2014 Rockwall Youth Fair Rules

Virtual Volunteer Workshops - All 4-H Parents, This is for You

State Fair of Texas is Underway and Rockwall County 4-Hers are Showcasing Skills and Knowlege

The State Fair of Texas is underway and several Rockwall County 4-Hers have already competed or are preparing to compete.  Thus far the following have competed:
Cade Miller - Polled Hereford Progress Steer
Cody Miller -  Shorthorn Progress Steer
Kirsten Miller - Simmental Progress Steer
Madisson Laughery - Shorthorn Progress Steer, and Breeding Shorthorn Heifer
Mackelvey Thorton - Shorthorn Progress Steer
McKenzie Laughery - Hereford Market Steer and Breeding Shorthorn Heifer
Ashlyn Stembridge - Market Goat and Market Lamb
Carson Glasscock - Market Lamb
Ellee Spearman - Breeding Shorthorn Heifer
Ethan Spearman - Breeding Shorthorn Heifer
Sam Kazlow - Market Broilers
Sarah Kazlow - Market Broilers

Still to compete are:
Olivia Born - Hereford and Polled Hereford Heifers
Josh Born - Hereford Heifers
Tanner Howey - Angus and Simmental Heifers
Kaitlin Rothbauer - Simmental Heifer

These young people also spend many weekends each month enhancing their skills at "Jackpot Shows" - one day events across the state.  Congratulations to each one for using their time and talents in a productive way that will help them now and in the future as they make critical decisions, work with others in stressful situations, and for those market participants - provide a quality product for many consumers.

Fluffly cows cast light on beef Terri Queck-Matzie | Updated: 08/15/2013

Matt Lautner
When photos of Matt Lautner’s prize show bull Texas Tornado appeared on a popular online forum Reddit, he had no idea it would create an Internet sensation. Nor did he have any indication an opportunity to open a window to the beef industry was coming his way.
Then someone commented on the “fluffy cows” — a term coined online — and the cyber world had a new mascot.
ABC News, the Associated Press, the Today show and CNN all took note and ran stories on the phenomenon. Texas Tornado went viral. A Facebook page, Fluffy Cows R Us, created by Lautner, compiled 37,000 “likes” in just weeks.
And Lautner seized the opportunity. “Now that we’ve got their attention, I think it’s a great opportunity to teach them about our industry,” says Lautner, who breeds show cattle near Adel, Iowa. “Every year, millions of Americans walk through the cattle barns at fairs and expos, and now, more than ever, I think they are going to stop and really take a look at the fluffy cows in the aisles. This is the perfect opportunity to talk about not just fluffy show cattle, but also beef and beef by-products.”
Lautner is by nature and by trade a cattle breeder and promoter. Lautner genetics are a common sight in show rings across the country, frequently winning top honors. And Lautner makes expert use of today’s communication tools to highlight their success. With sites like Reddit, Facebook, Twitter and a daily blog on his own website at his disposal, he utilizes digital communication to its full potential. “Promotion is key, in my business and the beef business in general.”
Lautner has been around beef since he was a kid. His dad started raising show cattle in the 1970s, and Matt started Matt Lautner Cattle in 2006. Three sales each year feature offspring from his 60 bulls, and he puts an emphasis on 4-H and FFA calves, selling around 75 per year. Last year Matt Lautner Cattle sold semen in 44 states.
He and his fiancé live in Adel, with 8-month-old Matilyn awaiting her turn in the show ring. “She may be the youngest one in there,” Lautner laughs, “but I can’t wait to get her started.”
Lautner is pleased to see not only the beef industry receive the worldwide web’s attention, but the show end of the industry as well. “It’s a long-held tradition in the beef business, and there are kids across the country who spend a lot of time working with these animals. It’s nice that these kids are finally getting some recognition for their hard work.”
Daily, the show-cattle photos appear on the Facebook page: fluffy cows and their handlers from all over the world. There are photos from show rings and show barns; photos of kids and adults caring for their animals and bonding with their animals. Facebook friends hail from Australia, Italy, Northern Ireland, England, Argentina, South Africa, as well as across the United States.
“The response has really been overwhelming,” Lautner says. “Really, I think people are falling in love with these fluffy cows. Many spend hours scrolling through the photos.”
But the image of cattle as pets (one news source called them large kittens) is not one everyone thinks is best for an industry that produces a major foodstuff. Lautner disagrees, using the forum as a food-production educational tool. He’s created graphics that show Texas Tornado with the cuts of meat and beef by-products, showing fluffy cow followers this is ultimately about food.
“The naysayers worry that people will somehow liken a fluffy cow to a teddy bear or a pet, and that’s why I’ve developed the graphics to visually remind them that these are livestock animals that nourish people,” he says. “It’s great for our kids to be reminded of this lesson, as well. Overall, I think the positives have far outweighed the negatives.”
This year’s fair and livestock show attire will likely feature Fluffy Cows R Us t-shirts, and the crowds may just be larger than normal, the stands packed with the curious as well as show ring regulars. Both the old faithful and newcomers may stop for a burger or steak on the way home. That’s what Lautner is hoping for, that the attention will lead to a positive beef image and industry growth.
Matt Lautner
“The Fluffy Cow page will hopefully keep fueling the love folks have for these cattle,” Lautner says. “I will keep posting photos, as well as educational beef factoids, to keep folks engaged while they are educated about our business. Hopefully, they think about us the next time there is something negative about beef in the news. We are trying to show the great side of the industry, and I hope the fluffy cow trend reflects that.”

• Terri Queck-MatzieMatt Lautner seized the opportunity to make Fluffy Cows work for personal good as well as giving consumers an education by promoting a benefit auction at the height of the phenomenon’s popularity. Fluffy Cows jumped on board to support young Drew Shryock’s fight with cancer and Cowboy Up for a CURE. This Meat Cuts drawing by Hayes Martens (pictured) sold to a group of 56 donors for $14,000 and has been donated to the National Western Livestock Show in Denver. Lautner also uses the graphic to demonstrate the practical end of beef production.   What a great opportunity for the agriculture industry and the ag youth programs as well.  Don't let this  opportunity pass you by.  As many of you are preparing for the State Fair of Texas, the East Texas State Fair and other shows, be prepared to discuss all of the positive things you are learning from the project and also have talking points ready.  Talking Points - Have three points that you want to share with visitors. Why do you do what you do? ( Different for everyone)Why is your product something a consumer would want? ( raised in healthy environment, fed quality feed,  cared for with integrity to produce a quality product for the consumer)How do you apply what you learn through the project to everyday life. ( The people you compete against are also friends, potential friends.  Judges are potential employers, or references for job applications.  Judges can also give advice on career opportunities. People who learn from can provide more insight to career exploration in the ag industry, etc.   

Preparation Information for Rockwall Youth Fair

Dear membership with large 4-H livestock projects, (cattle, sheep, hogs, goats)

As you prepare for the Rockwall Youth Fair, there are a couple of  things you will want to keep in mind. 

·         You will want to make sure that you and your animal feel secure in the surroundings.  One method of doing this is to get your animal to other livestock shows so the nervousness wears off.  There are a couple coming up in which you may want to participate.

·         Feeding - Be prepared to feed through the show, not just to the show.  You want your animals looking their best.  Have enough feed that you can adjust the last few days leading up to the show.  Plan ahead to have more than enough.  It could make a big difference in the pay off at the end.

·         Clipping in preparation for the Show.  The Extension Office has a couple of small dual speed andis clippers available for checkout. (Clippers will be 5$ to checkout. Funds will be used to replace blades and oil)   To do so you will need to call the office and get on the calendar.  We have many 4-H projects and scheduling may become tight.  They may be checked out for two days at a time.  When finished they need to return to the office for the next pickup.  Do not pass them along to another person.  Todd will try to check the clippers each time to make sure they are in working order prior to being checked out.  Clippers need to be cleaned and oiled properly before checking them back in to the office.  If you have your own blades, feel free to use them as you are more comfortable with your own equipment.

·         Clipping with Todd's assistance.  If you need Todd to assist you in clipping he has set up spring break to begin prepping animals for the show.  He has scheduling available until March 28th.  Call as soon as possible to make arrangements to get on his calendar. Location may be flexible.  One parent and the 4-Her will need to be on hand to learn the process.  Everyone will do some part of the animal.   Block out 2 hours per animal.  Weekday afternoons may be preferable to Saturdays.  No Sunday scheduling available. (Animals need to be clean and dried prior to Todd showing up to clip)

·         Scheduling gets tight the week of the show.  Todd's availability is very limited with no big pockets of time to clip. Clippers may or may not still be available.

·         Know the show rules.  Each show is different.  You can locate the show rules at: http://www.orgsites.com/tx/rockwallyouthfair/  under Rules for Competition.  Download them to your smart phone.

·         Time of Show is only good for the first specie showing.  Everything else hinges off of that.  So you need to be prepared.

It is going to be AWESOME!  We have great families participating.  I hope that you can look back and say with an enthusiastic YES  when I ask you if the family has grown together because of this experience.  If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call.  Some we can answer at the Extension Office.  Some may need to be directed to the Youth Fair Board.  Please remember the Youth Fair Board is made up of volunteers who want to showcase Agriculture and youth.  They are working their hardest to help you showcase your efforts.  Thank them for that when you get the chance.

Reality in a Virtual World - One Year in 4-H through the eyes of 4-Hers and Parents

Young people today are inundated with a virtual world that has taken the art of communication out of their repertoire. Many speak and write in single letter format,(LOL) abbreviations, and slang. Incomplete thoughts and responses are inhibiting our youths' ability to engage with other generations and gain respect with effective communication. Adults also fall into the trap of ineffective communication relying on someone else to interpret for them. Both groups are needing basic strategies and skills to effectively communicate the positive difference Extension and 4-H has made in their lives and the lives of their families.
   So we are going to conduct learning sessions throughout 2013 to help Rockwall County 4-Hers learn how to interpret their skills and knowledge effectively. We will also be working with adult volunteers to refine their communication skills to effectively share their story about the positive role 4-H has played in the lives of their child(ren) and the family's life as a unit.
   As part of the training,  we will be recording youth and adults along the way as they grow in their interpretation skills.  Basic skills of genuineness and authenticity cannot be faked.  So the first key is the sharing process is being real.  Here are a couple of videos made on the fly to begin the process.

Here I was interviewing Anna Schieberle during the Fort Worth Stock Show to get her first impressions of what she does in 4-H.  It's very candid, but demonstrates that she has fun!

I then interviewed Anna's Dad, Mr. Shieberle.  I asked him one question and he began to fill in the holes.  Though they were short answers to one question,  you can see that he has thought the process through and understands the potential from 4-H and what it has to offer.

Remembering that this was in a barn setting at the Fort Worth Stock Show,  about thirty minutes prior to Anna showing her Dorper sheep, there are many times that friends extended family members or even potential 4-H families ask questions to see if they may be interested.  How we answer can make a huge difference in their next step in the 4-H process.

I am excited to watch our group grow this year and to see visual and recordable changes through our Reality in a Virtual World.

Many Activities at the Fort Worth Stock Show with Rockwall County 4-Hers

 Several Rockwall County 4-Hers have been busy with activities at the Fort Worth Stock Show the last couple of weeks.  I will attempt to highlight the activities and provide some insight to the goings on.  First I wanted to start with a very cool pic taken by one of our moms.  The picture is showing a representative from Chevy Hometown Kids on FOX Southwest filming Carson Glasscock and Daniel York bracing their goats in preparation for the show.    We don't know the date it will be aired, but we do know the show comes on at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.  Tune in and watch for them.
 


The Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Competition and the Breeding Sheep Competition started off the festivities for Rockwall County 4-Hers.  We had 8 head of cattle and 2 sheep during the second weekend of the show.  Heifer participants included Tanner Howey, Ethan Spearman, Olivia Born, Josh Born, McKenzie Laughery, Jordan Huff, Emma Bishop, and Jakob Bishop.  Congratulations to everyone.  I don't have a set of complete pictures, but here is what I have.

Ethan Spearman 3rd place in class

McKenzie Laughery 5th place in class

Olivia and Dad drying her heifer - 5th place in class

Josh Born and family after winning 2nd in class.

Other Highlights in the heifer division include:
Emma Bishop - third in class
Jakob Bishop - third in class
Tanner Howey - first in class and Division winner

Tanner during division with judge Lee Pritchard taking a close look.

Mr. Todd and Tanner working on one of the heifers' legs in preparation for show.

 Anna Schieberle also had 2 sheep at Fort Worth during the same time.  She competed in 3 shows at the event.  High lights include:  4 first places,  two Grand Champion Dorper Female Honors and one Supreme Champion Female Honor over all breeds of Sheep.

Anna Schieberle in the Champion Dorper female drive.  (She won)

One of Anna sheep - Macie I think- wanting some attention.

The next week we had 4 market goats and one market lamb in competition.  4-Hers representing Rockwall County included:  Anna Schieberle, Haley Crumpley, Carson Glasscock, and Ashlyn Stembridge.  Ashlyn had a goat and a lamb in competition.  All had fun in the tough game of market competition.  Ashlyn won 2nd place in Junior Showmanship.

This week we have Kirsten Miller showing Huck her crossbred steer.
Best Wishes to her.

I'll try to keep the blog updated as we move through the shows.  We have representatives going to San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Star of Texas as well as the Rockwall Youth Fair.

If you have other pictures that you would like for me to get on the blog, please send them to the county email box.