11/09/21
SMITHVILLE LIVESTOCK SHOW REMINDERS

Good morning!!

We wanted to pass on an additional reminder for the validation/entry period scheduled for this coming Saturday, November 13th.

The next important date coming up is the Saturday, November 13th, validation and entry period for Steers, Heifers, Lambs, & Goats.  Broiler & Rabbit entry forms & fees are also due at this event.  This event will take place from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Smithville High School Ag Barns.  

Additionally, we wanted to send a quick reminder for Rabbit Exhibitors – you should already have made contact with your breeder.  We were informed that several market rabbit/meat pen breeders that have thrown in the towel and gotten out of the business due to Covid-19. Most breeders are already booked and have their does allocated for county shows. You might look for contact info for breeders through www.ARBA.net or www.texascals.org.  Additionally, there are a few Facebook groups that were recommended:

• 6class rabbit discussion
• Meat Pen Breeders of Texas
• Californian Show Rabbits and Meat Pens – Texas
• Californian & New Zealand Show Rabbits – Texas

Please see the other information below and let us know if you have any questions!

IMPORTANT DATES:

• PLEASE NOTE: the rules and judging schedule(s) are subject to change due to uncontrollable circumstances and/or at the discretion of the Smithville FFA & 4-H Livestock Show & Exposition Committee board due to COVID 19, to ensure safety of our participants, volunteers, & judges.
• Saturday, November 13, 2021 
  • 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
  • Steers, Heifers, Lambs, & Goats validation, entry forms & fees due
  • Broiler order forms, entry forms, & fees due
  • Rabbit entry forms & fees due
• Week of January 8-15, 2022 – rabbit does need to be bred at this time for the show
• Saturday, January 15, 2022
  • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
  • Barrow validation, entry forms & fees due
  • Ag Mechanics entry forms & fees due
• Late February/Early March 2022 – Broiler Chicks ready for pick-up (about 7 weeks before the show)
• Monday, March 21, 2022 – Rabbit Validation from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
• Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Mandatory Set-Up Day @ 2:00 PM
• Thursday, April 21, 2022 – Scales available at River Bend Park from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (all species)
• Saturday, April 23, 2022 – SHOW DAY!!!
• Sunday, April 24, 2022 – Mandatory Clean-Up Day @ 2:00 PM
• Wednesday, June 15, 2022 – Thank You notes should be completed/received by buyers and the show board (mailed directly to the buyers & a proof mailed to the show board)

RULES:

• Download the Rule Book Here
• Big Changes have a NEW*** notation that is in red text and yellow highlighted

FORMS (click on link to download):

• Entry Forms (with required Acknowledgement form on back)
  • Due 11/13/21 for Steers, Heifers, Lambs, Goats, Broilers, & Rabbits
  • Due 01/15/22 for Barrows & Ag Mechanics
• Project Expense Sheet – DUE on April 10, 2022 at Set-Up Day, must be completed for EACH of your projects

OTHER REMINDERS:

• At this time, the Show Board is being cautious about the schedule and will be making more decisions on the schedule and sale as we get closer to the show itself so they can both ensure everyone’s safety and the fun nature of the event.
• As a reminder, participation in this show is limited to those who attend Smithville ISD and are members of 4-H, FFA, or both.  Also, Quality Counts is not a requirement to participate in this show; however, we highly recommend completing it as part of your project education and if you are interested in showing at majors or the upcoming county show.

RECRUITING/INVITING BUYERS:

• You will need to reach out to buyers ahead of time to develop a relationship with them and invite them to the show and sale:
  • This is not just a one-time thing, you will need to keep them updated on your project and your goals
  • Start out with an initial letter at the beginning of the school year updating them on what projects you have, your goals, and invite them to the show
  • Send them some updates on your projects throughout the year and send them some reminders and invites as we get closer to the show
• Be sure to take pictures of you and your animals throughout your project timeline to add it to your letters/updates
• Some Examples of information to include: 
  • Tell them about yourself. Example – My name is ________ and I am a senior at _______________. I have been an active member in my chapter by showing_____________, and I have been an 4-H/FFA officer for three years.
  • Tell them about this year’s project, and share pictures.
  • Tell them your goals for this year’s project. Example – I plan on showing Ricky Bobby at the Smithville 4-H/FFA Livestock show, and then taking him to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. If you didn’t get to show last year, included how your last year project was impacted because of COVID.
  • INVITE THEM TO COME TO THE SHOW. Include date and time… make the invite personal
  • Make sure to thank them, and personally sign it!
  • THE MORE PERSONAL AND INVITING THE BETTER. If people get to know you they will become INVESTED in you and your project.
• Rockne Livestock Booster Club Buyer’s Letter Resources:
  • Video Overview on writing Buyer Letters
  • RLB Buyer Letter Template (Word)
  • Sample Buyer’s Letter Template (Word)

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at [email protected] or at 512-581-7186

That’s all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
[email protected]

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

10/29/21
ELGIN LIVESTOCK SHOW ENTRY REMINDERS (DUE 11/01/21)

Good Afternoon!

We wanted to send out a couple of reminders for the Elgin Livestock Show & Youth Fair – please pay particular attention to the Entry Forms – they are due Monday, November 1st, and may be postmarked on the day OR turned in at the Board meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM this Monday, November 1st, at the Elgin VFW.  

Mellanie will be at the meeting in order to sign off on those who are entering and take pictures of show entries for eligibility.  If you are entering under 4-H, Mellanie needs to sign your entry form, NOT your Club Leader.

Check out some of the other information available below and let us know if you have any questions!

2021-2022 SHOW BOARD & MEETING INFORMATION:

• WEBSITE: https://www.elginlivestockshowassociation.com/

• ELECTED OFFICERS
  • President: Patrick Maass
  • Vice-President: Deborah Blackmore
  • Secretary: Sarah Munzer
  • Treasurer: Eric Fisher
  • Note – cell numbers are being added to the website this week
• EMAIL: [email protected]
• MAILING ADDRESS:
  • Elgin Livestock Show Association
  • PO Box 1056
  • Elgin, Texas 78621
• MEETING DATES:
  • First Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Elgin VFW off of Hwy 95
  • Next Meeting: Monday, November 1st

ENTRY FORMS – DUE MONDAY, 11/01/2021

• ELSA Livestock Show Entry Form – Fillable
• ELSA Youth Fair Entry Form – Fillable

IMPORTANT DATES:

• November 1, 2021 – Livestock & Youth Fair entry forms and fees are due to the show board
• January 7, 2021 – **TENTATIVE** Youth Fair Entry Check-in (in the AM, official time TBA)
• January 8, 2021 – **TENTATIVE** Livestock Show (official times TBA, based on number of entries)

LIVESTOCK SHOW  & YOUTH FAIR UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES:

• The Show Board is still in the process of updating their final 2021-2022 Rules; the 2020-2021 Rules are available on the website for reference with some of the changes noted (the dates will also be slightly different)
• Entry forms with payment will be due by November 1st, 2021 for both youth fair items and livestock.  We are going to ask that 4-H members also email/send a copy of just the entry form to us at [email protected] to help us coordinate eligibility.
• Entry Forms will be available at the next board meeting on Monday, October 4th, at 7:00 PM at the Elgin VFW
• Rules are available online at https://www.elginlivestockshowassociation.com/livestock-show-youth-fair
• All state validated animals are accepted; if an animal is not state validated, they must be validated by the show.  (Rabbits and Poultry do not have a state validation)

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at [email protected] or at 512-581-7186

That’s all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
[email protected]

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

10/29/21
SMITHVILLE LIVESTOCK SHOW REMINDERS

Good morning!!

We wanted to pass on the updates for the 2021-2022 Smithville 4-H/FFA Livestock Show scheduled to take place in April 2022 at the River Bend Park in Smithville.

The next important date coming up is the Saturday, November 13th, validation and entry period for Steers, Heifers, Lambs, & Goats.  Broiler & Rabbit entry forms & fees are also due at this event.  This event will take place from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Smithville High School Ag Barns.

Additionally, we wanted to send a quick reminder for Rabbit Exhibitors – you should already have made contact with your breeder.  We were informed that several market rabbit/meat pen breeders that have thrown in the towel and gotten out of the business due to Covid-19. Most breeders are already booked and have their does allocated for county shows. You might look for contact info for breeders through www.ARBA.net or www.texascals.org.  Additionally, there are a few Facebook groups that were recommended:

• 6class rabbit discussion
• Meat Pen Breeders of Texas
• Californian Show Rabbits and Meat Pens – Texas
• Californian & New Zealand Show Rabbits – Texas

Please see the other information below and let us know if you have any questions!

IMPORTANT DATES:

• PLEASE NOTE: the rules and judging schedule(s) are subject to change due to uncontrollable circumstances and/or at the discretion of the Smithville FFA & 4-H Livestock Show & Exposition Committee board due to COVID 19, to ensure safety of our participants, volunteers, & judges.
• Saturday, November 13, 2021 
  • 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
  • Steers, Heifers, Lambs, & Goats validation, entry forms & fees due
  • Broiler order forms, entry forms, & fees due
  • Rabbit entry forms & fees due
• Week of January 8-15, 2022 – rabbit does need to be bred at this time for the show
• Saturday, January 15, 2022
  • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
  • Barrow validation, entry forms & fees due
  • Ag Mechanics entry forms & fees due
• Late February/Early March 2022 – Broiler Chicks ready for pick-up (about 7 weeks before the show)
• Monday, March 21, 2022 – Rabbit Validation from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Smithville HS Ag Building
• Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Mandatory Set-Up Day @ 2:00 PM
• Thursday, April 21, 2022 – Scales available at River Bend Park from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (all species)
• Saturday, April 23, 2022 – SHOW DAY!!!
• Sunday, April 24, 2022 – Mandatory Clean-Up Day @ 2:00 PM
• Wednesday, June 15, 2022 – Thank You notes should be completed/received by buyers and the show board (mailed directly to the buyers & a proof mailed to the show board)

RULES:

• Download the Rule Book Here
• Big Changes have a NEW*** notation that is in red text and yellow highlighted

FORMS (click on link to download):

• Entry Forms (with required Acknowledgement form on back)
  • Due 11/13/21 for Steers, Heifers, Lambs, Goats, Broilers, & Rabbits
  • Due 01/15/22 for Barrows & Ag Mechanics
• Project Expense Sheet – DUE on April 10, 2022 at Set-Up Day, must be completed for EACH of your projects

OTHER REMINDERS:

• At this time, the Show Board is being cautious about the schedule and will be making more decisions on the schedule and sale as we get closer to the show itself so they can both ensure everyone’s safety and the fun nature of the event.
• As a reminder, participation in this show is limited to those who attend Smithville ISD and are members of 4-H, FFA, or both.  Also, Quality Counts is not a requirement to participate in this show; however, we highly recommend completing it as part of your project education and if you are interested in showing at majors or the upcoming county show.

RECRUITING/INVITING BUYERS:

• You will need to reach out to buyers ahead of time to develop a relationship with them and invite them to the show and sale:
  • This is not just a one-time thing, you will need to keep them updated on your project and your goals
  • Start out with an initial letter at the beginning of the school year updating them on what projects you have, your goals, and invite them to the show
  • Send them some updates on your projects throughout the year and send them some reminders and invites as we get closer to the show
• Be sure to take pictures of you and your animals throughout your project timeline to add it to your letters/updates
• Some Examples of information to include: 
  • Tell them about yourself. Example – My name is ________ and I am a senior at _______________. I have been an active member in my chapter by showing_____________, and I have been an 4-H/FFA officer for three years.
  • Tell them about this year’s project, and share pictures.
  • Tell them your goals for this year’s project. Example – I plan on showing Ricky Bobby at the Smithville 4-H/FFA Livestock show, and then taking him to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. If you didn’t get to show last year, included how your last year project was impacted because of COVID.
  • INVITE THEM TO COME TO THE SHOW. Include date and time… make the invite personal
  • Make sure to thank them, and personally sign it!
  • THE MORE PERSONAL AND INVITING THE BETTER. If people get to know you they will become INVESTED in you and your project.
• Rockne Livestock Booster Club Buyer’s Letter Resources:
  • Video Overview on writing Buyer Letters
  • RLB Buyer Letter Template (Word)
  • Sample Buyer’s Letter Template (Word)

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
• Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at [email protected] or at 512-581-7186

That’s all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
[email protected]

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H