Rockwall County 4-H Events and Activities

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

2011 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS RANCH SORTING SHOW - Rockwall County 4-H Rockin' Riders



ROCKIN' RIDERS members Sarah Boronkay and Kelly Shy Hurley competed in the first ever STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Ranch Sorting Show held in the Coliseum at Fair Park, Dallas on September 17 & 18, 2011. Youth and Adult riders from across the state faced each other for two days of intense competition in this inaugural event.  Hurley placed second, sixth and seventh in the Youth Ranch Sorting Class taking home over $200 in winnings.  Boronkay placed second, third and fifth in the Youth Ranch Sorting Class with winnings totaling almost $500.  This new SFT-sponsored equine event offers eligible youth the opportunity to apply for State Fair of Texas Youth Scholarships in the future. Pictured above (L to R) Sarah Boronkay, trainer Jim Sykes and Kelly Shy Hurley.

ROCKIN' RIDER Sarah Boronkay wins big at 9/24/11 Texas Ranch Sorting Show in Terrell

ROCKIN' RIDER 4-H Horse Club Treasurer, Sarah Boronkay, sorted her way to victory on Saturday, September 24 at the S&S Arena in Terrell, TX.  Boronkay and her partner, Annabel Henley, finished first in the Youth Ranch Sorting competition thus gaining ground on Youth Series leader, Hannah Taylor.  Boronkay is now only three points away from Taylor with two shows still left in the season.  In the #3 Ranch Sorting Class, Boronkay and her partner, Margaret Stocker, showed the adults how it is done winning first place and $300 to boot.  The next show is October 8, 2011 in Terrell.  Everyone is welcome to attend and ride in this fun, fast-paced sport.
Video of Terrell Ranch Sorting 9/24/11

Proclamation for National 4-H Week

The Rockwall County Commissioners' Court met on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 and declared during their meeting to set October 2-8, 2011 as National 4-H Week in Rockwall County.  This week coincides with National 4-H Week across the country.  4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the country and across the world.  Be a part of a super program.  Call 972.204.7660 to see how you can be a part.

Monday, September 26, 2011

News from the State 4-H Office about Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture



We are finally ready to announce a collaboration between Texas 4-H, Texas FFA, and several Texas farm organizations.  We will be sending out more information soon on how we can engage our 4-H youth. 
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A website that tells the credible, proven and honorable story of Texas agriculture has been launched as a joint effort between Texas 4-H, Texas FFA and several Texas farm organizations.


The website is part of an initiative called Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture, where the youth of Texas will unite with a common voice to promote the positive story of agriculture across the Lone Star State.

Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture is an exciting joint venture of great youth organizations with proven leadership,” said Chase Vineyard of Stephenville, president of the Texas 4-H Council. “Our goal is to promote trust and encourage understanding of an industry essential in maintaining food security for millions of Americans.”

The website is a hub of information for 4-H and FFA youth and includes a “how-to” toolbox for communicating agriculture’s story, messages for agricultural promotion and an activity page where youth can share their experiences.

“Texas Proud youth will tell positive stories of agriculture,” said Dakota Fleming of Troy, a member of the Bell County Farm Bureau, Beef Ambassadors and a student at Texas A&M University. “We will connect consumers with the food they eat.”
The initiative carries three main messages:
·        Agriculture is critical to the life of every Texas resident. Without it, we would not survive.
·        Agriculture is more than food and clothing. It contributes to your home, health, lifestyle and economy.
·        America’s farming and ranching families care about their animals and their land.
“Our generation will blaze new trails in dispelling the myths about Texas agriculture and telling the truth about the rural way of life that we love,” said former Texas FFA State President Mason Parrish, a student at Texas A&M University.
The Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture website may be found at www.texasproudoftexasag.org.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

State Fair of Texas Extends Deadlines on New Contests


ShowNotes - The State Fair of Texas
State Fair of Texas

Don't forget to become a fan of the State Fair of Texas Livestock Exhibitors
page on Facebook for important show updates and announcements, and for a chance to win some great prizes!
Become a Fan!

The State Fair of Texas Livestock Department P.O. Box 150009 Dallas, TX 75315

Howdy Folks! We added a few new contests this year that we REALLY want you involved in! We have extended the deadline for the Ag Product ID, "Advocates in Agriculture" Video Contest, and Quality Counts Photography Contest until September 15th. You need to enter them ONLINE and make sure you click on download media in the ShoWorks system. These are GREAT contests to get involved in! Any questions, please call 214-421-8723 or ksikes@bigtex.com!
2011 State Fair Youth
Young advocates in agriculture are sure to enjoy this contest. Videos should show several aspects of agricultural awareness and advocacy with a focus on illustrating how the county agent, 4-H leader, or chapter advisor is an excellent example of an agricultural leader in all aspects of his or her life.  Videos must be between two and four minutes in length and should be uploaded to the internet via ShoWorks/FairJudge. Be sure to designate if more than one video per chapter/county is submitted. Videos must be submitted by midnight on September 15.




2011 State Fair Youth

. New this year is the “Quality Counts” photo contest. Youth from around the state can submit up to five photos, one in each category, and showcase their photography skills through the beauty of Texas agriculture. The categories are: Texas Livestock, Texas Agriculture, Best Practices in Animal Husbandry, Youth Helping Youth, and Texas Youth Show Ring. Photos must be submitted online by midnight on September 15.




2011 State Fair Youth Agricultural Product Identification Contest



Teams of three or four from the same county 4-H, FFA chapter, or FCCLA chapter are welcome to compete in the agricultural product identification contest. Twenty Texas agricultural products selected from the Texas Agriculture Product List will be exhibited at separate stations. Contestants will select the correct identification of each product from four possible answers and bubble their answer in on a scantron sheet. Prizes will be awarded to the top placing teams along with the top placing individuals. This contest will be held on October 11




For more information about all contests, visit www.bigtex.com.




2011 State Fair Youth Agricultural Mechanics Project Show and Tractor Restoration Contest


Reserved Parking, Preferred Unloading, and Premier Stalling Opportunity
Be the most referenced 4-H club or FFA chapter on the State Fair of Texas Livestock Exhibitor Facebook page for your chance to win one of three great prizes. Have your friends “like” the State Fair of Texas Livestock Exhibitor Facebook page and then write on the wall that YOUR 4-H club or FFA chapter sent them.  The top 3 clubs or chapters with the most referrals win one of the following prizes: a reserved premium parking spot on the grounds- park closer during your time at the fair, a preferred unloading spot during your designated unloading time- you will be able to go to the front of the line as soon as you get to the grounds- no waiting in line, or your choice of stalling in the barn. The winner will choose which prize they want first! The contest starts August 24 and will run until September 24th at midnight!
Don’t miss out on this chance to make your State Fair of Texas trip better than ever!