Kleberg-Kenedy County Webpage:

http://kleberg.agrilife.org

Kleberg-Kenedy AgriLife Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/

klebergkenedy.agrilife

District 12 4-H Website:

http://agrilife.org/d124h/

Texas 4-H Website:

http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/

Summer 2014 is in full swing and Kleberg– Kenedy County 4-H’ers have been BUSY! June began

with the District 12 4-H Archery Match in Benavides, then fast forwarded to 6 days in College

Station where 15 KKC 4-H’ers competed at Texas 4-H Roundup. We also had several 4-Hers

attend the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Camp in College Station June 13-15th! Next came the

District 12 4-H Horse Show in Robstown and County 4-H Recordbooks were submitted. Last week,

Mrs. Castro and myself took 20 members to District 12 4-H Leadership Lab in Uvalde. Throw in

State Steer Validation and Summer Camps to round out a very ACTIVE month!

I couldn't be more proud of the 4-H program here in Kleberg-Kenedy Counties. We may not be the

largest, but we certainly make a presence at almost EVERYTHING!!! That alone is something to

be proud of. You strive for excellence and as you will see in this month’s letter there is a lot of

recognition to applaud. I am also extremely grateful for all of the time, dedication, support and

constant generosity provided by our AMAZING Coaches, Parents, Club Mangers and Volunteers.

We simply could not do this without you! Thank you!

Please take the time to read through the newsletter to admire what all of these talented kids have

accomplished!

Sincerely,

Niki Kaiser, CEA 4-H & YD

4 - H G r e e t i n g s

August 2014:

State 4-H Recordbook Judging: August 4th in

Victoria

Club Manager Training: August 12-13th

2014-2015 4-H Enrollment Begins

County Achievement Awards: August 24th

Kl

eb

er

g-K

en

ed

y C

ou

nt

y

4-H

N

ew

sl

et

te

r:

ju

ly

2

014

U p c o m i n g e v e n t D a t e s

K e e p i n t o u c h w i t h 4 - h H a p p e n i n g s

July 2014:

District 12 4-H Recordbook Judging: July 9th in

Pleasanton

Texas 4-H Congress: July 13-16 in Austin

4-H Night with CC Hooks Baseball: July 15th

4-H Leadership Retreat– TBD

County 4-H Awards Interviews: July 23rd

Being the Best

Supporting the Rest

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

SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY-FYI:

Kleberg-Kenedy County AgriLife

Extension Service complies with the law

set forth by legislature regarding

eligibility and school absences.

Members competing or simply

participating in a 4-H event (food show,

fashion, show, livestock show, etc.) must

be certified as eligible to participate by

their respective schools.

School officials will be provided with a

list of students entered in competitive

and/or non-competitive 4-H events.

Should a student be ineligible due to their

respective School District’s Policy

(grades, absenteeism, discipline, etc.),

school officials will notify the Kleberg-

Kenedy Extension Office in writing. The

students and their parents will be notified

in writing of their ineligibility status by

our office.

District 12 4-H Archery Match– June 7th in Benavides

This year we had 5 KKC 4-H’ers attend the District 12 4-H Archery Match. What a

great experience this was for our kids. It was very hot out, but these kids stuck with it

and did great!

3-D Match

Jimmy Abrigo– 4th place Erin DeLaPaz– 6th place

Ryan Utley– 7th place Mike Suarez– 9th place

Leo Garcia– 12th place

Modified 600

Ryan Utley– 3rd Place, Compound Aided Division, Intermediates

Postal League

Veronica Garcia– 1st Place, Compound UnAided, Senior Division

SOUTH REGION 4-H RANGE DAY:

Did you know that learning your plants and

how to determine how much livestock you

can run is a 4-H contest?

This fun training day will help prepare for

contests this upcoming year, as well as

teach and reinforce a ton of

knowledge. There will be lunch, door

prizes, and some nice, friendly

competition. All 4-H members, their

parents, and County Extension Agents are

welcome!

Range Day is August 8, 2014 at La Copita

Research and Demonstration Ranch in Ben

Bolt, Texas. RSVP for attendance is due

to the Extension Office by July 7th!

District 12 4-H Livestock Judging Contest– April 12th in

Fredericksburg

These kids did an amazing job at the contest. Here are the complete Team results and

TopTen individual placings. Thank you to Coach Kyle McManus and the parents who are

constantly supporting and traveling with these kids!

Kleberg Juniors: 1st Place Team

Wyatt Henske: 13th individual

Renell Kraatz: 7th individual

Hannah Morris: 3rd individual

Kirby Owen: 1st Place Individual

Kleberg Intermediates:

Kleberg Team 1: 1st Place Team

Erin DeLaPaz

Anthony Mertens: 7th individual

Alec Mertens: 4th individual

Miles Mathis: 1st Place Individual

Kleberg Team 2: 14th Place Team

Dallas Cannon

Luke Kraatz

Mike Suarez

Kleberg Team 3: 10th Place Team

Leo Garica

Carson Radford

Ryan Utley

Kleberg Seniors: 6th Place Team

Veronica Garcia

Allison Henske

Morgan Mathis

Texas 4-H Roundup– June 9-13th in College Station

It was truly an honor to attend state roundup with the 15 youth representing Kleberg-Kenedy

County. These kids not only worked many hours preparing for the event, whether advancing at

county & district, or by deciding to compete in an Invitational Contest for some experience. If you

ever have the chance, as a 4-H’er or parent, to attend Texas 4-H Roundup please do so. It is a one

of a kind experience that highlights the vast talents of Texas 4-H’ers! Thanks to the coaches and

parents for all that you do to help these kids prepare for this!!

Scholarship Winners:

Hayley Meyer: $10,000 Richard Wallrath Educational Foundation

$1,000 Texas Extension Education Association

Victoria Garza: $7,500 McLean Scholarship

Fashion Show:

Patience Cannon: 2nd Place, Fantastic Fashions under $25

Hayley Meyer: 7th Place, Semi-Formal to Formal

Fashion Storyboard:

Haley Wagner: 4th Place, Non-Wearable

Clancy McFall: 5th Place, Pet Clothing

Ag Product ID:

Team 1: 7th Place: Cassie Cannon

Clancy McFall

Cory Ray

Team 2: 10th Place: Haley Wagner

Russell Wagner

Joey Coufal

Alexandra Hajek

Food Challenge:

Schyler Alexander

Samantha Larsen

Hayley Meyer

Hunter Meyer

Matt Waddingham

Food Show:

Morgan Mathis, Protein Category

District 12 4-H Horse Show– June 20th in Robstown

This year we had 4 participants in the District 12 4-H Horse Show. I know Renell was glad to see

a few new 4-H’ers competing with her representing KKC! These kids did an amazing job! They

really got out of their comfort zones and tried new events. That’s what 4-H is all about… trying

new things. We had quite the cheering section at the event as well. Thank you to all of the parents

and family members that came out to support the kids.

Judged Western– Gelding 5 & Over: J.T. Garcia, 9th place

Kalye Utterback, 10th place

Judged Western– Mares 5 & Over: Renell Kraatz, 1st Place & CHAMPION MARE

Judged Western– Showmanship at Halter Renell Kraatz, 2nd place

Western Horsemanship Renell Kraatz, 5th place

Timed Events– Poles J.T. Garcia, 7th place

Timed Events– Barrels J.T. Garcia, 4th place

Stock Horse– Trail Kalye Utterback, 9th place

Grant Garza, 8th place

J.T. Garcia, 7th place

Stock Horse– Pleasure Kalye Utterback, 9th Place

Grant Garza, 8th place

J.T. Garcia, 7th place

Stock Horse– Horsemanship Kalye Utterback, 9th Place

Grant Garza, 5th place

J.T. Garcia, 4th place

Texas A&M Livestock Judging Camp– June 13-15 in College Station

Practice, practice, practice. Let’s talk about these

awesome livestock judgers— not limited to those

mentioned below. The KKC Livestock Judging

Teams compete in over 5 contests annually and

practice almost weekly in the winter and spring

months. After the district contest they continue to

practice and expand their subject knowledge by

attending camps like the one hosted by Texas A&M.

Pictured here are 6 members of the KKC teams that

attending the workshop in June this year. They

include: Carson Radford, Alec Mertens, Dallas

Cannon, Anthony Mertens, Miles Mathis and Luke

Kraatz.

Kleberg-Kenedy County 4-H Recordbook Contest

Juniors: Kirby Owen, Beef 1st place Intermediates: Luke Kraatz, Beef 1st place

Renell Kraatz, Horse 1st place Jessica Pena, Food & Nutrition 1st

Steven Grimes, Goat 1st place

Anthony Mertens, Goat 2nd place

Darby Florence, Poultry 1st place

Dallas Cannon, Poultry 2nd place

Alec Mertens, Safety 1st place

Miles Mathis, Sheep 1st place

Seniors: Kelsey Richerson, Companion Animal 1st place

Victoria Garza, Goat 1st place

Cory Ray, Goat 2nd place

Hayley Meyer, Leadership 1st place

Schyler Alexander, Poultry 1st place

Hunter Meyer, Safety 1st place

Morgan Mathis, Sheep 1st place

Austin Silva, Sheep 1st place

Haley Wagner, Swine 1st place

Clancy McFall, Wildlife & Fisheries 1st place

Recordbooks are due back to the office by Monday, July 7th for District 12 judging on the 9th!

County Award Applications are due July 10th. Interviews will be held July 23rd at the Ext. Office

District 12 4-H Leadership Lab– June 24-27

Leadership Lab is a district leadership event where 4-H’ers have the opportunity to learn life skills

such as public speaking and leadership , practice team-building and meet 4-H’ers from across

District 12. This year was no different. We loaded up on Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. to head to

Uvalde with 18 kids; Mrs. Castro driving the van and me driving the Tahoe. We met JWC and

Brooks county agents at Hwy 281 to caravan the kids and luggage to Southwest Texas Junior

College. While at SWTJC the kids experienced an interactive opening ceremony by Dr. Chris

Boleman, Program Director of 4-H & Youth Development in Texas, which included Twitter and

Instagram highlights. Wednesday began with a kickball tournament and other games in the

morning followed by concurrent sessions on Teamwork and a Honeybee presentation. That

evening was the 2nd of three nights of dancing!!!!! Thursday was more activities at the athletic

fields and concurrent sessions covering real world scenarios and distracted driving. The kids

listened to a life changing speech entitled “When Sean Speaks” about a man who decided to get in

a vehicle after he and a couple friends had been drinking. A tragic crash left Sean with a

Traumatic Brain Injury which impairs his ability to walk or talk. The kids had the opportunity to

ask Sean questions and take a few pictures. On Friday, the District 12 Election Convention was

held and delegates voted for the 2014-2015 District 12 Council Officers. Please see pictures

below of the great times that were had at

Texas 4-H Congress

Good Luck to Hayley Meyer, Hunter Meyer, Haley Wagner and Russell Wagner as they gear up to

attend Texas 4-H Congress as our Kleberg-Kenedy County representatives.

Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members ages 15 (at the time of the event) to 18. During this

time, 4-H members assume the roles of senators, representatives, lobbyists, press corps, and special interest groups to gain a first-

hand understanding of how the legislative process works. Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues con-

cerning Texas and Texas youth. These bills are assigned to the appropriate committee, debated in committee meetings, and then on

the floor of the House or Senate. If a bill is successful in negotiation and the legislative debate in all three stages, it is delivered to the

Governor of Texas 4-H Congress for his or her signature or veto. Copies of all the bills that are signed into law during Texas 4-H

Congress are provided to the Office of Governor Rick Perry for his review.

Texas 4-H Congress is a premiere leadership program that is co-planned and co- implemented by the Texas 4-H and Youth Develop-

ment Office and the Texas 4-H Council. The Texas 4-H Council, which consists of elected delegates from each district within the

state assume many of the leadership responsibilities.

House or Senate Member:

These roles are primarily for 4-H members that have never participated in Texas 4-H Congress. Four-H members serving in the

House or Senate should be prepared and able to speak passionately about issues effecting Texas and Texas youth. The issues that the 4

-H member will be speaking about may or may not be related to the subject matter of the bill they submitted. House and Senate mem-

bers will be participating in a variety of professional settings such as committee meetings, chamber sessions, and may be lobbied or

questioned on different issues by the Lobbyist group and/or the Press Corps. Assignments to either the House or Senate are made by

the State 4-H Office.

Dress Code: Since this is such a prestigious event and the 4-H members will be on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives

and Senate, a coat and tie are to be worn by all males and professional style dresses are to be worn by female’s at all official legislative

events. Attire for the nightly dances must adhere to the Texas 4-H Dress Philosophy. Attire for the theme party must be in line with the

theme and presented in a non-offensive manner.

Registration costs will be as follows:

House/Senate/Press Corps/Lobbyist: $330.00

Texas 4-H Council: $330.00

Technology Team Members: $330.00

Chaperones: $ 0.00

Registration costs include: hotel, meals & snacks, and registration fee. Other costs that delegates may experience include transportation

to and from Austin, meals en route to and from Austin, three (3) breakfast meals while in Austin, and incidental spending money.

Chaperone expenses for hotel, Congress meals, and registration will be paid by Texas 4-H Congress for the chaperones from delegate

fees. No transportation, per diem or out-of-pocket expenses will be paid to chaperones by Texas 4-H Congress.

Texas 4-H Congress Calendar:

May 20, 2014 Online Registration opens via 4-H CONNECT June 16, 2014 Bill submission closes

June 16, 2014 Online Registration closes July, 2014 Bill Book posted online

July 13, 2014 District Delegates Arrive

Theme Party:

The 2014 Texas 4-H Council has selected "The Roaring 20’s!" Delegates are encouraged to read The Great Gatsby and get the feel of

life in the 20’s! From flapper dress to wing-tip shoes, the night will be filled with glamour (and a few surprises)! The Internet can

provide a wealth of information for 4-H members to use in designing their costume.

NEW 2014-2015 Texas 4-H/FFA Heifer Validation Program

Texas is privileged to have the largest junior breeding heifer program in the nation.

However, the sheer size of Texas, diversity in counties and beef breed associations has created some challenges for effectively and

fairly managing the program. Because of numerous breed divisions offered, there are inconsistencies in how breed associations record

purchase and transfer information. Heifer Validation is being initiated to ensure a level playing field for all junior breeding beef heifer

exhibitors and to present a unified approach to verifying breeding beef heifer registration papers, ownership and physical possession.

Further, history has proven collecting DNA hair samples during validation has added integrity to market animal divisions. Therefore,

we are implementing a statewide electronic verification process in addition to requiring the physical validation of breeding beef

heifers. An electronic verification process will ensure that ownership has been transferred by the respective owner- ship deadlines.

The verification process along with the added physical validation component will allow for certifying exhibitor ownership,

possession, heifer identification (tattoo/brand) far in advance of each respective major livestock show. Full and part-time personnel

will be required to effectively review and validate all submitted heifer registration papers and to enforce rules during the participating

major livestock shows.

Purpose

An electronic verification for heifer registration papers would serve four primary purposes:

Ensure ownership has been transferred by the respective ownership deadline

Eliminate backdating of junior heifer ownership

Allow heifer verification chair and co-chair to communicate any disqualifications prior to arrival to shows

Allow for a more efficient check-in process

Physical Validation would serve four primary objectives:

Ensure ownership and physical possession of heifer in designated county on validation day(s).

Physical viewing of tattoos/brands allows for verification tattoos/brands match the registration paper reducing disqualifications at

major livestock shows.

DNA collection provides a robust system to authenticate that the heifer presented at physical validation is the same heifer

exhibiting at major livestock shows.

Allows County Extension Agents and Ag Science Teachers to continue building positive relationships with breeding heifer

exhibitors.

2015 Spring Show Timeline

October 1, 2014 Heifer Verification Database is open to ASTs/CEAs

October 1-November 15, 2014 Participating major livestock shows are requiring all junior breeding heifers to be tattooed,

brands recorded and hair samples collected for the DNA Assay between 10/1/2014 and

11/15/2014 for 2015 spring shows. All heifers must be validated at a time, place, and date

determined by the County Validation Committee.

November 1, 2014 Ownership deadline for all spring shows

November 15, 2014 Registration Paper upload deadline and physical validation paperwork and DNA must be

postmarked and sent to Tex- as 4-H Headquarters

December 19, 2014 Projected deadline for all papers to be reviewed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

January 7, 2015 Projected deadline for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to notify all ineligible exhibitors

and major livestock show officials for spring shows

2015 Fall Show Timeline

June 1, 2015 Heifer Verification Database is open to ASTs/CEAs

June 1-30, 2015 Participating major livestock shows are requiring all junior breeding heifers to be tattooed,

brands recorded and hair samples collected for the DNA Assay between 6/1/2015 and

6/30/2015 for 2015 fall shows. All heifers must be validated at a time, place, and date

determined by the County Validation Committee.

July 1, 2015 Ownership deadline, registration paper upload deadline and physical validation paperwork and

DNA must be postmarked and sent to Texas 4-H Headquarters

August 20, 2015 Projected deadline for all papers to be reviewed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

August 25, 2015 Fall show entry deadline

September 15, 2015 Projected deadline for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to notify all ineligible exhibitors

and major livestock show officials for fall shows