Weber County 4-H Newsletter
March 2024
Dear 4-H Families,
Welcome Kirsten to the Weber County 4-H program! We're super thrilled to have Kirsten with us. If you haven't met her yet, feel free to swing by the office and say hi!
4-H is an awesome program that can really make a difference when done right. Did you know it's the biggest positive youth development program in the country, with over 6 million members nationwide? There are tons of ways for both kids and adults to grow with 4-H, like getting into Entrepreneurship, STEM, contests, becoming an Ambassador, joining the Teen Council, being a Club Officer, and more!
When I review portfolios and see no mention of leadership or service, it tells me that the 4-H member might be missing out on some great chances to learn and grow. I wonder what we can do to encourage them to take part in these important activities. If you have any ideas or want to join the Teen Council, just reach out to us.
We've got some amazing young people and leaders in our program. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment. Remember, we're here to support you. If you need anything or have ideas on how we can improve, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Have a fantastic month!
David Widdison
Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator
Happy March!
We are all so excited to welcome Kirsten Jenson as our new 4-H Staff Assistant. She is going to be a great asset to our county 4-H programs. Please reach out and welcome her to Weber County.
As spring time rolls around, the 4-H season gets busier and busier. Many of the livestock projects start to get underway, horse shows are planned, FCS contests are happening and everyone is excited for the warmer weather. There are so many opportunities to participate, in a variety of project areas. We have two new clubs recently added to Weber County - Operation Education (a veterinary science club) and an Archery Club. You can register for these clubs on ZSuite. It is fun to see these clubs kick off and the opportunities provided for our county. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who make 4-H happen.
I read an article titled "4 Reasons Why Your Kids Should Join 4-H" and felt it described many of the youth and programs in our county. The four reasons the article stated were: 1. Confidence, 2. Leadership, 3. Learning, and 4. Fun. It is great to watch these four qualities come out and to see the youth flourish! You can read the whole article here: https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-business/4-reasons-your-kids-should-join-4-h
Hope your spring gets off to a great start!
Sharon Bee
Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator
Hi Weber County 4-H!
My name is Kirsten Jenson and I am the new 4-H Staff Assistant 🍀 I grew up participating in 4-H and FFA in Cache County and loved it!
As a Cloverbud, I was a part of a sewing club and still remember the little button flower I submitted to the county fair. When I was old enough, I did all things dairy cattle. I showed at several shows each year, competed in dairy judging contests, participated in dairy demonstrations, etc. Joining 4-H was one of the most life-changing decisions I have ever made. Among many other benefits, 4-H helped me develop the confidence I needed as I entered the world of scholarship applications and job interviews.
I went on to graduate from USU with a B.S. in Agricultural Education and taught high school agriculture for 3 years. I am so excited to be here and be involved with 4-H again! I look forward to getting to know the wonderful people that make up Weber County 4-H and doing all that I can to help this program flourish!
Kirsten Jenson
Weber County 4-H Staff Assistant
4-H Ambassador Fundraiser
The Weber County Ambassadors are selling fresh picked California oranges and grapefruit. Order are due by March 15th with an estimated delivery date around the end of March. Reach out to an ambassador to place your order or call the 4-H office at (801) 399-8202.
Record Book Workshop
Join us on March 8th at 6pm for a Record Book Workshop. Bring your laptop and start your Record Book with the help of the Ambassadors. Sign up on ZSuite so we know you are coming. https://4h.zsuite.org/
Purple Sage Service Project
The Purple Sage Club is hosting a 4-H Service Project on Friday, March 1st at 6pm at the 4-H office.
Come and help make matching puzzle kits for Help Me Grow Utah and mingle with other 4-H members. 🍀
Weber County 4-H T-shirt
Swing by the 4-H office to grab your 2023-2024 county T-shirt, on sale for $10 each.
4-H Shooting Sports
The Weber County Gunners Club will begin in March, focusing on .22 rifle education. There is a Beginner and Advanced club for all levels of shooting experience (Advanced members must have completed the Beginner club). Register on ZSuite. Space is limited.
The Archery Club will begin on April 11th and will run for 10 weeks. Register on ZSuite. We need at least 3 parent volunteers! Please contact the 4-H Office at (801) 399-8202 with any questions.
2024 National 4-H Western Heritage Conference & Invitational Shoot
Mark your calendars...more information to come.
4-H Shooting Sports Information and Resources: https://extension.usu.edu/utah4h/programs/shooting-sports
MyPI
Interested in becoming certified in emergency response? Check out MyPI and learn how you can help your community. It's not too late to join! You have until March 14th! Call the 4-H office at (801) 399-8202 with any questions. 
FCS Contests
Favorite Foods Contest
Congrats to all those who competed in the Favorite Foods Contest! So many yummy recipes were shared!
Here is a copy of the recipes from the favorite foods contest: Favorite Foods Recipes
Cupcake Wars
Congrats to all those who participated in the Cupcake War contest! 
It was a fun night with many creative designs. Thank you to our judges! 
Upcoming
Register on ZSuite for any of the upcoming FCS Contests. Invite your fellow club members and a friends!
The state contest rules can be found here: https://extension.usu.edu/utah4h/events/state-contests/4h-classic/index
STEM
Check out Weber 4-H STEM at the library!
Strawberry DNA Extraction Workshop
On February 27th our STEM Educators were at the Southwest branch of the Weber Public Library with their Strawberry DNA Extraction workshop. Check out our other FREE STEM events this upcoming spring!
Monthly STEM Challenges
Weber County is offering STEM month challenges to all Weber County youth. Check out our website at https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/stemand learn what the current monthly challenge is. Once you have completed your challenge, bring it in to the 4-H office for a prize!
4-H Mission to Mars: Rovers and Drones
Our Mission to Mars workshop series will mostly focus around the Engineering Design Process, which means students will have a chance to design and build things to complete tasks using the Sphero Robots and Drones.
A couple of examples:
- Students will design and build a carrier for the Sphero Rovers to carry rock samples on Mars
- Students will design and build a hook and basket to rescue crew members via the drones
- We will have a Battle on Mars in which students will design a jousting stick for their drones to battle other drones in the air
Sign up on ZSuite under "Events"
Community Clubs
Check out some of the clubs you can register for now:
Operation Education Veterinary Science Club
Dream of becoming a veterinarian? Or perhaps your heart beats faster at the thought of working closely with animals? If that sounds like you, look no further! Join the Weber County 4-H club, Operation Education.
Mark your calendar! Our first club meeting is on April 20th at 9:00 am at Coldwater Animal Hospital (2671 N Washington Blvd, North Ogden, UT 84414).
4-H Horse News 
Interested in joining a horse club? Contact one of the leaders to learn more.
Weber County 2023-2024 4-H Horse Clubs
| Club | Club Leader | Phone | Meeting Day & Time | Meeting Location | |
| Ghost Riders | Connie Neal | 801-866-9791 | cn4horse@peoplepc.com | Tue at 7pm (May-Aug) | West Haven Arena |
| Guns & Roses | McKenzie Clem | 801-821-6017 | mkclem@msn.com | Tue at 6:30pm (Feb-Oct) | Reese Riding Arena |
| Judy Barrow | 801-540-0125 | jabarr63@yahoo.com | |||
| Hoofprints | Lance Quinn | 801-389-4898 | 4hlance@gmail.com | Wed at 6pm | Eden Arena |
| Aurora Quinn | 801-931-1541 | hollieforever@gmail.com | |||
| Maverix | Kari Byington | 801-750-0999 | karibyington@aol.com |
Wed and Thurs at 4:30pm |
Hooper Arena |
| Kim Byington | 801-888-8985 | kimlbyington@aol.com | |||
| Purple Sage | Erin Fish | 801-920-1973 | erinlfish@gmail.com |
Wed at 5pm
|
Plain City Arena |
| Brandon Wilson | 385-235-0800 | brandon@dserio.com | |||
|
Smart Ponies (Horse Study) |
Connie Neal | 801-866-9791 | cn4horse@peoplepc.com |
Mon at 7pm (year round) |
4-H Office |
Upcoming Horse Clinics
Horse Bowl and Hippology Clinic
Horse Judging Clinic
Horse Quiz Bowl Contests
Hippology Contests
Hippology is an activity that can enhance learning for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a competitive setting. No horse ownership is required.
2024 Horse Program Training in Spanish Fork
2024 Horse Program Training in Spanish Fork Registration Links
State 4-H Horse English Camp
The State 4-H Horse English Camp will be June 3-5, 2024 at the Cache County Fairgrounds. This awesome 3 day camp includes horse boarding, 2 instructions a day, meals and tons of fun! More info to come. Call or text Stacey Hess at 435-881-7986
Upcoming Horse Council Meetings
March 13th at 6:30pm at the 4-H office.
All Horse Club Leaders, Volunteers, and Members are welcome to attend.
4-H Livestock News
Interested in joining a livestock club? Contact one of the club leaders to learn more.
| Club Name | Club Leader | Phone Number | Project Area |
| 5 Starr | Mandy Starr | 541-852-2017 | Rabbits/Lambs |
| Better Bacon Bureau | Joe Giordano | 801-695-6372 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Champion Maker | Heather Marriott | 801-644-9285 | Beef, Swine, Goats |
| Jaques Herd | Jamie Jaques | 801-728-3233 | Swine, Lambs |
| Just E Nuff Boers | Lyndi Lowe | 801-643-6950 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Keepin' It Country | Amy Marriott | 801-940-2594 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Raising Champions | RJ Spencer | 385-266-0168 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Rafter B Livestock | Cassie Joiner Kari Breeding |
801-528-2984 801-710-6296 |
Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Rocky Mountain Regulators | Amanda Hachmeister | 801-603-8090 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Rustic Farm | Ashley Bennett | 801-814-3843 | Swine |
| Team John Deere | Jeff McNair Keeley McNair |
801-745-7103 801-645-0154 |
Lambs |
| The Baa Bunch | Danielle Baxter | 801-781-0749 | Lambs |
| The Dukes of Weber County | Chancey Pregler | 801-866-4245 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Wild Things | Tami Wilson Sharon Bee |
801-643-1021 801-866-7251 |
Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| Winner's Circle | Holden Steed | 801-781-0330 | Beef, Swine, Lambs, Goats |
| West Weber Wether's | Brian Opheikens Stephanie Opheikens |
801-920-3543 | Goats |
| Woolly Wagglers | Aaron Gold Kara Gold |
801-663-1361 801-791-9527 |
Lambs, Goats |
Weber County 4-H Livestock Exhibitors must participate in 2 approved educational events prior to August 1st to qualify for the Weber County Jr. Livestock Show.
Events must be officially 4-H approved to receive credit. Each approved event will have a QR Code to scan.
If your club would like to hold an official event, it must be approved through the 4-H office BEFORE the event.
Completing a Livestock Rank Advancement will count as one credit - Livestock Rank Advancements can be found here:chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://extension.usu.edu/utah4h/files/livestock-rank-advancments.pdf
4-H Livestock Council Meetings
The next Livestock Council meeting will be on March 7th at 6:00pm at the 4-H office.
All Livestock Club Leaders are encouraged to attend or send a parent on behalf of their club, and all Livestock Club Members are welcome to attend.
Livestock Clinics
Thank you to all those who attended the Hog 101 Clinic in Feburary.
Upcoming Livestock Clinics
Utah State Jr. Livestock Show Legacy Scholarship
What a legacy 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 
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 (with 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 February 2024 livestock tests:
| Junior | Intermediate | Senior | |
| Beef | Hesston Hansen, Montana Fuller (tie) | Brilee Skeem, Hosanna Hirokawa (tie) | Liah Hirokawa |
| Goat | Hesston Hansen, Montana Fuller (tie) | Baylor Hansen | Liah Hirokawa |
| Sheep | Hesston Hansen, Grayson Skeem (tie) | Brilee Skeem | Harley Layman |
| Swine | Hesston Hansen | Baylor Hansen | Harley Layman |
Weber Jr. Livestock
Please refer to https://weberjrlivestock.org/for the Premium Book and Superintendent contact information. 
Small Animal Showdown
It is open to all youth in K-12 grade, and you do not have to be an enrolled 4-H member to participate.
The Spring Small Animal Showdown is an opportunity for 4-H youth involved in Pet Advocate, Small Livestock, and other companion animal projects to come together for a day of learning, networking, and fun!
The event includes clinics and workshops in the morning, lunch (provided with registration), and showmanship contests in the afternoon. We have some great presenters and prizes and we want everyone to come! You don’t need any experience with showmanship and we’ll have extra animals for youth that want to try showing a rabbit or chicken.
Visit this page for more information and event details:
https://extension.usu.edu/.../spring-small-animal-showdown
Virtual Rainbow Summit
Save the date... more information to come. If you have any questions call David at (801) 399-8220.
September 1st Begins the New 4-H Year
The 2023-2024 4-H year began on September 1st and ends August 31st. Sign up on ZSuite so you can be sure you don't miss any exciting 4-H events or news.
https://4h.zsuite.org/
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!
Check out the Weber County 4-H Calendar here:https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/ Weber County 4-H
1181 N Fairgrounds Drive, Ogden, UT 84404
(801) 399-8202
https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/
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