Weber County 4-H Newsletter
February 2024
 

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Dear 4-H Families,

February is a time to think about love. In 4-H we strive to create an environment where everyone feels like they belong. A sense of belonging includes feeling accepted for who you are, not just trying to fit-in so you will be accepted as someone or something else. In my life I have learned that it is important to love and accept myself. For if I love and accept myself then I am able to love and accept others. As we increase our love and acceptance of ourselves and others, a third area to incorporate is lack of judgment. Growing up I felt very judged by those around me, I then began to judge others as well. I am now trying to quit this practice and replace it with the idea that everyone is doing their best with what they have, and my job is to love and accept and leave judgment to a higher power. In 4-H we learn to serve and love others and give everyone a sense of belonging.

I recently came across this thought that I want to share with you.

“Stay positive. Forgive others. Invest in yourself.
Trust your instincts. Lead with an open heart.
Don’t let others ruin your day.
Do things that bring you joy!
Be of service to humanity.
Find your soul tribe. Love yourself.”

By, Lewis Howes

Have a great day and month!

David Widdison

David Widdison
Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator

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Happy February!

February may be the shortest month, but it is packed with engaging and enriching experiences for the youth. It's wonderful to see the enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming events.

We will start with the hog clinic, a portfolio leader meeting, horse council meeting, youth ambassadors meeting, horse judging clinic, Marathon Kids is up and running, MyPI kicks off, two of our FCS contests will be held, the ongoing STEM challenges continue, along with all our regular club meetings. The diverse range of activities truly showcases the dynamic nature of 4-H.  The dedication of volunteers and contributors in making these opportunities available is truly commendable. The love and effort poured into organizing these events contribute immensely to the success of the programs and the overall growth and development of the youth involved.

Thank you to everyone involved for their time, talents, and commitment to the success of these programs. It's heartening to witness the positive impact that 4-H has on the lives of the youth, and it's a testament to the strong sense of community and support within the organization. Wishing the entire Weber County 4-H team a fantastic month filled with successful and memorable experiences!

Sharon Bee
Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator

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Livestock Clinics 

Thank you to all those who attended the Livestock Nutrition Clinic and Beef Clipping Clinic.
Special thanks to our Nutrition speakers, Heidi Simper and to IFA for hosting. 
 

Special thanks to GR and Phil Peart from Hat Ranch and Rachel Bitton for hosting the Beef Clipping Clinic. 
    

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Upcoming Livestock Clinics
    

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Utah State Jr. Livestock Show Legacy Scholarship 

What a legacy that has been built over the last 100 years! To continue with that tradition of encouraging the success of our youth, we would like to announce the Utah State Junior Livestock Show Legacy Scholarship! We are so excited to start this scholarship that will continue on for years to come!

All graduating seniors entered in the show are eligible to apply. We wanted to make this a unique scholarship that was an investment in the future of our youth. We are so thrilled to be adding the awesome opportunity to our show!!

Questions ? Usjls100@gmail.com or contact Darann Smith

Link to form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Aw-pxuo8hsMjKLFQiRQxB_fY58ZOLM-/view?fbclid=IwAR1ZEClufUsvjhzih83RjLYhhkDPmRhPGVFJPvcRussmzvBz6iyzjYDr6gA 

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Jr. Livestock Education Tests

Jr. Livestock Education Tests

From October through July, Weber County 4-H members in grades 3-12 can compete in the Livestock Education Tests. To participate, youth must be enrolled in 4-H (and enrollment fees paid). 4-H members can take the test online in ZSuite:https://4h.zsuite.org/. (Click on “Events” to find the current months test).
Awards are given for each species in each division.
Each month's tests are prepared for all four species: beef, sheep, swine, and goats.
Each month will focus on a different chapter or two of the handbooks.
Youth can select the test for the species they are studying. They do not have to be raising that species to participate in the test. You can compete in all 4 project areas.
The tests are a combination of true/false, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank.
All the questions for the test come from the Ohio State University Resource manuals, which are available for purchase from the 4-H office. The cost per book is about $30 depending on the species.
This is an open book test with a time limit of 30 minutes to complete each test. Tests will close the last day of each month.

Congratulations to the following youth who excelled in the January 2024 livestock tests:

	Junior	Intermediate	Senior
Beef	Hesston Hansen, Montana Fuller (tie)	Brilee Skeem, Baylor Hansen (tie)	Liah Hirokawa
Goat	Hesston Hansen	Brigston Farrell	Liah Hirokawa, Harley Layman (tie)
Sheep	Mark Henderson, Grayson Skeem (tie)	Brilee Skeem	Harley Layman
Swine	Montana Fuller	Baylor Hansen	Harley Layman

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Virtual Rainbow Summit 

Save the date, more information to come. If you have any questions call David at 801-399-8220. 
 

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Become a Volunteer

Are you interested in becoming a 4-H club leader?
4-H leaders support youth as they learn by doing by providing guidance and opportunities for meaningful leadership roles in their 4-H club and community.

What are the responsibilities of 4-H leaders?

Develop a caring relationship with members.
Create a safe environment for 4-H members.
Provide opportunities for youth to build skills.
Create opportunities for youth to value and practice service to others.
Allow youth to make decisions and lead.
Create an inclusive environment.
Keep up-to-date and trained.

What qualifications/skills do 4-H leaders need?

Sincere interest in the safety and well-being of youth.
Desire to facilitate and motivate youth while nurturing self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility, and leadership.
Successfully pass the volunteer training process.
Ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility.
Ability to work and communicate effectively both verbally and written.
Desire to motivate parents and other volunteers.
Interest in working in partnership with youth, other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting.
Willingness to adopt the philosophy, policies, and procedures of your 4-H organization.

You don’t have to be an expert in a project topic to be a leader! By following the project resources, learning along with your members and involving others, there is no limit to the variety of 4-H clubs or projects you can run!

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Check out the Weber County 4-H Calendar here:https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/ 

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Weber County 4-H
1181 N Fairgrounds Drive, Ogden, UT  84404
(801) 399-8202
https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/

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