December 2007

Dear 4-H Leaders, Members & Parents,

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

We would like to say “Welcome” to our new members and hope you enjoy your 4-H experience.  You’ll find that you get out of 4-H exactly what you put into it and we highly encourage parent involvement.  Please keep these letters in the 4-H binder that you should receive when your get your literature after you bring in your enrollment cards.  That way you will have your 4-H information handy and will know what is going on when.  Keep the binder on the fridge or some other place where you can find it easily.

 MEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT TURNED IN A RECORD BOOK FROM LAST YEAR

If you were a member last year and have not turned in a record book, remember our policy states the following:

Record books are expected to be turned in at the end of each 4-H year in order to  get  credit for completing the year.  4-H members who do not turn in a completed record book  will be ineligible to apply for state awards, leadership positions, or  any out of county trip or camp.  If a record book is not turned in, the 4-H’er cannot enroll in that project the following year.

 GREYTAK CALENDARS FOR SALE

The new Montana Ag Calendars featuring Don Greytak

prints are now available from the Extension Office.

They sell for $10 and $2.50 stays in the county.

They make very nice Christmas gifts. Come pick one up.

DEC 1 ENROLLMENT CARDS DUE

4-H enrollment cards were DUE in the office by December 1.  You still have until June l to add or drop projects, but we need the cards now to get our mail lists updated and we need to know who is enrolled in specific projects for upcoming meetings, ordering literature, etc.  If you have not turned in your form yet, do so As Soon As Possible! For those of you have turned in your enrollment forms most of that material has arrived.  The cloverbud books are on back order.  Please have a leader stop by the office and pick up your material before your December meeting.  Remember the cost of literature is the 4-H family’s responsibility.  You will be billed for it’s cost and we would appreciate you sending in the money ASAP.   The 4-H Council is providing the green record book covers for first year members, the club secretary & treasurer books and the record book pages for each 4-H member. We have a couple projects you can enroll in that are not listed in the Clover:#0740 arts & crafts, #0291 orphan animal.

 Dec 29, STEER WEIGH IN

Steer weigh in for all 4-H steers in the rate of gain contest has  been set for Saturday, December 29 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Glendive Livestock Yards. According to the Dawson County livestock policy if you are not able to bring your animal on this day, you will not be eligible for the rate of gain, however you may still exhibit at the fair.

 Also enclosed is a form you need to sign saying that you will complete an option or series book and exhibit it at the fair or you will relinquish your right to sell your market animal at the fair livestock sale.

 4-H members must have their market beef and breeding beef in their care by January l.  The members must have market sheep, breeding sheep, market swine, breeding swine, and goats in their possession by June 1.  Rabbits, poultry, and orphan animal projects must in the member's possession by June l also. May 1 is the deadline for horsemanship projects and January 1 for the colt to maturity project.

 Sidney Livestock Judging, Jan 12

Sidney Ag Day judging has been set for Saturday, January 12.  More details will be available later.

 Thank you

Thanks to the three clubs who participated in the Light Parade.  You will get your $10 at Achievement Day.

 Thanks to the Daisies and Diggers for participating in the ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree.

 The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA Veteran’s Preference Employer and educational outreach provider.