00

During National 4-H Week, millions of young people across the nation will become scientists during the fourth annual 4-H National Youth Science Experiment. In this year’s experiment, Wired for Wind, youth will discover how to build and test their own versions of renewable energy technologies.

Renewable energy is energy, which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, and is naturally replenished.

We use energy to power and heat our homes, transport food and goods, and in almost every tool. We use energy in many forms: heat to maintain comfort, fuels in transportation, and electricity for devices, lights, heating, cooking, manufacturing, and recreation. The energy needed to power these devices can be very costly to our environment and often cannot be infinitely reproduced.

Developing forms of renewable energy means that we strive to harness energy sources that are constantly replenished and will never run out as we work to meet the needs of individuals, communities and businesses. In the 2011 National Science Experiment, Wired for Wind, we focus on examining the technologies that make these renewable energies possible.

Join Rowan County 4-H on Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury as we become “Wired for Wind” and participate in the National Youth Science Experiment. You must call 704-216-8970 to register by Friday, September 30.

R.A.C.E. 4-H Open Horse Show

2011-09-13T09:49:00.002-04:00

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H clubs will host the final open horse show of the season on Saturday, October 15, at Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. This show is open to all equestrians and spectators. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with the show beginning promptly at 9 a.m. Entry fees are $5 per class or $45 for 10 or more classes. Current negative Coggins is required for each horse on the grounds. Admission for spectators is free and food and drink concessions will be available.

There are 58 classes which include English, Western, Gaited, games, trail and a costume class. Classes are open to novice riders who are in their first year of showing (with fewer than 5 ribbons), junior (ages 12 years and younger), senior (ages 13-18) and adult (ages over 18). Daily champion and reserve champion are awarded in each of the three divisions (English, Western and Gaited). The show will begin with English classes at 9 a.m. and the Western and Gaited classes will begin at approximately 12 p.m.

ALL riders under 18 years of age will be required to properly wear protective headgear that meets or surpasses ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards while mounted. It is the responsibility of the rider and the parent or guardian of the rider to confirm that the headgear worn by the rider complies with safety standards set forth above; is properly fitted, fastened and worn; and is in such a condition that it would protect the rider in the case of an accident. The 4-H Horse Program and the show committee, officials, judges, extension personnel and volunteers associated with the 4-H Horse Program are not responsible for checking headgear worn by riders for compliance with this rule.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Download official rules and a class list here.

Download an entry form here.

The 4-H horse program encourages youth to develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. Appreciation is also developed for horseback riding as a healthy form of recreation. Good sportsmanship is taught through a friendly, competitive atmosphere.

2011-08-25T11:17:00.002-04:00

The Rowan County Fair is right around the corner. With the fair, comes the 4-H Junior Dog Show. For those youth competitors who are interested in participating, Lynn Meeks of the Salisbury Kennel Club will hold a dog showmanship and training class. This class is open to youth, ages 5 to 19. This year, we will offer two sessions to be held on Tuesday, September 13 and Tuesday, September 20 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Salisbury Kennel Club, 4208 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC. You can attend one or both workshops.

At these clinics, youth will work on handling their dog as well as learn some aspects of showmanship to prepare their animal for the annual 4-H Junior Dog Show at the Rowan County Fair. Space is limited to 20 youth and dogs for these clincis. Please call 704-216-8970 by Friday, September 9, to register for one or both of these clinics. All youth are to bring their dogs, record of vaccination and meet at the Salisbury Kennel Club. Bring your dog’s collar, leash, a bowl for water, bags for clean-up and a crate.

The 4-H Junior Dog Show is a fun and educational experience that focuses on the youth and their ability to relate with their dogs. This year the show, which is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19, will be held on Thursday, September 22, at 6 p.m. at the Rowan County Fairgrounds. Check-in will begin at 5:15 p.m. All participants must be registered by 5:45 p.m.

All dogs must have their vaccinations for distemper, parvo and rabies and must be a minimum of 4 months old. Proof will be required. Dogs do not have to be purebred, but they do need to be well behaved and on a leash for the show.

There are many classes available including: hound, sporting, non-sporting, working, terrier, toy, herding, miscellaneous, puppy, cloverbud, senior citizen dog, trick and talent.

Meeks will be the judge of the 4-H Junior Dog Show. She will be looking for several key areas including showmanship, the relationship between the youth and the dog, eye contact and awareness of the judge and grooming of the dog. The dog should be washed, clean and well cared for. The judge will ask simple questions to http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthe exhibitors to test their knowledge of the dog.
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Unlike other competitive shows, based on pedigree and breed characteristics, the 4-H Junior Dog Show is an enriching, fun experience for all members of the family, including the dog. Please come out and support our youth by watching the exciting and entertaining 4-H Junior Dog Show.

To register for the 4-H Junior Dog show, youth need to complete an entry form.

For more information concerning the 4-H Junior Dog Show or the North Carolina 4-H program, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970.

Exploring the Treasures of 4-H

2011-08-04T12:34:00.002-04:00

“Exploring the Treasures of 4-H” is open to youth in second through fourth grades, and their parents, who are either new to 4-H or want to learn more! The dates of the workshop are September 6, 12, 13, 26, 27 and October 3. It will be held from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. each night at the Agricultural Center, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury. The cost for the workshop is $10. Space is limited and you must register by calling 704-216-8970 by Friday, August 26.

During the six-week session, youth will explore 4-H, their interests, their community and what 4-H has to offer by participating in hands-on activities. Current 4-H members, leaders and parents will share their experiences with 4-H as well.

4-H knows your family is important to you. We encourage family involvement in 4-H. It is not just a youth organization, it's a family organization. For more information concerning the North Carolina 4-H program, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970.

4-H Horse Camp

2011-07-26T11:55:00.002-04:00

It was another hot summer week at Millstone 4-H Horsemanship Camp and camp activities went smoothly and on schedule - thanks to Jessica Hicks (Extension Horse Technician & Coordinator, NC State University), her team of volunteer adult and junior leaders and a great group of campers. Approximately ninety 4-H members and horses attended from all over North Carolina.

In addition to more than two hours of riding instruction each day, campers were solely responsible for caring for their own horses & stalls. Riding instruction included Western (beginner to advanced), Hunt Seat (beginner & intermediate) and Dressage. When not taking a lesson, campers attended a variety of equine education demonstrations including basic handling, showmanship and horse shoeing for examples. Campers also participated in dining hall duties and general camp clean up. Fun time included swimming, archery, a high ropes course and canoeing. The Millstone staff took excellent care of our campers and once again, the dining hall staff managed to whip up three tasty meals each day. Everyone worked hard and played hard too!

Although there were quite a few new campers and volunteers, it was great to see so many returning from the previous years. One instructor hasn't missed a summer at Millstone in 12 years, she started as a camper at age 10. It is our hope that the 4-H program will continue to be amply funded to insure that programs like this one will continue to be available for our youth. Until next year... Hope to see you and your horse there!

The Rowan County 4-H members and adults who participated in the 2011 4-H Horsemanship Camp held at Millstone Camp in Ellerbee from June 19-25 were Sherry Wilson Boyd, Hannah Cargill, Sophie Anderson, Erin Christner and Dana Christner.

By: Sherry Wilson Boyd

Farmer's Market Food Show

2011-07-22T15:36:00.006-04:00

The Farmer’s Market Food Show was held Saturday, July 16 with five youth participating. The Food Show provides the opportunity to learn about nutrition and exhibiting food. In addition, this event allowed for youth to explore fresh, local foods purchased at local farmer markets or grown in their own gardens.

In the Cloverbud division, Sidney Seaford earned a green participation ribbon for her dessert. In the Junior Vegetable category, Michaela Patterson and Micah Furr both earned blue ribbons and tied for the overall winning dish. Savanah Hipp received a blue ribbon and overall champion in the Senior Dessert category. In the Senior Vegetable Category, Alex Hipp received a blue ribbon and overall champion.

A special thanks to the Salisbury Farmer’s Market for sponsoring the event and to our judges, Laura Vella and Penny Collins!

Time to Vote - 4-H Banner Design Contest

2011-07-21T16:27:00.008-04:00

Help us choose a banner! Vote for your favorite here, email Sara or call 704-216-8970. Voting ends September 1.

The choices are:

Youth Earn Ewes through the Youth Conservationist Program

2011-07-20T10:32:00.004-04:00

Matthew and William Jones have a strong interest in agriculture and livestock. While participating in a 4-H livestock clinic in 2010, they learned of the Youth Conservationist Program (YCP). The YCP strives to arouse interest in heritage wool sheep breeds, while teaching conservation practices. The program began in 1998 and has continued to grow to include seventeen heritage sheep breeds.

Youth who are interested in receiving a ewe must complete an application, which includes a personal essay and a letter of recommendation. If selected, youth must be present at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival to receive their ewe. Other requirements that must be met include exhibiting the ewe at least twice (at a county fair and the state fair), breeding the ewe to a registered ram, either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a woolen item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver and complete a final report and scrapbook to the donor breeder.

After completing the application and agreeing to all requirements, Matthew and William Jones assumed ownership of their ewes this May. Matthew received a Tunis ewe lamb from NBS Farms in Ohio. William received a Scottish Blackface ewe from Braebrun Farms in Virginia.

While visiting with the Jones’, Matthew was excited to show me the wool from his ewe, Caramel, and explained how they had hand-sheared the ewes. He wants to have the wool spun into yarn so he can knit. William believes that he will felt the wool from his ewe, Splash and make a rug. These are skills they learned last summer during Rowan County Cooperative Extension’s Summer Fun Knit One, Purl Two class.

William is enjoying this experience because he is learning about his new heritage breed sheep and how to care for it. Both William and Matthew feel that they are doing a small part to help preserve their particular breeds and increase awareness of them.

Matthew and William Jones will be exhibiting their ewes at the Rowan County Fair in September. The ewes will be in full wool at the show, so they will be easy to pick out. Feel free to stop by the livestock barn to meet Caramel and Splash and find out more about the Youth Conservationist Program.

Farm to Table Week Provides Many Activiites for Youth

2011-07-20T10:28:00.004-04:00

Each summer, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension office in Rowan County offers a variety of classes, workshops and tours through the 4-H Summer Fun Program. Youth in third through sixth grades learned how agriculture impacts their daily life through the Farm to Table day camp. Farm to Table was held June 27 through July 1. Each day brought a different experience.

On Monday, participants created a pizza garden with tomato, basil and oregano plants in a container garden to take home. We discussed how each part of the pizza comes from a different agricultural product. In the afternoon, Family and Consumer Science Agent Toi Degree helped them make their own pizza, using the fresh herbs from our garden. Youth made home grown play dough and played play dough pictionary to wrap up the day.

Tuesday was designated as our “Grower’s Day,” where youth visited local farms to see vegetables in production. We visited Patterson Farm, Inc. and Correll Farms to learn about local produce and animals. County Extension Director Darrell Blackwelder shared his knowledge with the group while we toured the fields.

The “Market Day” began with a visit to the Salisbury Farmer’s Market where youth visited with the vendors and made some purchases of their own. They also worked in teams to complete a Farmer’s Market Scavenger Hunt. We then traveled to a Pinetop Farm, a local blueberry and Christmas tree farm, to pick blueberries. After picking the blueberries, we returned to the Extension Office to make blueberry muffins with Toi Degree. That afternoon, the group was able to tour Harris Teeter. While there, youth learned more about the produce, meat and bakery departments.

Thursday was spent at North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Piedmont Research Station. While there, youth were able to watch the dairy cows being milked and tour the fields of corn, other small grains and horticulture crops. Brad Johnson, Livestock and Dairy Agent, and Scott Tilley, Field Crop Agent, led the tour.

Following the tour, youth were able to taste test various dairy products ranging from goat cheese to chocolate milk. Upon returning to the office, we were able to make ice cream in a bag.

The final day, youth competed in an Ag. Olympics and made their own Farm to Table lunch, completed with grilled hamburgers, grilled corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, fruit and yogurt parfaits and zucchini strudel for dessert. During the afternoon, we made our own butter and whipped cream, had a taste test of lamb and different cuts of beef and tried our hand at dairy quiz bowl, buzzing in to answer dairy-related questions.

4-H Speak Up Offers Youth Opportunity to Practice Public Speaking Skills

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-04:00

A frequent fear in adults is giving a speech in front of a group of people. One way that North Carolina Cooperative Extension helps youth practice this skill is participation in 4-H public speaking and presentation competitions held at the county, district and state levels. To help prepare youth for these competitions, twenty youth recently completed a six week 4-H Speak Up program.

The 4-H Speak Up program provides communication, presentation and self confidence skills for young people. During the first four weeks, led by Cheryl Kane from Barton & Kane Consolidated, participants learn the parts of a speech, communication styles, how to organize a speech and types of speeches. Each week, youth prepared and delivered a speech.

The final two weeks, led by the 4-H Extension Agent, focused on the 4-H presentation competition. There are two main types of 4-H presentations: demonstration – where the 4-H member shows the audience how to do or make something and an illustrated talk – where the 4-H member uses visuals to tell a story. There are three competitive age divisions, 9-10 year olds, 11-13 year olds and 14-18 year olds. Youth ages 5-8 are allowed to participate on the county and district levels on a non-competitive basis.

There are 35 presentation categories for youth to compete. County level competition was held on Tuesday, May 3. Participating in the Cloverbud category were Ashley Drye and Laura Nettles. In the 9-10 year old open class category, Lacie Rummage received a blue ribbon. In the 9-10 year old science and technology category, Logan Williams received a blue ribbon. In the 11-13 year old expressive arts and communication category, Micah Furr received a blue ribbon and McKenzie Upright received a red ribbon. Lindsey Cox won a blue ribbon in the 11-13 year old open class category.

In addition to presentations, the 4-H Entertains Talent Showcase was also held. The 4-H Entertains program is a showcase of talent. 4-H’ers perform in front of judges who critique their performance. Micah Furr entertained the crowd with a flute solo and received a blue ribbon.

County winners in each age division and category will advance to district competition. District competition will be held in Davie County on June 22.

For more information concerning the 4-H Presentation or Public Speaking competitions or the North Carolina 4-H program, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970.

2011-04-20T14:09:00.000-04:00

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H clubs will host the first of two open horse shows of the season on Saturday, May 7, at Ellis Park Event Center, 2054 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. This show is open to all equestrians and spectators. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with the show beginning promptly at 9 a.m. Entry fees are $5 per class or $45 for 10 or more classes. Current negative Coggins is required for each horse on the grounds. Admission for spectators is free and food and drink concessions will be available.

There are 56 classes which include English, Western, Gaited, games and a trail class. Classes are open to novice riders who are in their first year of showing (with fewer than 5 ribbons), junior (ages 12 years and younger), senior (ages 13-18) and adult (ages over 18). Daily champion and reserve champion are awarded in each of the three divisions (English, Western and Gaited). The show will begin with English classes at 9 a.m. and the Western and Gaited classes will begin at approximately 12 p.m.

ALL riders under 18 years of age will be required to properly wear protective headgear that meets or surpasses ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards while mounted. It is the responsibility of the rider and the parent or guardian of the rider to confirm that the headgear worn by the rider complies with safety standards set forth above; is properly fitted, fastened and worn; and is in such a condition that it would protect the rider in the case of an accident. The 4-H Horse Program and the show committee, officials, judges, extension personnel and volunteers associated with the 4-H Horse Program are not responsible for checking headgear worn by riders for compliance with this rule.

Click here for official rules, a class list and entry form or more information, or contact the Extension Office at 704-216-8970.

The 4-H horse program encourages youth to develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. Appreciation is also developed for horseback riding as a healthy form of recreation. Good sportsmanship is taught through a friendly, competitive atmosphere.

Hidden Heroes Training

2011-03-14T10:30:00.003-04:00

What is Hidden Heroes?

In short, Hidden Heroes is a program to help teach our community how we can help the military
families in our community.

The intent of Hidden Heroes training is to increase ordinary citizens’ understanding of the unique issues facing military youth and assist them in creating state and local Operation Military Kids support networks. School personnel, youth‐serving agency staff, and civic groups may find Hidden Heroes training especially beneficial. As part of the training, you will receive a resource materials training toolkit designed to educate youth workers, educators, counselors, and other community service agencies on military culture, deployment cycle, fostering resilience in kids, influence of the media, and building community capacity.

Number of youth left behind after a parent was deployed:
• Surry County: 147
• Yadkin County: 59
• Rowan County: 335
• Davidson County: 284
• Forsyth County: 786
• Iredell County: 390

Contact Sara Drake, Rowan County Cooperative Extension at (704) 216‐8970 to register by April 27.

Rowan County 4-H Junior Team Win State Horse Quiz Bowl

2011-03-10T11:51:00.004-05:00

Rowan County 4-H’s Junior Team placed first in the West Central District 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, which qualified them for state level competition. Two teams from each of the six Extension districts gathered at North Carolina A&T State University on Saturday, March 5 for the North Carolina 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology Contests. Rowan County won the junior level competition. The team, coached by Dr. Ann Furr, consisted of members Hannah Barringer, Luke Barringer, Erin Christner, Micah Furr and Noah Reid. Micah Furr was reserve high point individual in the horse bowl competition and Erin Christner placed sixth in individual high point honors.

This contest allows 4-H members to use their knowledge of horses and related subject matter to compete on a four-member team. They display their knowledge in a competitive and friendly atmosphere. Teams are divided according to age into three categories: junior, mixed (with both junior and senior members) and senior.

To qualify to attend district level quiz bowl competition, each team must compose and submit 35 questions. The questions must be obtained from resources on an approved reference list for quiz bowl and must include the reference book and page number for each question. Each question must contain a key word that describes the question. Questions submitted can be about the NC 4-H program, evolution and zoological scheme, equine reproduction, equine genetics, light horse breeds, pony breeds, horse markings skeletal system, teeth, showmanship and halter, and conformation. They can also include fitting and grooming of horses, gaits of the horse, training, external parts of the horse, safety, diseases, housing and environment, tack, and much more.

The North Carolina 4-H Hippology Contest was also held that day. Hippology means the study of the horse. In this contest, youth blend their knowledge and skills acquired in horse judging, quiz bowl, public speaking, presentations and showing to answers questions during a two hour written exam. Participating in this contest allows youth to compete for the Junior and Senior Horseman of the Year Awards. Rowan County placed third overall in the contest and Christner and Furr were in the top ten individuals in the contest.

To prepare for the quiz bowl and hippology contests, youth spend hours of studying on their own as well as practicing as a whole group.

All youth on the Rowan County 4-H Junior team are members of the East Equine Explorers 4-H Club. The club organized in May 2009 and is currently under the leadership of Ann Furr, with assistance from many parents and local businesses.

Rowan County 4-H Junior Team Takes First in District Horse Bowl Competition

2011-02-17T16:44:00.005-05:00

The West Central District 4-H Horse Bowl Contest was held Saturday, February 12 at the Iredell County Extension Office. This contest allows 4-H members to use their knowledge of horses and related subject matter to compete on a four-member team. They display their knowledge in a competitive and friendly atmosphere. Teams are divided according to age into three categories: junior, mixed (with both junior and senior members) and senior. In the Junior Division, Rowan County placed 1st, Burke County – 2nd, Lincoln County – 3rd and Alexander County – 4th. In the Mixed Division, Catawba County placed 1st, Alexander County – 2nd, Burke County 3rd and Alleghany County – 4th. In Individual High Points scoring, Micah Furr placed 1st among junior level participants.

The members of the Rowan County 4-H junior team were Hannah Barringer, Luke Barringer, Erin Christner, Micah Furr and Noah Reid. The team was coached by 4-H leader Ann Furr. Alyssa Hudson-Tolles, Rowan County 4-H volunteer, also attended the event to assist with the competition. Each county was required to send one volunteer.

The team will now compete in the North Carolina 4-H State Horse Bowl Contest against winning teams from each of the six Extension districts. Two teams from each district are invited to compete. The NC 4-H State Horse Bowl will be held March 5 at NC A&T State University.

Blackberry Plants Available During Spring Plant Sale

2011-02-10T10:35:00.002-05:00

The Rowan County 4-H Program is selling raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, muscadine and fig plants to support the county’s youth program. So what do you do with these plants once you get them home? Listed below is information to successfully grow blackberry plants in this area.

The variety of blackberry plants for sale are well adapted to grow in our climate. Blackberries are divided into classes by their growth habitat and are described as trailing, semi-trailing or erect. The trailing varieties are thorny and the semi-trailing varieties are thornless, and the erect varieties may be either. Generally the erect varieties are more cold hardy than the trailing or semi-trailing varieties. Erect varieties also fruit about a month earlier than other varieties.

The blackberry plant varieties offered for sale are Apache, a thornless, erect-growing variety with a high yield of fruit. Apache plants produce large fruit with good flavor. The second variety available is Arapaho, which is also a thornless, erect-growing plant. The plant produces medium fruit with good flavor.

It is important to understand the growth cycle before you begin growing your plants. Blackberries have crowns that produce biennial shoots (live for two years then they die). During the first year they are called primocanes and also develop flower buds. The second year the shoots are called floricanes, which produce flowers that mature into fruit. After they produce fruit they will die and should be removed.

When planting, carefully spread the roots and place the crown about 2 inches below the soil. If there is an extra cane attached, prune that back to 6 inches. Plant root cutting horizontal and cover 4-6 inches deep in sandy soil and 3-4 inches deep in clay soils. You can fertilize when growth starts in the spring and again after the harvest. A complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is recommended.

During the first year or two of growth apply the fertilizer in a 12-inch circle around the plant. Older plants can be fertilized down the row. Mulching will aid in water retention and weed control. Use a mulch of your choice.

Blackberries are drought-hardy, but should be watered more during the harvest season. They should receive a minimum of one inch of water per week. You will know the blackberries are ripe when they begin to lose their shine and turn dull.

Erect varieties do not need support if the primocanes are pruned during the summer to keep the canes from growing more than 3-4 feet in height. Train unpruned erect varieties to a one-wire trellis. When the new shoots are 30-36 inches tall cut the tips off to promote branching. After the harvest remove all floricanes and continue to tip primocanes. During the winter, prune the laterals 12-14 inches for easier harvesting and larger berries.

If you would like to place an order for raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, muscadine or fig plants you may do so by calling 704-216-8970 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline to order is February 23. The cost for each plant is $9 or $8 each if five or more of the same variety are ordered.

Berry Plants Now on Sale

2011-01-07T16:42:00.006-05:00

Rowan County 4-H is now taking orders for their annual Spring Plant Sale. Varieties available include: raspberries – Nova; blueberries – Brightwell, Climax and Premier; blackberries – Apache and Arapaho; muscadines – Cowart and Triumph and figs –Celeste. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, muscadines and figs are in one-gallon containers and are well adapted to the piedmont growing conditions. The cost for each plant is $9 each or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered.

Nova raspberries are early ripening red berries that are medium to large in size. The berries have good flavor, are slightly tart and are perfect for jams and preserves. Nova raspberries are noted for winter hardiness, is heat tolerant and has good disease resistance.

When planting blueberries, it is recommended to plant at least two varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Varieties available include Brightwell, Climax and Premier. Brightwell blueberries ripen mid-season over a long period. It is very productive with large fruit and excellent quality. Growth is vigorous and upright. Climax blueberries ripen early over a short period and produce a medium size berry with a sweet flavor. The growth is upright with an open spreading crown. Premier blueberries are large in size with excellent flavor. They ripen early to mid season and are light blue in color. Plants are upright with good foliage.

Both blackberry plants are a thornless variety and are erect growing plants. The Apache produces large fruit with good flavor and typically ripens over a five week period. The Arapaho is an early ripening blackberry with a firm, medium fruit. It typically ripens over a four week period.

Cowart muscadines produce large black fruit in large clusters with good flavor. They are good for eating, making juice, jelly and wine. Cowart ripens early to mid season and is disease resistant, vigorous and productive. The Triumph muscadine has large, thin skinned, greenish-bronze fruit with high sugar content. The plants are winter hardy and productive. The fruit ripens early to mid season and are good for eating and making wine.

The Celeste fig produces fruit that is small to medium in size with a light brown to violet skin and a whitish-pink color flesh. It contains very few seeds and ripens early summer.

If you would like to help support the Rowan County 4-H program, please call the Extension Office at 704-216-8970 to place your order today! Orders must be received by February 23, 2011.

Download the brochure here.

Vote for your Favorite 4-H T-Shirt Design

2010-12-09T19:17:00.008-05:00

Rowan County 4-H held a t-shirt design contest and the top designs are here for you to vote on. Help us choose the winning design by voting in the poll to the left. Click on each image to see a larger photo.

Design A:

Design B:

Design C:

Design D:

Design E:

Design F:

4-H Food Show was a Success!

2010-12-09T12:32:00.002-05:00

The fourth annual 4-H Food Show was held Saturday, December 4. The 4-H Food Show provides youth with the opportunity to learn about nutrition and exhibiting food. Youth could enter one of four food categories: snack, dessert, main dish or salad/soup/appetizer. This year’s contest had a twist, as all entries had to have a holiday theme. Youth could choose any holiday they wanted. Participants arrived at the competition with their entry fully prepared, their recipe and a table setting appropriate for their dish. They then exhibited the item, served the judges a sample and answered related nutrition questions about their entry. The judge for the event was Katie Powlas, Family and Consumer Science teacher at East Rowan High School. Sixteen youth participated in the event.

In the Cloverbud division, ages 5-8, all youth earned a certificate, green ribbon and a five dollar gift certificate to the 4-H Mall. Ashley Drye, Laura Nettles and Nicholas and Hailey Ziegelhofer entered the dessert category.

The Junior Division, ages 9-13, and the Senior Division, ages 14-18, were judged by the Danish system of judging. In the Danish system, each entry is judged for its own merit and compared to a standard rather than the other entries in the class. All youth earned a certificate, ribbon and a five dollar gift certificate to the 4-H Mall. An overall winner was selected for each food category. Each overall winner received a purple ribbon and a ten dollar gift certificate to the 4-H Mall.

The junior dessert category had the most competition with Lindsey Cox earning the overall junior dessert award. Others in the junior dessert category were Hannah Barringer-blue ribbon, Sarah Copeland-blue ribbon, Nathaly Diaz-blue ribbon and Krystal Diehl-blue ribbon.

Micah Furr won the overall junior main dish award. Shaquela Still and Holly Wallace both won blue ribbons in the junior main dish category. In the Salad/Soup/Appetizer category, Michaela Patterson earned the overall junior award.

In the senior level competitions, the team of Kelsey Diehl and Shannon Wright won the dessert competition and Carol Nettles received a blue ribbon.

For more information about how you and your child can become involved in 4-H or how to become a 4-H volunteer in Rowan County, contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center at 704-216-8970.

One Week Left to Order your Plants!

2010-10-22T11:13:00.001-04:00

The Rowan County 4-H Program is selling blueberry, blackberry, muscadine, raspberry and fig plants to support their activities during the year. Varieties of blueberries available include Brightwell, Climax and Premier. It is recommended that two or more varieties be planted together to assure higher yields and better quality fruit from cross-pollination.

The blueberries are Southern varieties, developed for our growing environment. You should plant your blueberries approximately 3 to 6 feet apart. The closer you plant them, the higher density of a hedge you will have. Water your plants regularly and keep the roots moist. Only use fertilizer with small amounts of nitrogen, such as ones formulated for use on azaleas and rhododendrons. The ripening season is from mid-June through July. Blueberry plants are well adapted to full sun or full shade; however with more sun you will have higher fruit yields.

The Brightwell blueberry ripens mid-season over a long period. It has large fruit. The growth is vigorous and upright and the plants are very productive. The Climax blueberry ripens over a short period and has medium size berries. The growth is upright with an open, spreading crown. The Premier blueberry ripens early to mid-season. It has large fruit that is light blue in color. Plants are upright with good foliage and are highly productive.

Whether you order blueberries, blackberries, muscadines, raspberries or figs, you will enjoy the sweet yields for many years to come. When you receive your orders, you will also receive a brochure for further information on caring for your plants. Cost for the plants are $9 each, or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered. To order plants, please call the Rowan County Cooperative Extension office at 704-216-8970 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to place your order is Thursday, October 28. Not only will these plants beautify your landscape, your purchase helps support the 4-H program and the youth who are striving to make the best better.

Southern Regional Horse Show

2010-10-01T16:39:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships Horse Show was held July 28 through August 1 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Clemson, South Carolina. Fifty riders from each state can qualify to attend the regional horse show. Over 500 horses and riders from 14 states attended the all-breed/discipline competition.

To attend the regional competition, 4-H members had to qualify at both district and state level competitions. Meeting this challenge were Rowan County 4-H members Micah Furr and Heather Williams. Micah brought home the Reserve Championship for pleasure nontrotting and a 4th place ribbon in conformation with her Paso Fino mare, Castile Centellas. Micah is a member and current secretary of the East Equine Explorer 4-H Club.

In addition to the horse show, the event provides an opportunity for 4-H’ers to compete in events such as Horse Judging, Hippology, Quiz Bowl, Individual and Team Demonstrations and Public Speaking. The North Carolina 4-H Horse Program swept the Hippology contest, with Crosby Reed, Faith Fulbright, Ruthy Vorder-Brugge and Michelle Reichl representing four out of the top ten high individuals, and the North Carolina 4-H Hippology Teams ranking 1st and 2nd overall. In the Horse Judging contest, the NC 4-H Horse Program had two teams that placed 2nd and 3rd overall, and Maddie Malson, Cayla Nugent, Elizabeth Rhodes were three of the top ten high individuals. Additionally, the two North Carolina Horse Bowl Teams placed 1st and 2nd overall, with five 4-H’ers (Ruthy Vorder-Brugge, Eric Wright, Elizabeth Rhodes, Allie Riddell and Rhonda Armstrong) placing in the top ten high individuals. Alexis Briley and Margo Lee placed 2nd and 5th, respectively, in the Individual Presentation Contest while the team composed of Sara Sager and Hallie Kiser placed 2nd overall in the Team Demonstration contest with the team composed of Hannah Lewis and Cierra Tomaso placing 7th. Additionally, Megan Downs and Carson Kay placed 8th and 9th, respectively in the Public Speaking Contest.

The purposes of the 4-H Horse program are to encourage 4-H members: to develop leadership abilities, build character, and assume citizenship responsibilities; to experience the pride of owning a horse or pony and be responsible for its management; and to develop an appreciation of horse-back riding as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation. It also strives to help youth learn skills in horsemanship and an understanding of the business of breeding, raising and training horses; to increase knowledge of safety precautions needed to prevent injury to yourself, others, and their mounts; and to promote greater love for animals and a humane attitude toward them. It also helps 4-H members to be better prepared for citizenship responsibilities by working in groups and supporting community horse projects and activities; teaches good sportsmanship through a friendly, competitive atmosphere and promotes future horse industry development and expansion.

4-H: Hungry To Help

2010-10-01T15:50:00.001-04:00

We’ve all heard the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, it’s true – nutritious food is good medicine. Food is one of our most basic needs. Along with oxygen, water, and shelter, it is necessary for human survival. In a nation as affluent as the United States, no child should go hungry. Yet everyday hunger disrupts the lives of 1 in 5 children in North Carolina.

Hunger is a problem hiding “in plain sight” in North Carolina. Whether it involves skipping meals, eating less than is needed to live a healthy life, or making do with foods that are filling but not nutritious, hunger’s effects can be devastating, especially among our more vulnerable citizens, including children and older adults.

According to an analysis by Feeding America, a hunger relief organization with which the food banks are affiliated, North Carolina ranks as the second-worst state in the nation when it comes to children under 5 lacking regular access to nutritious food and as 10th-worst for children of all ages.

In May 2009, Feeding America released the results of its first analysis of food insecurity in early childhood, “Child Food Insecurity in the United States: 2005 - 2007.” North Carolina ranked second worst in the nation with 24.1 percent of its children under 5 judged to be food insecure and lacking regular access to nutritional food. The state was 10th worst in the same Feeding America study of food insecurity in children 0-18 years old. Both studies used figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nationally, the food insecurity average is 17 percent for children under 5.

To combat hunger the NC 4-H Youth Development program and the Food Banks of North Carolina, all of which are affiliates of Feeding AmericaTM our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, have teamed up to promote awareness of hunger in North Carolina and to make an impact in local communities through a new hunger awareness initiative entitled “Hungry to Help.”

According to Dr. Marshall Stewart, State 4-H Leader, “Exciting plans are underway to prepare 4-H’ers, 4-H volunteers and alumni to host a variety of hunger awareness programs, can food drives (virtual and real) and sponsor hunger related volunteer efforts in their local communities. Extension offices across the state will become “drop-off” locations for can food collections and the entire Extension family is gearing up to prepare participants to be citizen leaders for hunger relief.”

One of the initiative’s short-term goals is for 4-H’ers in all 100 North Carolina counties to conduct canned food drives during national 4-H week, the first week in October. 4-H recognizes that knowledge and understanding are powerful tools in the battle to end hunger, and that food insecurity undermines our nation’s investments in education and health care.

Rowan County 4-H will be meeting this initiative by collecting food for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina during the entire month of October. Please bring food items by the Extension Office (2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through October 29.

What can you bring? The most needed items are canned meat (chicken, turkey, ham, beef stew), canned fish (tuna, salmon), peanut butter, pasta, rice, deluxe macaroni & cheese, soup, canned vegetables (beans, corn, potatoes), or canned fruit (pears, apples, peaches). Other items you could donate are: canned fruit cocktail, canned ravioli, canned spaghetti ‘n meatballs, canned pork ‘n beans, breakfast bars, apple sauce cups, pudding cups, small plastic bottles of 100% juice, or small boxes of cereal.

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. North Carolina Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University conducts the 4-H program. More than 240,926 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H programs each year with the help of 21,221 adult and youth volunteers.

Additional information on the “Hungry to Help” initiative will be released on the N.C. 4-H website at www.nc4h.org. For more information, contact Dr. Mitzi Downing, Extension Assistant Professor and Specialist, at mitzi_downing@ncsu.edu or 919.515.8487.

National Youth Science Day Experiment

2010-10-01T09:59:00.002-04:00

National 4-H week will be October 3-9, 2010. To celebrate, Rowan County 4-H will be joining millions of young people across the nation to become scientists during the third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day on October 6, 2010. In this year's experiment, 4-H2O, youth will learn about carbon dioxide and discover how we as a nation can reduce our environmental impact. This year’s National Science Experiment is designed to engage youth around the country in asking the question: Why is water quality important and why is it important to understand it now?

Water quality is a term used to describe the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water. Today, as our population evolves, we face a growing concern that our sources of clean water are becoming contaminated by warming temperatures, carbon dioxide emissions and dangerous run off. These changes in the water quality affect not only our drinking water supply, but also the natural habitats of aquatic plants, animals and organisms. North Carolina A&T State University led the development of this year’s project.

Rowan County 4-H will be hosting two sessions on Wednesday, October 6 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. Session one is for youth in grades K-2nd. Session 2 is for youth in grades 3rd-6th. The event will be held at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury. Space is limited and you must pre-register for this event by calling 704-216-8970.

Order your fall plants today!

2010-09-07T11:00:00.001-04:00

Rowan County 4-H is now taking orders for their annual Fall Plant Sale. Varieties available include: raspberries – Nova; blueberries – Brightwell, Climax and Premier; blackberries – Apache and Arapaho; muscadines – Cowart and Triumph and figs – Brown Turkey and Celeste. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, muscadines and figs are in one-gallon containers and are well adapted to the piedmont growing conditions. The cost for each plant is $9 each or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered.

Nova raspberries are early ripening red berries that are medium to large in size. The berries have good flavor, are slightly tart and are perfect for jams and preserves. Nova raspberries are noted for winter hardiness, is heat tolerant and has good disease resistance.

When planting blueberries, it is recommended to plant at least two varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Varieties available include Brightwell, Climax and Premier. Brightwell blueberries ripen mid-season over a long period. It is very productive with large fruit and excellent quality. Growth is vigorous and upright. Climax blueberries ripen early over a short period and produce a medium size berry with a sweet flavor. The growth is upright with an open spreading crown. Ripening mid-season, Premier blueberries are large in size with excellent flavor. They ripen early to mid season and are light blue in color. Plants are upright with good foliage.

Both blackberry plants are a thornless variety and are erect growing plants. The Apache produces large fruit with good flavor and typically ripens over a five week period. The Arapaho is an early ripening blackberry with a firm, medium fruit. It typically ripens over a four week period.

Cowart muscadines produce large black fruit in large clusters with good flavor. They are good for eating, making juice, jelly and wine. Cowart ripens early to mid season and is disease resistant, vigorous and productive. The Triumph muscadine has large, thin skinned, greenish-bronze fruit with high sugar content. The plants are winter hardy and productive. The fruit ripens early to mid season and are good for eating and making wine.

Brown Turkey figs bear fruit twice a year. The skin is copper-brown and the flesh varies from shades of amber to pink. It is very hardy and ripens early and late summer. The Celeste fig produces fruit that is small to medium in size with a light brown to violet skin and a whitish-pink color flesh. It contains very few seeds and ripens early summer.

If you would like to help support the Rowan County 4-H program, please call the Extension Office at 704-216-8970 to place your order today! Orders must be received by October 28, 2010. You can download a brochure here.

4-H Junior Dog Show

2010-08-19T10:08:00.002-04:00

The Rowan County Fair is right around the corner. With the fair, comes the 4-H Junior Dog Show. For those youth competitors who are interested in participating, Lynn Meeks of the Salisbury Kennel Club will hold a dog showmanship and training class. This class is open to youth, ages 5 to 19, and will be held on Tuesday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Salisbury Kennel Club, 4208 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC. At this workshop, youth will work on handling their dog as well as learn some aspects of showmanship to prepare their animal for the annual 4-H Junior Dog Show at the Rowan County Fair. Space is limited to 25 youth and dogs for this workshop. Please call 704-216-8970 by Friday, September 10, to sign up for this workshop. All youth are to bring their dogs, record of vaccination and meet at the Salisbury Kennel Club. Bring your dog’s collar, leash, a bowl for water, bags for clean-up and a crate.

The 4-H Junior Dog Show is a fun and educational experience that focuses on the youth and their ability to relate with their dogs. This year the show, which is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19, will be held on Thursday, September 23, at 6 p.m. at the Rowan County Fairgrounds. Check-in will begin at 5:15 p.m. All participants must be registered by 5:45 p.m.

All dogs must have their vaccinations for distemper, parvo and rabies and must be a minimum of 4 months old. Proof will be required. Dogs do not have to be purebred, but they do need to be well behaved and on a leash for the show.

There are many classes available including: hound, sporting, non-sporting, working, terrier, toy, herding, miscellaneous, puppy, cloverbud, senior citizen dog, trick and talent.

Meeks will be the judge of the show. She will be looking for several key areas including showmanship, the relationship between the youth and the dog, eye contact and awareness of the judge and grooming of the dog. The dog should be washed, clean and well cared for. The judge will ask simple questions to the exhibitors to test their knowledge of the dog.

Unlike other competitive shows, based on pedigree and breed characteristics, the 4-H Junior Dog Show is an enriching, fun experience for all members of the family, including the dog. Please come out and support our youth by watching the exciting and entertaining 4-H Junior Dog Show.

To register for the 4-H Junior Dog show, youth need to complete an entry form. For more information concerning the 4-H Junior Dog Show or the North Carolina 4-H program, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970.

Annual Electric Congress Held

2010-07-30T10:01:00.002-04:00

Over two hundred 4 H’ers, adult leaders and Cooperative Extension staff from across North Carolina attended the annual 4-H Electric Congress July 12-14 at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Since 1947, Progress Energy, Duke Energy and Dominion North Carolina Power have sponsored the annual three-day congress to emphasize energy conservation and safe electricity use. The 4-H members participate in workshops, meet their Power Company Representatives, and interact with other electric winners. Representing Rowan County, were 4-H members Karlyn Dwinell and Rebekah Barnhardt and 4-H volunteer leader, Sharon Ingold.

Electric Congress is held for county winning 4-H'ers who participates in the electric project, electric project cumulative record and 4-H recruiters in the electric program. To attend, youth must be 11 years of age. Two county project winners, two cumulative record book participants and one electric program recruiter are allowed to attend congress per county.

County delegates are the two 4-H members with the best electric project records from each county and have not previously attended Electric Congress more than once. The member must complete a current electric project book and submit an electric report which lists the current year's electric activities in which they completed to qualify for this trip. The top two 4-H'ers per county that submit a cumulative electric record for district competition are eligible to attend 4-H Electric Congress. One 4-H’er per county that promotes the 4-H Electric Project by recruiting the most new members into the electric project also qualify for the trip to 4-H Electric Congress. Recruiting awards are presented to 4-H'ers in each county who recruit new members into the Electric Project.

The 4-H electric energy program is one of the most popular activities among Tar Heel 4-H’ers. The 4-H program is conducted by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State universities. More than 239,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 23,000 adult and youth volunteers.

Chef & Child Program a Success!

2010-07-21T16:31:00.003-04:00

The Chef & Child Food and Nutrition Education Program was developed in Forsyth County in 1990 through a partnership of North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation. Since then, Alamance, Alleghany, Ashe, Davidson, Davie, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties have joined the effort in varying combinations on any given year.

The Triad Chapter of the America Culinary Federation donates money and supplies to sponsor this program. The Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation has donated thousands of dollars since the program began. The local chefs also donate generously of their time to help teach the curriculum and serve as positive role models for the youth. In recent years, Lowes Food Stores has also made a monetary contribution toward purchasing food and have generously printed recipe cards for all counties.

The four day series for youth ages 8-12, allows the daily opportunity for hands-on food preparation experience under the guidance of local chefs. Youth learn about nutrition, kitchen safety, measuring techniques and much more.

This year, Katie Powlas served as the local chef for Rowan County. Powlas has an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales and a B.S. in Culinary Nutrition. She has worked in various positions in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including serving as the chef at Home Appetit in Concord, NC. Powlas is currently the Family and Consumer Science teacher at East Rowan High School.

During the week, the class made dishes such as pyramid pizza, omelets and lasagna. They also toured the Salisbury-Rowan Farmer’s Market to learn not only about the market, but also the local vendors who participate in the market. Facilitating the tour was Darrell Blackwelder, Horticulture Extension Agent.

As a result of attending this series, youth gain a better understanding of what they need to eat to be healthy and how to prepare simple, yet nutritious foods. They also gain insight on potential career choices in the food service industry.

Rowan County Youth Earn Medals at District Competition

2010-06-24T17:59:00.008-04:00

Over 400 4-H members, volunteers, parents, and NC Cooperative Extension staff from 17 area counties attended the annual West Central 4-H District Activity Day (DAD) held on June 23, 2010 at Berewick Elementary School, Charlotte, NC. The top two winners in each age division and category from their respective county competed at this event.

Participating from Rowan County were Lindsey Cox, Justice Hamilton, Alex Hipp, Savanah Hipp, Matthew Jones, William Jones, Miranda Miller, Carol Nettles, Katelyn Smith and Logan Williams.

Public speaking is a common fear among adults. 4-H DAD allows youth the opportunity to practice public speaking and presentation skills. The day began with presentation and public speaking contests, as well as 4-H Entertains. 4-H presentation and public speaking contests aid youth in learning how to research a subject, organize ideas and practice public speaking and communication skills. The 4-H Entertains program is a showcase of talent. 4-H’ers perform on stage in front of judges who critique their performance. Two acts were selected to perform during the awards assembly. All acts have the potential of being selected to perform at State 4-H Congress in Raleigh in July.

Lindsey Cox and Katelyn Smith competed in the Small and Companion Animals, 9-10 age division. Justice Hamilton and Logan Williams were both in the Open Class, 9-10 age division. Competing in the Health and Fitness, 14-18 age division was Alex Hipp. Savanah Hipp presented in the Expressive Arts and Communications, 11-13 age division; while Matthew Jones and William Jones competed in the Open Class, 11-13 age division. Miranda Miller participated in both the presentation program in the Poultry Production and Preparation, 9-10 age division and the 4-H Entertains program with her storytelling. Carol Nettles performed an interruptive dance in the 4-H Entertains talent showcase.

Matthew Jones and Miranda Miller won gold medals in their respective categories. Savanah Hipp, Justice Hamilton and William Jones won silver medals. Winning a bronze medal was Logan Williams. All gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state competition and silver medal winners in the 11-13 and 14-18 age divisions are also eligible to advance. State competition will be held Tuesday, July 20 in Raleigh, NC.

4-H'ers Practice Public Speaking Skills

2010-04-30T08:35:00.006-04:00

Research has shown that public speaking is a prevalent fear in adults.
One avenue that North Carolina Cooperative Extension uses to help youth practice this skill is participation in 4-H public speaking and presentation competitions held at the county, district and state levels. To help prepare youth for these competitions a six week 4-H Speak Up program is underway. Nineteen youth are attending the weekly sessions.

The 4-H Speak Up program provides communication, presentation and self confidence skills for young people. The first four weeks are led by Cheryl Kane from Barton & Kane Consolidated. Participants are learning the parts of a speech, communication styles, how to organize a speech and types of speeches. Each week, youth prepare and deliver a speech.

The final two weeks, led by the 4-H Extension Agent, will focus on the 4-H presentation competition. There are two main types of 4-H presentations: demonstration – where the 4-H member shows the audience how to do or make something and an illustrated talk – where the 4-H member uses visuals to tell a story. There are three competitive age divisions, 9-10 year olds, 11-13 year olds and 14-18 year olds. Youth ages 5-8 are allowed to participate on the county level on a non-competitive basis.

There are 35 presentation categories for youth to compete. County level competition will be held on Tuesday, May 25, at 7 p.m. County winners in each age division and category advance to district competition. District competition will be held in Mecklenburg County on June 23.

For more information concerning the 4-H Presentation or Public Speaking competitions or the North Carolina 4-H program, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970.

2010-04-20T10:40:00.004-04:00

The first of two RACE 4-H Open Horse Shows of the year will be held Saturday, May 1 at Ellis Park Event Center, 2054 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with the show beginning promptly at 9 a.m. Entry fees are $5 per class or $45 for 10 or more classes. For more information, class list and rules, go online and check out the RACE 4-H Blog. Spectators are always welcome!

Click here for a class list.

Click here for an entry form.

Sponsorships are also available for individuals and businesses. To inquire about becoming a show sponsor for the 2010 Show Season, contact Sara Drake at 704-216-8970.

Rowan County 4-H Youth Get Boost from National Paper Clover Campaign, Tractor Supply Co.

2010-03-24T16:47:00.003-04:00

The Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store in Salisbury is joining 4-H in support of local youth with the TSC Paper Clover Campaign, a national in-store fundraising effort to benefit state and local 4 H programming in each of the communities where a Tractor Supply Company store is located.

Beginning Friday, March 26, through Sunday, April 18, shoppers at the Salisbury Tractor Supply Company will have the opportunity to support 4-H in Rowan County by purchasing paper clovers for just $1 at checkout. All funds raised through this local TSC Paper Clover Campaign will be donated to 4-H, and will support local 4-H youth development programming activities in Rowan County.

“Many of our stores have been involved with 4-H clubs for years. Now, Tractor Supply Company is proud to have an official chain-wide relationship with 4-H,” said Tractor Supply Company Chairman and CEO Jim Wright. “For us, this is an outstanding way to support our current and future customers and future team members, and it’s a way to give back to the 900-plus unique communities we serve.”

“We are thrilled to have the generous support of Tractor Supply Company for our Paper Clover Campaign,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “This new partnership will help provide funding to 4-H programs in more than 900 Tractor Supply Company communities across the nation, providing opportunities for youth to participate in activities that will in turn help them make positive contributions and become strong, confident adults. We look forward to a successful TSC Paper Clover Campaign this year!”

About 4-H:
4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. The 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 Land Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country.

About Tractor Supply Company:
Tractor Supply Company operates more than 900 stores in 44 states. The Company's stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The Company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, pet and animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; (3) hardware and tool products; (4) seasonal products, including lawn and garden power equipment; (5) truck and towing products; and (6) work/recreational clothing and footwear for the entire family.

50% OFF May 1 Rowan County Open Horse Show - See Details

2010-02-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

R.A.C.E. 4-H invites you and any guests you would like to bring to attend the viewing of EVERY TIME... EVERY RIDE..., bring your helmet for a fitting check, enjoy a spaghetti dinner, and receive a coupon good for 50% off entry fees for the May 1 Rowan County Open Horse sponsored by R.A.C.E. 4-H.

Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office
2727 Old Concord Road
Salisbury, NC 28147
Cost: FREE

Please RSVP to hipphorsemom@gmail.com no later than March 19!

Coupon will not be transferrable and is good only to those who attend the viewing.

EVERY TIME. . . EVERY RIDE. . .
is an educational video on head injury prevention is a must for all riders, instructors, horse clubs and parents of children who ride.

Narrated by William Shatner, this professionally produced, approximately 20 minute, educational video demonstrates the need for SEI* protective headgear. Interviews blended together with excellent footage of horses in a wide variety of sports show the benefits of wearing the proper helmet--as well as the unfortunate consequences of riding without one.

Experience, training and the quietest horse in the world are no guarantee of safety. It's the height that puts the rider at risk -- sometimes fatal risk. A rider's unprotected head can receive over 1000 G's of force in ANY fall, at ANY speed -- simply because the fall begins from on top of a horse or pony. Today's energy absorbing, SEI* certified helmets can reduce this force to minimize or prevent injury.

Most riders are unaware of the genuine risk that riding presents. Too often a rider's enjoyment of this breathtaking sport comes to an abrupt end because they lacked the information needed to convince them to wear a helmet.

*The Safety Equipment Institute certifies helmets which meet or exceed the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) F-1163(A) standard for equestrian headgear. All helmets shown in this flyer are SEI* certified. No headgear can protect the wearer against all foreseeable impacts.

Every Time. . . Every Ride. . . is presented by Washington State University Cooperative Extension and Washington State 4-H Foundation.

Orders Now Being Taken for Spring Plant Sale

2010-01-19T16:59:00.002-05:00

Rowan County 4-H is once again taking orders for our Spring Plant Sale.

Available for purchase are:
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Muscadines and
- Figs.

All are in 1-gallon containers and cost $9 each ($8 each if five or more of one variety are ordered).

Place your orders by calling 704-216-8970 by February 24.

Plants will be available for pick-up on March 4.

For additional information, click here.

Sign up for Summer Camp Today!

2010-01-12T09:01:00.001-05:00

Kids got the winter blues? Imagine splashing in the pool, horseback riding in the sun, canoeing down the river. Sound like fun? You can enjoy this and much more at a week of summer 4-H camp! The North Carolina 4-H Camp Program offers a camp for every interest! The 4-H camping program allows young people to get away from home and enjoy swimming, campfires, outdoor living skills and challenging leadership experiences. 4-H camps take place at the following 4-H Centers across North Carolina: Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center (Reidsville, NC), Millstone 4-H Center (Ellerbe, NC), Sertoma 4-H Center (Westfield, NC), Swannanoa 4-H Center (Swannanoa, NC) and the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center (Columbia, NC). All 4-H Camping Centers are among the estimated 25% of youth camps nationwide which have received American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation.

Rowan County 4-H is recruiting campers, ages 8 to 12, for the week of June 13 through June 18 at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center. This one-week camp provides age-appropriate, small-group experiences in a fun, noncompetitive environment. During the day, campers swim, canoe, work on a craft, learn about nature, ride horses and learn archery skills. In the evenings, campers create campfire programs, share skits and talents and learn games and dances. Space is limited, so call today. The cost for the week of camp is $325, which includes meals, lodging, programming, transportation to and from camp, a camp t-shirt and camp store money. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time you reserve your space.

Other camps available include 4-H Horsemanship Camp, Fur, Fish and Game Rendezvous, Target Shooting Sports Camp, Whitewater Adventures, Marine Science and Sailing Camp, Camp Canvasback and Cloverbud Camp. These camps are held at the various camping centers.

For more information concerning 4-H camping opportunities, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970 or visit NC 4-H Camps and Centers. For more information about 4-H or NC Cooperative Extension, call the Rowan Extension Office at 704-216-8970.

Riding Safety Headgear Policy

2010-01-11T14:17:00.000-05:00

FOR ALL 4-H MEMBERS!! Effective 2010, certified helmets MUST be worn by ALL 4-H'ers while mounted!

I-F.23. Riding Safety Headgear Policy

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Horse Program (“the 4-H Program”) requires all riders to wear protective headgear that meets or surpasses current applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards while riding during all County, District and State 4-H Horse Program sponsored events and activities. This headgear must be properly fitted, properly worn on the top of the head, and worn with the harness securely fastened. Events and activities covered by this Rule include, but are not limited to: 4-H Horse Shows, 4-H Horsemanship Camps, 4-H Trail Rides, and 4-H Horse Drill Teams.

The term “riding” as used in this Rule (I-F.23) shall refer to the riding or driving of a horse or pony in a 4-H sponsored event or activity. The term “rider” as used in this Rule refers to a person engaged in riding. The 4-H Horse Program and the show committees, officials, judges, extension personnel and volunteers associated with the 4-H Horse Program shall enforce this Rule during 4-H Program events and activities. Any rider violating this rule will be immediately prohibited from further riding, and shall be barred or disqualified from the event or activity in which the rider is engaged at the time of the violation. It is the responsibility of the rider, and the parent or guardian of the rider, to confirm that the headgear worn by the rider complies with safety standards set forth above; is properly fitted, fastened, and worn; and is in such a condition that it would protect the rider in the case of an accident. The 4-H Horse Program and the show committees, officials, judges, extension personnel and volunteers associated with the 4-H Horse Program are not responsible for checking headgear worn by riders for compliance with this Rule.

The 4-H Horse Program makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, concerning the headgear worn by any rider during a 4-H Program sponsored event or activity. In particular, the 4-H Program makes no representation or warranty concerning the safety performance of any headgear worn by any rider. The 4-H Program cautions riders that death or serious injury may result despite wearing such headgear as all equestrian sports involve inherent dangerous risk and as no headgear can protect against all foreseeable injuries.

Mock Horse Bowl Contest

2009-12-03T10:47:00.002-05:00

Rockingham County 4-H is hosting a Mock Horse Bowl contest on January 9 at the Rockingham County Extension office. There will also be Hippology materials to practice for the Hippology Contest as well. This event is open to all 4-Hers across the state! Registration will start at 9 a.m. and the contest will start at 10 a.m. Come even if you do not have a Horse Bowl or Hippology team together yet because we are going to mix everyone up to form new teams to practice at this event. This event is a great time to practice for the District Horse Bowl contests coming up! You must register for this event by January 7.

WCD Teen Lock-In

2009-12-03T10:40:00.001-05:00

The WCD Teen Lock-In will be held Friday, Jan. 8 to Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 in Rutherford County. Youth ages 13 and older are able to participate. The cost is $15. There will be a program on science/astronomy and a district meeting. We will then go skating and come back for a night of movies, games, snacks and fun! If you would like to attend, you must register by Monday, December 28.

North Carolina’s 4-H Centennial Cookbook

2009-12-03T10:37:00.001-05:00

The North Carolina 4-H Centennial Cookbook will be coming off the press in January. The cookbook includes 400+ Blue Ribbon Recipes collected from every 4-H decade. It also features photos depicting 4-H foods and nutrition projects throughout the decades. By ordering no later than December 31, 2009, you may purchase the cookbook at the prepress price of $14.95 plus shipping and handling. After January 2, 2010, the price will be $18.95 plus shipping and handling. Download the order form here.

4-H Goes to the Races!

2009-09-14T12:07:00.005-04:00

National 4-H Week will take off with a speedy start on October 4th, as the 4-H emblem makes its debut appearance in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The well-known national icon will be featured on the ‘TV panel’ of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon at Kansas Speedway that day. The placement of the 4-H clover on the No. 24 Chevrolet was made possible through a generous donation by DuPont, sponsor of both the No. 24 team and of 4-H.

“4-H has been a leader among youth development organizations, enriching the lives of millions of young people for more than100 years,” said Gordon. “It is an honor to have such an iconic emblem featured on the DuPont Chevrolet and to provide such an exciting way to help the nation kick-off National 4-H Week.”

National 4-H Week, an annual 4-H celebration includes the highly anticipated, 4-H National Youth Science Day, which brings together millions of youth to participate in the National Science Experiment. This year’s experiment, Biofuel Blast, will introduce youth to alternative energy. Participants will learn how cellulose and sugars in plants – such as corn, switchgrass, sorghum and algae – can be converted into fuel, and how alternative energies can be used in their own communities. They will be able to create their own biofuel, lead discussions about what they’ve learned, and see how their small creations are a part of a larger, global discussion. DuPont is also a premier sponsor of 4-H National Youth Science Day and the Biofuel Blast National Science Experiment.

“The appearance of the 4-H emblem on Jeff Gordon’s car in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is a wonderful salute to 4-H by DuPont, and an amazing way for us to begin National 4-H Week,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Now, millions of current 4-H’ers, 4-H alumni and racing fans alike can watch with excitement as the clover takes to the track for the first time.”

The Kansas event is the third in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and the 1.5-mile track is the site of two of Gordon’s 82 career victories in NASCAR’s premier division.

“Research into biofuels and bio-based materials is an important area for our company, and we are proud to sponsor 4-H in their extraordinary effort to help young people understand one of the most important issues facing our nation today,” said James C. Borel, group vice president, DuPont Agriculture.

Southern States 4-H Paper Clover Promotion is Scheduled for October 5-18

2009-09-11T11:15:00.009-04:00

In cooperation with National 4-H Council, Southern States stores will conduct a 4-H Paper Clover campaign in North Carolina and several other states.

Their plan is to again celebrate the "Clovers all Over" promotion October 5-18. Southern States will advertise in their September and October circulars.

Help spread the word to everyone you know so they can make a difference and support the 4-H Clovers all Over promotion.

Last year, 35 North Carolina counties participated and raised over $22,000 for local 4-H programs.

Rowan County 4-H is encouraged to set a table up at the local Salisbury Southern States Store to help market the 4-H Clovers all Over promotion, as well as the Rowan County 4-H Program. If you would like to volunteer for one of the shifts, please contact me by email or by phone at 704-216-8970.

4-H Now Taking Orders for Plants

2009-09-02T15:32:00.001-04:00

We are now taking orders for the Rowan County 4-H Fall Plant Sale! Varieties available include: blueberries – Brightwell, Premier and Tifblue, blackberries – Ouachita and Triple Crown, muscadines – Cowart and Triumph and raspberries – Nova. The cost is $9 each or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered. Call the Extension Office at 704-216-8970 to place your order today!

Download a copy of the plant sale brochure here!

PALS/County Council Meeting

2009-08-31T12:10:00.001-04:00

All parents, alumni, leaders and county council members are invited to attend the next meeting on Thursday, September 10 at the Extension Office. Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m., followed a meeting at 7 p.m. Please call the office (704-216-8970) to RSVP for dinner by Tuesday, September 8. We will be discussing all fall activities and upcoming events.

Careers in the Horse Industry Workshop

2009-08-18T15:54:00.002-04:00

If you are interested in learning more about careers in the horse industry, then this workshop is for you. Horse industry professionals will be available to discuss career options and answer any questions you may have. The Careers in the Horse Industry Workshop will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Agricultural Center, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury. This workshop is sponsored by North Carolina Cooperative Extension and is open to youth and adults. Please RSVP by Friday, August 28 by calling 704-216-8970!

For more information about NC Cooperative Extension or Rowan County 4-H, call the Rowan Extension Office at 704-216-8970.

RACE 4-H Games Clinic

2009-08-18T13:28:00.002-04:00

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H Clubs will host a games clinic that is open to youth and adults on Saturday, October 3 at Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 E. Ridge Rd. Salisbury, NC. Both ENGLISH and WESTERN riders are welcome to partcipate. Two sessions will be offered. The morning session will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 12 p.m. and the afternoon session will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Bring your horse and learn how to safely compete in games. We will work on desenstizing horses to game obstacles while riders increase their knowledge and skills in the area of horse games. The cost is $5 per horse/rider and auditors are free. Space is limited to 8 horse/rider combinations per session. Registration is open to Rowan County 4-H members and their immediate family only until September 24. Any available spaces as of September 25 will be offered to the general public. Registration deadline is September 25. Please call 704-216-8970 to register.

4-H Dog Showmanship Clinic

2009-08-18T13:25:00.001-04:00

A dog showmanship and training class will be held on Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salisbury Kennel Club, 4208 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC. At this workshop, youth will work on handling their dog as well as learn some aspects of showmanship to prepare their animal for the 4-H Dog Show at the Rowan County Fair in September. Lynn Meeks of the Salisbury Kennel Club will be teaching the workshop. There is a limit of 25 youth and dogs. Please call 704-216-8970 by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, to sign up for this clinic. All youth are to bring their dogs, record of vaccination and meet at the Salisbury Kennel Club. You will also want to bring your dog’s collar, leash, a bowl for water, bags for clean-up and a crate.

4-H Troupe Videos on YouTube

2009-08-17T15:22:00.004-04:00

The ten musical numbers from We Are 4-H: The Musical are now available for viewing on YouTube. Below are the links to each song. Enjoy!

* Then 4-H Came Along
* Going for the Blue
* Learn by Doing
* It’s Easy to Say
* To Make the Best Better
* Coming Together
* 4-H Ain’t All Cookin’ and Cows
* Lead, We Will Follow
* Helpful Hands, Healing Hearts
* We Are 4-H (Tomorrow's Song)

RACE 4-H Games Show

2009-06-23T09:51:00.003-04:00

RACE 4-H will sponsor a Games Show on Saturday, July 25 at Ellis Park Event Center, 2054 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with the show beginning promptly at 9 a.m. and run until approximately 1 p.m. Entry fees are $2 per class, with a $20 maximum for the day. There will be 12 classes for riders and their horse and 3 horseless classes. No concessions will be available that day, so please bring snacks or a bag lunch. Spectators are always welcome! For more information, go online and check out the RACE 4-H Blog. It is open to English, Western and Gaited horses and riders of all ages. This will be a fun, learning event.

Check out the class list here.

Download an entry form here.

Dog Showmanship Clinic

2009-06-19T17:27:00.004-04:00

A dog showmanship and training class will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salisbury Kennel Club (4208 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC). At this workshop, youth will work on handling their dog as well as learn some aspects of showmanship to prepare their animal for the 4-H Dog Show at the Rowan County Fair in September. Lynn Meeks of the Salisbury Kennel Club will be teaching the workshop. There is a limit of 25 youth and dogs. Please call 704-216-8970 by Monday, June 29 by 4:30 p.m. to sign up for this clinic. All youth are to bring their dogs, record of vaccination and meet at the Salisbury Kennel Club. You will also want to bring your dog’s collar, leash, bowl for water, bags for clean-up and a crate.

Spaces Available for 4-H Summer Camp

2009-06-03T15:12:00.000-04:00

Rowan County 4-H is recruiting campers, ages 8 to 12, for the week of June 21-26 at Swannanoa 4-H Center. Swannanoa is a beautifully rustic co-ed residental camp nestled in the foothills of the Great Craggy Mountains, only minutes from Asheville. This one-week camp provides age-appropriate, small-group experiences in a fun, noncompetitive environment. During the day, campers swim, work on a craft, hike and archery. In the evenings, campers create campfire programs, share skits and talents and learn games and dances. Space is limited, so call today. The cost of the camp is $320 which includes camp registration, camp store money, a t-shirt and transportation. All registrations must be received by Monday, June 15, 2009. For more information concerning 4-H camping opportunities, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970.

The North Carolina 4-H Camp Program offers a camp for every interest! The 4-H camping program allows young people to get away from home and enjoy swimming, campfires, outdoor living skills and challenging leadership experiences. 4-H camps take place at the following 4-H Centers across North Carolina: Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center, Millstone 4-H Center, Sertoma 4-H Center, Swannanoa 4-H Center and the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center. 4-H Centers are among the 25% of youth camps nationwide which have received American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation.

4-H Summer Fun Schedule Announced

2009-05-07T09:07:00.005-04:00

Each year, Rowan County 4-H offers a variety of classes for youth. Registration for this year's summer fun program is now open. Download a copy of the summer fun schedule here.

Registration will be held at the Cooperative Extension Office, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC. Please bring insurance information with you. If you have any questions, call 704-216-8970 or email Sara Drake.

No registrations will be taken over the telephone, through mail or e-mail.

Please remember:
- Activities are open to all youth. You do not have to be a 4-H member. Please be aware of the age limitations for each activity.
- Checks/money orders should be made payable to Rowan County CES. No registrations will be accepted without payment.
- ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the class is filled to capacity or is cancelled.
- Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.
- All classes and events are subject to cancellation due to lack of participation.

RACE 4-H Open Horse Show

2009-04-28T09:31:00.002-04:00

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H clubs will host the first of two open horse shows of the season on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 East Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. This show is open to all equestrians and spectators. Gates will open at 8 a.m., and participants must be ready to ride by 9 a.m. Entry fees are $5 per class or $45 for 10 or more classes. Current negative Coggins required for each horse on the grounds. Admission for spectators is free and food and drink concessions will be available.

There are 60 classes which include English, Western, Gaited, games and a trail class. Classes are open to novice riders who are in their first year of showing (with fewer than 5 ribbons), junior (ages 12 years and younger), senior (ages 13-18) and adult (ages over 18). Daily champion and reserve champion are awarded in each of the six divisions (Novice English, Novice Western, Limit English, Limit Western, Open English, and Open Western).

The 4-H horse program encourages youth to develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. Appreciation is also developed for horseback riding as a healthy form of recreation. Good sportsmanship is taught through a friendly, competitive atmosphere.

Click here for a rules and a class list.

Download an entry form here.

4-H Investigates Day Camp

2009-04-20T15:26:00.002-04:00

Who Killed Henry Ward? Participants will become detectives and determine who killed Henry Ward in a hit-and-run car accident almost 100 years ago. Solve this crime by exploring various techniques including blood typing, forensic anthropology, fingerprint analysis, impression analysis for tires and shoes, hair analysis, blood spatter and DNA evidence. Space is limited, so call TODAY! This workshop is open to youth grades 6-8. The day camp will be held June 16-18 at East Wilkes Middle School. Transportation, meals and snacks are provided. The cost is $35. (Parents, be advised that field trips will include the Surry County Jail, a funeral home and the Elkin Animal Diagnostics Lab.)

RACE 4-H Horse Show

2009-04-20T15:20:00.002-04:00

The first of two RACE 4-H Open Horse Shows will be held Saturday, May 2 at Ellis Park Event Center, 2054 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with the show beginning promptly at 9 a.m. Entry fees are $5 per class or $45 for 10 or more classes. For more information, download a class list and rules and entry form, or check out the RACE 4-H Blog. Spectators are always welcome!

Career Exploration 4-H Poster Contest

2009-04-20T15:14:00.002-04:00

The Career Poster Contest will help you learn more about a career that interests you! Pick any career you would like. Age divisions are 9-10, 11-13 and 14-18. Cloverbuds, ages 5-8, may participate on the county level. The county entry deadline is Friday, May 15 by 5 p.m. The entries will then be judged and on display at County Activity Day. The top two posters in each age division will then move on to district competition at District Activity Day in June. Click here for official rules and an entry form.

Rowan County 4-H Celebrates Accomplishments!

2009-04-20T15:11:00.001-04:00

Come out and celebrate with us the achievements of all our 4-H members and leaders, as well as NC 4-H’s 100th Birthday on Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. Please e-mail or call the Extension Office (704-216-8970) by Wednesday, April 22 if you and your family plan on attending. Please bring a covered dish. The meat and paper products will be provided.

Horse Trail Class Clinic

2009-03-30T11:15:00.001-04:00

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H Clubs will host a trail class clinic that is open to youth and adults on Saturday, April 4 at Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 E. Ridge Rd. Salisbury, NC. Two sessions will be offered. The morning session will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 12 p.m. and the afternoon session will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Bring your horse and learn how to safely compete in trail classes. This clinic will focus on acquainting your horses to trail obstacles seen on the trail and at the horse show. We will concentrate on desensitizing your horses and communicating with them in such a way as to decrease their apprehension of negotiating obstacles. The cost is $15 per horse/rider or $5 per auditor. Space is limited to 10 horse/riders per session. Please call 704-216-8970 by Thursday, April 2 by 5 p.m. to register.

Horse Safety Workshop

2009-03-03T14:34:00.002-05:00

A Horse Safety Workshop will be held Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC. Safety is the primary concern in working with and around horses. This program will include all aspects of safety, including instinctive behavior and the effects of domestication, safety on the ground and safety when riding. Also included will be discussion of hauling and transporting horses safely, and the most common mistakes people make when working with horses. This workshop is free and open to anyone interested in learning about safely working with and around horses. Please call 704-216-8970 to register. For more information about NC Cooperative Extension, call 704-216-8970.

UNC-TV Features North Carolina 4-H

2009-02-13T09:50:00.008-05:00

UNC-TV has posted features of the North Carolina 4-H Program on their NC NOW website. If you missed the airing of these episodes please take a few minutes to watch it on-line.

View the segment on the History of 4-H.

View the segment on the 4-H Revolution.

4-H Centennial Celebration at the Ballpark

2009-02-03T14:39:00.002-05:00

As most of you are aware, North Carolina 4-H is celebrating its Centennial this year! You can join the celebration on Friday, June 5 and support Rowan County 4-H by attending the 4-H Centennial Celebration at the Ballpark!

Enjoy a night at the brand new Winston-Salem ballpark located conveniently right off Business 40.

Pre-game on-field parade of counties begins at 6 p.m. with Dr. Marshall Stewart, State 4-H Program Leader, throwing the first pitch at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and includes ticket and souvenir team hat. The person from each county that sells the most tickets will receive a 100% access tour through the ballpark and a souvenir DASH t-shirt.

The deadline to order your ticket is April 30!

For additional information or to order your tickets, please contact Patrick Riley at 336-714-2287 ext. 1108.

West Central District Holds 4-H Horse Bowl Competition

2009-01-30T17:57:00.001-05:00

The West Central District 4-H Horse Bowl Contest was held Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Caldwell County Extension Office. This contest allows 4-H members to use their knowledge of horses and related subject matter to compete on a four-member team. They display their knowledge in a competitive and friendly atmosphere. Teams are divided according to age into three categories: junior, mixed (with both junior and senior members), and senior. Rowan County had one team participate in the event. The members of our mixed team were Micah Furr, Alex Hipp, Savanah Hipp and Taylor Pence with Trilby Kirk serving as an alternate. The team was coached by 4-H leaders Ann Furr and Lisa Wagner. The Mixed Team placed 5th in the district.

West Central District Horse Show

2009-01-23T16:22:00.008-05:00

The West Central District 4-H Horse Show will be held May 30, 2009 at Latta Plantation in Huntersville, NC. The classes are arranged so that it is possible to show in more than one discipline and qualify as long as you place accordingly. It is the responsibility of all 4-H'ers to be aware of any rule changes that may affect them.

All classes except Cloverbud classes have a $6 entry fee. Please mail the completed registration form and all fees (class entry, stall and shaving fees) to: Becki Jonas, 2521 Hickory Grove Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056. Make checks payable to: West Central District 4-H Horse Council. A one-time fee of $50.00 per horse/rider pair will be added for any late entries.

IMPORTANT: ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY APRIL 30, 2009! Entries not postmarked by the April 30th deadline should be registered on-site. Each horse and child MUST be registered in AT LEAST one class. You will have the opportunity to add classes on site. For more information, rules and registration form, click here.

Horse Educational Series Announced

2009-01-20T12:49:00.002-05:00

North Carolina Cooperative Extension and Davie County Large Animal Hospital are co-sponsoring a series of educational programs starting in February. The programs will be as follows:

February 21:
Pasture Management and Poisonous Plants – Phil Rucker
Nutrition – Dr. Tim Potter
Water Issues – Amy Thomas
Plant Toxicity, Laminitis, Grass Founder and Metabolic Syndrome – Dr. Jim Meeker

March 21:
Fencing – Phil Rucker
First Aid – Dr. Jim Meeker
Turn Out Management – Dr. Tim Potter

April 25:
Evaluation of Conformation, Form to Function – Dr. Tim Potter
Lameness Issues Related to Conformation – Dr. Tim Meeker
Shoeing – Joel Hunt

Dates for the fall are September 19, October 24 and November 21, topics and speakers to be determined.

Birds in Art/Art in Birds Challenge

2009-01-20T08:19:00.001-05:00

Ithaca, NY--People of all ages are invited to go outside and look for Birds in Art/Art in Birds for a contest sponsored by the Celebrate Urban Birds project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen-science project focused on birds in neighborhood settings.

For the Birds in Art/Art in Birds challenge you can take photos, do some painting, write a story, create a sculpture. What do you see in a bird that is beautiful, stirring, or inspirational? It could be a broken-down nest in winter, a song recording, video of a bird perching on your window, something that makes you stop, look twice, laugh, cry.

Prizes include bird sound recordings, books, gift certificates, "green" products, and more. We’ll send the first 50 entrants a copy of our "Doves and Pigeons" poster by Julie Zickefoose. Selected images will be posted on the Celebrate Urban Birds website.

How to enter:

1. Email your photo, art, or video entry. Links are acceptable for videos.
2. Write "Art in Birds/Birds in Art contest" in the subject line.
3. Include your name and mailing address
4. Tell us why you submitted your entry to the Art in Birds/Birds in Art contest.

Deadline for entries is February 28, 2009

Visit the Celebrate Urban Birds web site for more information.

Plants Available for Order through 4-H Program

2009-01-08T15:01:00.002-05:00

Rowan County 4-H is now taking orders for their annual Spring Plant Sale. Varieties available include: strawberries – Atlas, blueberries – Brightwell, Premier and Tifblue, blackberries –Ouachita and Triple Crown and muscadines – Cowart and Triumph. The cost for blueberries, blackberries and muscadines are $9 each or $8 if five or more of the same variety are ordered.

Atlas strawberries are large berries. They ripen early to mid season. Atlas strawberries are high yielding. The cost for strawberry plants is 25 for $10, 50 for $15 and 100 for $20. Supplies are limited.

Brightwell blueberries ripen mid-season over a long period. It is very productive with large fruit and excellent quality. Growth is vigorous and upright. The Premier blueberries are an early to mid-season ripening plant that produces large light blue fruit. These plants are upright and produce good foliage. Tifblue blueberries ripen mid-season and bear a medium to large light blue berry. Growth is vigorous and upright. The cost for the one-gallon blueberry plant is $9 or $8 if five or more blueberries are ordered. It is also recommended to plant at least two varieties to ensure cross-pollination.

Blackberry plants are thornless and in one-gallon containers. The Ouachita bears sweet fruit that is firm and attractive. They are large in size with good flavor. Fruit ripens mid season with consistently high yields. Triple Crown blackberries have large, sweet fruit and ripen later than most varieties with very good yields. The cost for blackberry plants is $9 or $8 if five or more blackberries are ordered.

Cowart muscadines bear large black fruit in large clusters which ripens early to mid season. The plant produces high quality fruit with good flavor. Triumph muscadines are large, thin skinned and are greenish-bronze in color. The vines are very winter hardy, productive. The fruit has high sugar content and is good for eating and making wine. Triumph ripens early to mid season. The cost for one-gallon muscadine plants is $9 or $8 if five or more muscadine are ordered.

If you would like to help support the Rowan County 4-H program, please call the Extension Office at 704-216-8970 to place your order today! Orders must be received by March 4, 2009.

January Newsletter Posted

2008-12-29T09:15:00.002-05:00

Catch up on the latest 4-H news. Read the January 4-H Newsletter.

Project Record Work Session

2008-12-13T20:10:00.002-05:00

It’s that time of the year again! The deadline for submitting your project record is just a little over a month away! Come to the Extension Office on December 31 from 1 – 4 p.m. to work on your project record. If you want to type your record that day, computers will be available. If you need to work on your personal touch, scrapbook paper and materials will be provided – just bring your pictures! Call Sara by December 29 if you are planning on attending and will need a computer. Snacks will be provided.

Parliamentary Procedure Training

2008-12-13T20:09:00.002-05:00

April Bowman, 4-H Agent, will be holding a parliamentary procedure training on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM at the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Center. Participants will learn about the order of business, how to properly make and amend motions, the role of officers and more. Please RSVP to sara_drake@ncsu.edu or 704-216-8970 by December 29. Transportation will be provided.

4-H Teen Lock-In

2008-12-13T20:09:00.001-05:00

A teen 4-H lock-in is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2009. The lock-in will be held at First Ward Recreation Center in Charlotte, NC. Cost for the lock-in is $15 per person. We will walk to the Time Warner Arena for the Charlotte Bobcats vs. Phoenix Suns basketball game. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. After the game, snacks will be served at the recreation center followed by a workshop, games, fitness activities and midnight movies. A light breakfast will be served at 6:15 a.m. If you are interested in attending, please contact Sara by noon on December 30!

Help Support Rowan County 4-H Clubs Order Your Holiday Wreath Today!

2008-11-18T11:53:00.005-05:00

Rowan County 4-H clubs are taking orders for the fifth annual wreath fundraiser. This year, Rowan County 4-H is selling fraser fir wreaths and boxwood wreaths. The wreaths are made by a small family owned and operated Christmas Tree Farm in Alleghany County.

A fresh wreath that is cared for properly will be a joy to its owners for a month or more. It is not only beautiful, but its fragrance is amazing! The wreaths are standard door size.

The wreaths are stored to maintain freshness and delivered to you as soon as possible! Wreaths will be available for pick-up the second week of December. To order, contact a local 4-H club member or call the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office at 704-216-8970. The cost of each wreath is $20, and you must order your wreath by Monday, December 1, 2008. Support Rowan County 4-H youth by purchasing a beautiful fraser fir wreath or boxwood wreath today!

4-H Performing Arts Troupe

2008-11-18T11:49:00.002-05:00

In recognition of the North Carolina 4-H Centennial, we are pleased to announce that in 2009 4-H’ers and leaders from across the state will have the opportunity to be involved in a new version of the 4-H Performing Arts Troupe. Unlike most 4-H performing groups around the country, our Troupe will not be a variation on a show choir. Instead, we will rehearse and stage an original musical theatre production written to celebrate the 100 year history of 4-H in North Carolina as part of the Centennial Celebration at 4-H Congress.

Current 4-H members ages 12-18 will have the opportunity to audition for the 30-40 performing roles in the Troupe. 4-H’ers who are more interested in the technical components of the show can apply to work with our technical staff in the areas of costumes, props, set, lighting and sound. Applications for performing and technical students will be available beginning in January with three regional auditions being planned for March.

We are also offering opportunities for 10-12 adult volunteer leaders to help bring this dream to fruition. The adult volunteers will work with our directors and technical staff to support and provide leadership for our teens. Adults who are interested in music, dance, costumes, props and the technical aspects of theatre are encouraged to apply.

We are still working out some of the details, but below is a tentative schedule for the Troupe.

November, 2008 – Applications accepted for adult volunteer leaders. All applications are due by January 15, 2009. Adults will be selected by late-January.

January 5 – February 23 – Applications accepted from 4-H’ers (ages 12-18) interested in performing or technical roles with the Troupe.

March, 2009 – Three regional auditions will be held in the East, West and Central areas of the state. Performing students may audition at any of the three sites.

Early April – Selections of performing and technical students will be finalized.

May 8-10 – A weekend retreat (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) will be held at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center where we will begin rehearsals and planning the technical aspects of the production. All adult leaders and 4-H’ers selected MUST attend.

Additional rehearsals will be held the weekend before Congress (July 18-19), Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of Congress with a premier performance tentatively set for Thursday evening.

Costs: There will be a $300 participant fee for all 4-H aged performers and technical students to cover the cost of the rehearsal weekend in May and the weekend rehearsals before Congress. There will be no participant fee for adult leaders. All performers, technical students and adult volunteers must register for Congress which requires an additional registration fee to cover room and meals for the Congress week.

We are very excited about bringing this expressive arts opportunity back to North Carolina for the Centennial.

RACE 4-H Sponsors Local Horse Clinic

2008-11-04T16:46:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have problems when riding your horse? Do you want to be more consistent in working with your horse?

Dr. Tim Potter, District Equine Specialist, NCSU will present a clinic on groundwork maneuvers that can be practiced and performed with your horse. These exercises will greatly increase your success when riding; and your horse will perform at a higher level as a result of these exercises.

Shawn Potter of Shawn Potter Riding Instruction will present a clinic on clicker training. The clicker is used when training horses, and will greatly improve your consistency and your horse’s responses to training.

This clinic is sponsored by the Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H Clubs. It will be held at Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 East Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. This clinic is open to both youth and adults. The registration fee is $5, which can be paid the morning of the clinic. The clinic is open for auditors only. Contact the Rowan County Extension Office at 704-216-8970 by Thursday, November 13 to register.

The Secret Life of Bees has a 4-H Connection

2008-11-04T14:57:00.003-05:00

Did you know that National 4-H Council has partnered with Fox Searchlight Pictures' feature film, "The Secret Life of Bees" to support 4-H's Science, Engineering and Technology communication efforts. Nearly 700 4-H professionals enjoyed this fabulous film, based on the novel by author Sue Monk Kidd, during an exclusive 4-H screening at the Galaxy III Conference in Indianapolis.

This exciting partnership also revealed that Ms. Kidd is a 4-H alumna who credits her 4-H club experience in entomology and reading as a positive force in her life and career: "Wouldn't you know-- my history with 4-H has to do with books and bugs. So perhaps it is not completely surprising that I grew up not only to read books, but write them, and that one of those books was about the secret life of the Apis Mellifera."

You can find out more about the film, read Ms. Kidd's full story, follow her on a special backstage tour, and view special souvenirs here. "The Secret Life of Bees" was released on October 17 to great reviews and is in theaters everywhere now.

November 4-H Newsletter Posted

2008-11-04T08:56:00.001-05:00

Download the November 4-H Newsletter here!

RACE 4-H Open Horse Show

2008-10-08T14:34:00.002-04:00

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H clubs will host the final open horse show of the season on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 East Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC. This show is open to all equestrians and spectators. Gates will open at 8 a.m., and participants must be ready to ride by 9 a.m. Entry fees are $8 per class or $45 to ride all day. Current negative Coggins required for each horse on the grounds. Admission for spectators is free and food and drink concessions will be available.

There are 60 classes which include English, Western, Gaited, games, a trail class and a costume class. Classes are open to novice riders who are in their first year of showing (with fewer than 5 ribbons), junior (ages 12 years and younger), senior (ages 13-18) and adult (ages over 18). Daily champion and reserve champion are awarded in each of the six divisions (Novice English, Novice Western, Limit English, Limit Western, Open English, and Open Western).

The 4-H horse program encourages youth to develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. Appreciation is also developed for horseback riding as a healthy form of recreation. Good sportsmanship is taught through a friendly, competitive atmosphere.

Click here for official rules, a class list and entry form or more information, please contact the Extension Office at 704-216-8970

Rowan County Youth Celebrate National 4-H Week

2008-10-08T14:29:00.003-04:00

4-H youth from across the nation will be celebrating National 4-H Week October 5-11 by raising awareness about 4-H program.

Throughout National 4-H week and the year, 4-H’ers solve problems in their communities, raise awareness about issues, and make a difference for their futures in the spirit of 4-H’s vision to create a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change. In Rowan County, more than 1,000 youth and 200 volunteers are actively involved in 4 H through 4-H clubs, camp, special interest programming and school enrichment opportunities.

To help support Rowan County 4-H, National 4-H Council is thrilled to announce that 4-H has once again partnered with Southern States Cooperative retail stores to run the “4-H Paper Clover” campaign, an exciting fundraising promotion where consumers purchase a paper clover at the register for $1. From Sunday, October 5 to Sunday, October 19, Southern States Cooperative will be selling paper clovers to their customers for $1 at the register at select Southern States locations. Fifty cents from each $1 donation will go to the local 4-H program and the remainder will go to National 4-H Council.

You can join the 4-H community today. To learn how to become a 4-H member or volunteer leader in Rowan County, contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center at 704-216-8970.

4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. National 4-H Headquarters, which operates out of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the federal partner of 4-H programs implemented by the Cooperative Extension System of the nation’s 106 land-grant colleges and universities and in local communities through 3,150 county Cooperative Extension offices.

4-H Paper Clover Promotion

2008-09-30T09:23:00.002-04:00

National 4-H Council is thrilled to announce that 4-H has once again partnered with Southern States Cooperative retail stores to run the “4-H Paper Clover” campaign, an exciting fundraising promotion where consumers purchase a paper clover at the register for $1.

From Sunday, October 5 to Sunday, October 19, Southern States Cooperative will be selling paper clovers to their customers for $1 at the register at select Southern States locations. Fifty cents from each $1 donation will go to the local 4-H program and the remainder will go to National 4-H Council.

Southern States stores in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia will be participating. Click here for a list of participating locations.

October Newsletter Posted

2008-09-30T09:18:00.003-04:00

Read the October 4-H Newsletter and catch up on Rowan County 4-H events!

Vote for Your Favorite Ice-Cream Flavor!

2008-09-29T15:06:00.004-04:00

It's Official...the Top 10 Flavors in the North Carolina 4-H Centennial Ice Cream Cone-test have been selected!! In partnership with the NC State Creamery, North Carolina 4-H would like to ask you to vote to select your favorite flavor! The top 3 flavors will be made in small batches at the creamery for a final taste test and the Grand Champion will be announced this spring...just in time for a North Carolina heat wave and all the Centennial Birthday Parties that will be happening across the state.

Congratulations to the counties who are in the Top 10! The Top 10 flavors belong to the following counties (in alphabetical order): Buncombe, Chowan, Gates, Henderson, Johnston, Lenoir, Madison, Orange, Tyrrell and Union.

You have until October 31 to vote! So vote now!

"Little Green Places" Contest

2008-09-19T09:30:00.004-04:00

We want to see your photo, drawing, or video of a Little Green Space that's good for birds. Have you noticed a spot that birds like because it provides shelter, food, or water? It could be an ivy-covered wall, flowers next to the stoop, a windowbox, a container garden on a rooftop or balcony, your school garden, or the potted plants by your library entryway.

Send a photo, drawing, or link to your video to urbanbirds@cornell.edu . We'll send the first fifty entries a copy of the new "Celebrate Little Green Places" poster and there will be other great prizes, including a $100 gift certificate from Johnny's Selected Seeds. The deadline is October 31.

Information about the Little Green Places contest can be found on our web site. (Make sure to watch our video about the contest!)

Orders Now Being Taken for Fall Plant Sale

2008-09-17T12:02:00.003-04:00

Rowan County 4-H is now taking orders for the fall plant sale. Plants available include strawberries - Allstar; blueberries - Premier and Tifblue; Blackberries - Arapaho and Ouachita; and muscadines - Cowart and Doreen.

For more information, click here.

To order, call 704-216-8970. The deadline to order is Friday, October 31, 2008.

Fall 2008 NC 4-H Target Sports Workshop Applications Available

2008-09-09T09:49:00.005-04:00

The Fall 2008 North Carolina 4-H Target Sports Workshop will be held October 10-12, 2008 at Swannanoa 4-H Camp. The workshop is designed to equip adult volunteers to work with youth in 4-H Target Sports Clubs. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and information while enhancing their skills in teaching youth through the use of the National 4-H Shooting Sports curriculum materials.

We will be accepting a total of 60 participants for the workshop - no more than 15 in each of the following disciplines: pistol, hunting, archery, and rifle (note: accepted applicants will participate in only one discipline throughout the entire weekend long training). Participants are being asked to pay a $25 fee to help offset some of the cost for the workshop. We are asking that all participants be registered with their local Extension office as 4-H volunteers prior to attending our workshop.

Starting this fall we will also be offering training for Jr. Leaders. Jr. Leaders should be ages 15 to 17 and should have been active in a 4-H shooting sports club for 1 year. They should fill out the regular application and choose a single discipline for the weekend long training. Up to 10 Jr. Leaders will be selected for the training.

This is a hands on workshop, participants will be required to pass a written test in their discipline and required to teach portions of their curriculum as part of a practicum test. Participants should be familiar with the shooting disciplines they choose; we will not be teaching participants to shoot but rather how to use shooting sports as a youth development tool.

We will select participants using a registration screening process. Completed applications must be returned to Gene Shutt by September 30, 2008.

4-H’ers Combat Global Climate Change

2008-09-08T14:19:00.000-04:00

The 4-H Million Trees Project (4HMT) began last year as a seedling in the minds of
Belmont, California 4-Her Laura Webber and her dad as they considered what they could do personally to combat global climate change. Over the next few months the idea developed, like a fast growing sapling, to become the 4-H Million Trees Project.

The main goal of 4HMT is to have 4-H youth across the country team together to plant
one million trees. The plan is to build a network of clubs by working through the 4-H
organization in each state. To quickly build a national network of clubs and units, project leaders have asked all 50 state directors to forward a invitation via E-mail to their County Reps/Agents, and asked each County Rep to forward the invitation to the clubs and units in their county. Youth involved in the 4-H Afterschool programs and Military 4-H are also invited to participate.

“The goal of this service-learning project is not only to plant one million trees to combat global warming,” said Project Founder and Teen Leader Laura Webber, “but to teach 4-H youth that by working together they can make a big impact on their world.” There will be numerous benefits to the project. Along with addressing the climate crisis and teaching a valuable life lessons to 4-H youth, the leaders and members of this project will learn to write grant proposals, prepare and give presentations to clubs, schools, foundations, companies, etc., develop a network with 4-H clubs across the nation, coordinate and maintain the website, manage communications and the project database, form partnerships with non-4-H organizations, write or encourage others to write articles about the project, get publicity on television, learn to interview and be interviewed, and learn to be better leaders.

Trees are at the heart of this project. Members of the project figure that if each club plants and cares for twelve native trees per year over the next four years, they can reach their goal. One million is a big number, so this will be a challenge, but these 4-Hers are dedicated to the project and want to do their part to help resolve the climate crisis. Since the project started in March, 2008, over 20,000 trees have been registered on the project website, planted by 6,600 4-H youth in 26 states. All 4-H clubs and units are invited to participate, and they just need to register their trees by filling out the convenient online form using the Registration page of www.4hmilliontrees.org.

If anyone is interested to help with, become a member of, has any ideas for, or support
4HMT, they are urged to contact the project at 4hmilliontrees@gmail.com, or visit the website.

Workshops for WCD Fall Leader's Day Announced

2008-09-04T14:53:00.002-04:00

The workshops to be held at the WCD 4-H Volunteer Leader's Fall Day has been announced. They include:
* Lead by Example
* Explore the World of Letterboxing
* 4-H Poultry Science Opportunities
* Water Watch
* Building your Blueprint: The Nuts and Bolts of DNA
* 4-H Service Learning Opportunities
* 4-H Centennial Opportunities

Fall Day will be held Saturday, November 8 at the Iredell County Extension Office from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

You must register by contacting Sara Drake at 704-216-8970 by Friday, October 31!

POSTPONED - Bitting & Groundwork Demonstration

2008-09-04T09:34:00.003-04:00

This workshop has been postponed due to the potential for Hurricane Hannah. This event will be rescheduled for late October/November. Please check back for further updates!

We apologize for any inconvenience!

Color Me Green Contest!

2008-09-03T10:31:00.003-04:00

Do you like to draw? If so, the Color Me Green! 4-H Outline Drawing Contest is for you! Use this opportunity to share with us what area of 4-H you are interested in or what 4-H means to you.

Artwork must be drawn on an 8.5"X11" of white paper using a black pen. Others colors of paper or ink are ineligible. Copyrighted materials should not be used. Only original artwork, hand-drawn by the artist is allowed.

This contest is open to youth ages 5-18, with opportunities for winners in 9-10, 11-13 and 14-18 age divisions to advance on to state competition.

To enter the competition, complete the application form and start drawing!

WC District 4-H Science Fair

2008-09-02T21:41:00.003-04:00

The WC District 4-H Science Fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 1 in Cleveland County. The Science Fair is open to youth ages 9-18. Cloverbuds may participate by entering a science poster, they do not have to complete an entire science fair project.

The expectation is that participants will enter a science fair exhibit based on their project and be prepared to answer judges’ questions about their project. (A research paper is not required for our fair, but if they choose to advance to a regional or state science fair, they will have to submit a research paper also.)

Applications are due to Sara Drake by September 30. For more information, click here.

We will have a Science Fair Workshop for youth and parents on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 pm in Lincolnton to go over how to complete a science fair project (this is an opportunity, not a requirement). You must RSVP by calling the Lincoln County Extension Office at 704-736-8458 by September 19.

There will be a Science Lock-In at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia for 4-H’ers ages 9-12 on November 21-22 for a cost of $35. Registration for this event will be sent at a later date.

4-H Junior Dog Show

2008-08-27T17:00:00.006-04:00

The Rowan County Fair is right around the corner for the junior exhibitors who plan on showing their dogs in the 4-H Junior Dog Show.

This fun and educational experience focuses on the youth and their ability to relate with their dogs. This year the show is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19. It will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 6 p.m. Check-in will begin at 5:15 p.m. All participants must be registered by 5:45 p.m.

All dogs must have their vaccinations for distemper, parvo and rabies and must be a minimum of 4 months old. Proof will be required. Dogs do not have to be purebred, but they do need to be well behaved and on a leash for the show.

There are many classes available including: hound, sporting, non-sporting, working, terrier, toy, herding, miscellaneous, puppy, cloverbud, senior citizen dog, trick and talent.

During the dog show, the judge will be looking for several key areas including showmanship, the relationship between the youth and the dog, eye contact and awareness of the judge and grooming of the dog. The dog should be washed, clean and well cared for. The judge will ask simple questions to the exhibitors to test their knowledge of the dog.

All exhibitors will receive a ribbon. Best of Class will receive a ribbon and a trophy, and first through fifth placings will receive premiums.

Unlike other competitive shows, based on pedigree and breed characteristics, the 4-H Junior Dog Show is an enriching, fun experience for all members of the family, including the dog. Please come out and support our youth by watching the exciting and entertaining 4-H Junior Dog Show.

To register for the 4-H Junior Dog show, youth need to complete an entry form. You can download the entry form here or you can pick one up at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension office (2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC).

For more information concerning the 4-H Junior Dog Show or the North Carolina 4-H program, please contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent, at 704-216-8970. For more information about NC Cooperative Extension, call the Rowan Extension Office at 704-216-8970.

September Newsletter Posted

2008-08-27T16:14:00.003-04:00

The September 4-H Newsletter is now online! Download and read it today!

PALS Meeting

2008-08-20T21:17:00.001-04:00

All 4-H parents, alumni and leaders are encouraged to attend the PALS meeting on Tuesday, September 2 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Extension Office. We will be discussing upcoming fall events as well as club reorganization. Please mark your calendar!

Bitting & Groundwork Demonstration

2008-08-20T21:11:00.002-04:00

The Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian 4-H Clubs (RACE) will sponsor a bitting and groundwork clinic on Saturday, September 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ellis Park Event Center. During the workshop, youth will learn the bitting process, types of bits and their uses, what determines the severity of bits, basic groundwork and its importance and groundwork exercises that must be done before riding. This demonstration workshop is FREE and will be a great opportunity to learn new techniques.

Collector's Rifle to be Raffled

2008-08-11T11:28:00.013-04:00

The Hot Shots 4-H Shooting Sports Club in conjunction with the Rowan County Wildlife Association is selling raffle tickets on a Rowan County Special Edition Rifle, which is Collector's Grade Henry "Big Boy" rifle in a .44 mag caliber, fully plated in 24-karat gold. The engraved artwork is defined with jewelry-grade nickel.

The 4-H club are selling a thousand raffle tickets for $10 each to raise funds to support the club.

This family heirloom is a tribute to the history and people of Rowan County.

For more information, contact Beth Stebe, 4-H Volunteer, at 704-267-9146.

It's Been a Busy Summer So Far!

2008-07-01T16:51:00.001-04:00

Rowan County 4-H has had a very busy start to the summer so far. Rowan County 4-H has hosted 11 4-H Summer Fun Day camps during the month of June.

Check out pictures on the slide show above of youth participating in the various workshops!