New Day...New Concept

At the District 9 4-H Agent training I shared with you a concept paper for changing the way we host contest in 2011.  With a few edits and the addition of Fashion Show (they forced me to add it) I have prepared an updated document.  The document is included in the enclosure link.

Please remember this is a concept at this point, and decisions regarding district contests next year, will be made at the District 4-H Program Planning Conference on July 8, 2010.

Feel free to share this concept with leaders and 4-Hers and garner what feedback you can.

Take Care,
Kevin

Something to Chew On!

Most of you are aware of the changes in the bit rule for district and state 4-H Horse shows.  Knowing that the rules have changed and being able to communicate those changes are two very different things entirely.  Photos to the rescue!  Brett Scott and Teri Antilley have created a slide show that shows what is legal and what is not.  That slide show can be downloaded at the State 4-H Horse Show web site or you can view the slide show on line at this link.

Bits and equipment

View more presentations from Texas Agrilife Extension Service.

This slide show should help those of us with a "bit" less knowledge about "Bits" explaine what the horse should be chewing on when they enter the ring at the District Horse Show.

Take care,
Kevin

All Work and No Play....Not With TAE4-HA

I have posted a few of the photos from the fun we had at the Spring 2010 District 9 TAE4-HA meeting.  Most of the photos I have posted are from the training an Shangri La.  Feel free to post any photos you may have taken.  I know you need an account with Shutterfly, in order to upload, if there are any other tricks you need to know, we'll figure them out together.

Enjoy the photos,
Kevin

Where is the new Customer

I am linking to an article referring to the post recession customer and what they look like.  I know your are busy, but I wouldn't post it if I didn't think it was important.  If you read nothing else read the last couple of lines posted here:

"...ask yourself this BIG question: Will your new customer buy from you, or your competition?"


Our business is a competitive business.  Will the post recession kids be coming to us?


Something to think about,
Kevin


http://bit.ly/9yJYvA

Do you really want to be there?

We have entered that retrospective time of the year for the District 4-H Program.  The District contests are over and the summer activities are about to begin.  This is that time when I look back and think, "What could we have done differently?"  Unfortunately it is easy to dwell on the negative when you look back, but it is also important to remember that WE had an impact on the lives of young people with no fewer 1039 entries in district events/contests thus far.

Looking ahead, we have recordbook judging in July, which brings its own set of issues.  Many of us do not like judging recordbooks, and it's really hard to get motivated to read the books if your heart isn't in it.  That being said, as a 4-H professional, it is our duty to give this task the same amount of attention and the same level of care that we give the exciting aspects of our program.  I hope you will join me in opening your mind to the value that this type of reflection (record keeping) has on the growth of our youth.  There are few opportunities available outside of 4-H to have this type of reflective experience.

Enough FLUFF....

We still need Recordbook judges on July 7, 2010.  If we are going to get them judged in a timely manner it is going to take a lot of people.  Please talk to your strong volunteers and your Ag & FCS coworkers and encourage them to sign up for recordbook judging this year.

We can use all the help we can get,
Kevin

S.E.T. ...Did you miss it?

Did you miss the District 9 4-H Science Engineering and Technology Poster Contest? 

If you did, go to the district 9 4-H Shutterfly account to get a feel for what took place.

The young people presented some really cool displays and the committee did an outstanding job of hosting this inaugural event.  A specila thank you goes to committee members:  Sheryl Nolen, Billy Zanolini, and Starla Garlick, for making this contest a success.

Next year this may be a big event!!!!

Kevin

Social Media

Got an opinion about Social Media?  I would bet that we all do.  Some people think it is the new industrial revolution, others think it's just a new way for teens to waste time and annoy parents.  Whatever your opinion, I think you'll find the facts in this video astounding.