4-H FAMILY NEWSLETTER July 2020 PAGE 1

4-H FAMILY NEWSLETTER

HARDIN COUNTY HARDIN COUNTY

July 2020 GROWS

ISU EXTENSION & OUTREACH HARDIN COUNTY 524 Lawler St., Iowa Falls, IA 50126-8000 Phone 641-648-4850 or Toll-free 1-888-648-5005 FAX: 1-641-648-4862 OFFICE HOURS: M-F 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:30 - 4:30 PM http://www.extension.iastate.edu/hardin

4-H ONLINE: https://ia.4honline.com

If you would like to learn more about your online membership, visit our

website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/hardin/4h.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext

Lori Hardman HARDIN COUNTY EXTENSION County Youth Coordinator hardman@iastate.edu 641-648-4850

Greetings Hardin County 4-H Families!! This month, please find a shortened version of the 4-H Family Newsletter with some last-minute notes and re-minders. Thank you for your patience and positive attitude as we worked on putting together an alternative fair expe-rience for you. Your understanding has been appreciated. You are all Grand Champions in our eyes! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call!

COMPLIMENTARY EXHIBITOR T-SHIRTS The Pioneer Seed dealers of Hardin County are once again generously providing one free t-shirt to all 4-H and FFA animal and/or static exhibitors this year who entered at least one exhibit by June 15th. T-shirts will be available when static exhibits are dropped off on Monday, or in the fair office Wednesday and beyond.

4-H T-SHIRTS If you would like to purchase a Hardin Coun-ty 4-H or Clover Kids t-shirt they will be available for purchase on the fairgrounds. The green shirt has the Iowa 4-H logo im-printed in white. The cost is $10.00 and they can be purchased in the Hardin County Fair Secretary’s Office from Wednesday through Sunday. Hardin County 4-H T-shirts will not be available at static entry drop-off this year. Arm bands for horse exhibitors will also be available for $3.00.

FAIR RULES & FORMS If you are looking for forms, the Fair Book, directions or frequently asked questions, check out the Hardin County 4-H website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/hardin/4h. Click on “2020 Hardin Coun-ty Fair”. Scrolling down the screen, you will see lots of options, and hopefully, the answer to your questions. These resources are availa-ble to help you find what you need anytime. If there is something missing, please contact the Extension Office at 641-648-4850 or 1-888-648-5005.

4-H FAMILY NEWSLETTER July 2020 PAGE 2

2020 STATIC JUDGING INFORMATION

Together with the Hardin County Agricultural Society and our volunteers, we have put together a modified fair experience which will provide opportunities for 4-H and FFA members to showcase their learning, and to receive evaluation and recognition. Thank you for being patient as we plan a safe and fun experience for our youth. To be able to provide this experience for you, we need your cooperation to ensure that guidelines set by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa State University Extension and Iowa 4-H are followed. Please note:

It is RECOMMENDED that volunteers, participants, and families use face coverings and honor social distancing during all events.

Only the participating 4-H and FFA members, essential/immediate family member(s), approved 4-H staff and volunteers will

be allowed. Youth shows will NOT be open to the public. If you or your family member(s) are feeling ill or have a fever, do not attend.

Your safety is important to us! Your extension staff and fair board will be cleaning high touch areas frequently, practicing physical distancing, and providing a safe and fun fair experience! If you have any questions or concerns on safety please contact the exten-sion office.

STATIC (NON-LIVESTOCK) EXHIBIT DROP-OFF MONDAY, JULY 6TH For the safety of our judges and youth we will be doing a “State Fair style” judging day for all static projects. 4-H and Clover Kids members will not be present with their project when the judging occurs. The following outlines how this will look.

MONDAY, JULY 6TH 4-H and Clover Kids Projects will be dropped off on the fair grounds at your club’s scheduled time (see below). We will create a drive through line for the drop off process. Please pull up to the Youth Building north entrance (main entrance) heading eastbound. Families will enter the youth building one at a time, attach entry cards, and put exhibits at the designated station. When you enter the building, you will be handed your entry tags and be expected to make your payment ($3 for the first 10

exhibits, and $0.25 each additional exhibit) String will provided and there will be a staging area for you to attach your tags We cannot share equipment, so please bring whatever you think you need (like tape dispensers for photography) If you are waiting in line, you may come up to the door to pick up entry tags, and bring them back to your car to attach them

to exhibits. Make sure to have goal sheets/write-ups attached. If you have multiple pieces for ONE project please make sure to label with your name/attach together to help prevent

getting misplaced Judges will evaluate your projects on Tuesday. We will take pictures and post a daily slideshow of all of our events that are

closed to the public. Project results will be shared online later in the week. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the link, or visit https://

www.extension.iastate.edu/hardin/content/hardin-county-fair-1 Though the Iowa State Fair has been cancelled, there WILL be state-level static judging. Therefore, we WILL consider and

select exhibits to move on to “state fair”. Photos will be shared online. Junior Excellence and Challenge Class Champions will still be awarded and photos will be shared online. The exhibit building will be closed to the public, and exhibits will be picked up at the club times on Saturday.

CLUB EXHIBIT DROP OFF TIMES 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Ellis Jackson Ag Stars and Alden Active Achievers 10:00 – 11:00 AM – Eldora Eagles and Tipton Grant Toppers 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – E-NP Bearcats and Concord Sherman Challengers 12:30 – 1:00 PM – LUNCH BREAK 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Union Whitten Hustlers, HC Rough Riders and Independent Members 2:00 – 3:00 PM – All Clovers Kids **Please call if your assigned time does not work for you!

4-H FAMILY NEWSLETTER July 2020 PAGE 3

2020 STATIC EXHIBIT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

CLUB EXHIBIT PICK-UP TIMES Saturday, July 11th 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Ellis Jackson Ag Stars and Alden Active Achievers 10:00 – 11:00 AM – Eldora Eagles and Tipton Grant Toppers 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – E-NP Bearcats and Concord Sherman Challengers 12:30 – 1:00 PM – LUNCH BREAK 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Union Whitten Hustlers, HC Rough Riders and Independent Members 2:00 – 3:00 PM – All Clovers Kids Sunday, July 12th 12 to 1 PM – Beef Exhibitors who could not attend on Saturday **Please call if your pick-up time does not work so we can make arrangements

STATIC (NON-LIVESTOCK) PROJECT TIPS: Since the youth will not be able to conference judge in person, the goal sheet or write-up becomes very important. Please make sure to fully answer the questions and add any additional information that you want the judge to know. Exhibit Tips Sheets and Judges Evaluation Forms are available and are an EXCELLENT resource - https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/exhibit-tip-sheets

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH - COMMUNICATIONS AND SHARE-THE-FUN This includes Working Exhibits, Educational Presentations, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Share-the-Fun.

9 AM Start time in the Youth Building (stage) After entries are in on June 29th, we will set up a schedule and email that to exhibitors As of today, only judge, exhibitor, essential guardian(s), and staff will be allowed in the building. Social distancing will occur during the interview process. For Working Exhibits, exhibitors need only have materials for 10 interactions Staff will take photos to share virtually along with results If an exhibitor prefers to participate virtually or through a video, we will make every effort to accommodate. Please contact

Lori in the Extension Office to work out a plan.

Exhibitor packets were mailed to all 4-H, FFA, and Clover Kids members who entered animals for the fair. Exhibitor packets con-tained all pertinent information about check-in, weigh-in, and show times, etc. If you entered animals for the fair but did not re-ceive an exhibitor packet, please call the Extension office immediately. COVID-19 Precautions: To be able to provide this experience for you, we need your cooperation to ensure that guidelines set by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa State University Extension and Iowa 4-H are followed to protect the safety of our staff, volunteers, and exhibitors from COVID-19. Exhibitors’ packets contained a form that states that they read the following guidelines. This form must be signed and turned in at each species’ check-in before an exhibitor will receive their exhibitor number. The following are the guidelines we expect families, staff, and volunteers to adhere to: It is expected that staff who are able will wear a cloth face covering or face shield. It is strongly encouraged that volunteers, participants, and families use face coverings and practice physical distancing.

Face covering should be worn when social distancing (6-feet apart) is not possible. In the case of K-3 exhibitors (Clover Kids), exhibitors must be accompanied by a guardian at all times to maintain 6 feet

social distance between exhibitors.

2020 4-H AND FFA ANIMAL SHOWS

4-H FAMILY NEWSLETTER July 2020 PAGE 4

2020 4-H AND FFA ANIMAL SHOWS (CONTINUED)

If you or anyone in your household have symptoms or are feeling sick, do not attend. Symptoms may be flu-like ranging from mild to serious and include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alco-hol if soap and water are not available. Handwashing stations or hand sanitizer will be available at the fairgrounds.

Family members watching the show from the show ring bleachers or around the ring must maintain appropriate social dis-tance. Socially distance at least 6 feet away at all times. Parents, if your 4-Her or FFA member is not showing in the show ring, it is preferred that you stay by your trailer.

Only the participating 4-H and FFA members and up to two essential, caring adults or supporting youth (siblings) will be allowed at the show(s). Shows will NOT be open to the public and schedules will not be published or shared for the public to view.

Again, exhibitors will not receive their exhibitor number until they turn in this form at check-in. Drug affidavits, if applicable, will also be turned in at check-in. If fair entry fees are still due, payment will be expected at this time as well.

2020-21 County Council We will not be conducting interviews this year for County Coun-cil. We will only be requiring submission of the application. 4-Hers who will be 9th through 12th grade during the 2020-21 school year may turn in applications any time before September 1st. The application is located on our website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/hardin/4h.

Electronic Newsletters Your August Newsletter will be the last paper newsletter we mail out. Beginning on September 1st, all Hardin County 4-H newsletters will be electronic, and a link will be emailed to you each month. We will however, still mail paper copies to those who request one. Stay tuned for more details next month.

2020 Fair Special Edition: Iowa 4-H and FFA Livestock Show

In the spirit of tradition, the Iowa State Fairgrounds are excited to host the 2020 Fair Special Edition: Iowa 4-H and FFA Livestock Show. Held with the same prestige and competition found at the Iowa State Fair, this 2020 Special Edition will showcase the superior showmanship, hard work, and determination of Iowa’s 4-H and FFA youth. This Special Edition show will follow all Iowa Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations for social distancing, hand washing and sanitization, so although it will be held in August and on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, you may notice some “special” considerations for this standalone event. Shows will be available for the following: FFA Beef , FFA Horse FFA Meat Goat, FFA Poultry*, FFA Rabbit*, FFA Sheep, FFA Swine, FFA & 4-H Dairy Cattle, FFA & 4-H Dairy Goats, 4-H Beef, 4-H Horse, 4-H Meat Goat, 4-H Poultry*, 4-H Rabbit, 4-H Sheep, 4-H Swine. * = Nominations not required

Schedule: The 4-H and FFA livestock shows will happen over three weekends in August:

August 6, 7, 8: FFA Beef, FFA Horse, 4-H Rabbit, FFA Rabbit, 4-H Sheep, FFA Sheep, Youth Dairy Cattle

August 13, 14, 15: 4-H Horse, 4-H Meat Goat, FFA Meat Goat, FFA Poultry, FFA Swine

August 20, 21, 22: 4-H Beef, 4-H Poultry, 4-H Swine, Youth Dairy Goat

Attendees: For crowd control purposes each exhibitor will re-ceive 3 wristbands total. A limited number of wristbands will be available to show supporters. A $100 donation to the show will grant the donor 2 wristbands good for all three sessions August 6-22. More information will be available soon. Wristbands will be required to access the Fairgrounds. Wrist-bands will not be available on site. No additional fees for admis-sion or parking will be charged. 4-H Entry: 4-H exhibitors will enter through the Fair Entry sys-tem as in past years. Entry will be open Monday, June 22nd. Entry Deadline: July 10th (extended from July 1 in past years). Information on Websites: For Premium Book rules, Schedule, Exhibitor Letters and other information as the fair nears, go to the Iowa 4-H Livestock State Fair website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/statefair/livestock. More information is also available on the Iowa State Fair website – www.iowastatefair.org.