4-H Youth Development News -  November 6, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Healthy Eating Adds Up

 

The following tips for healthy eating come from www.myplate.gov

 

Healthy eating is important at every age. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

 

Focus on fruits by including fruit at breakfast! Top whole-grain cereal with your favorite fruit, add berries to pancakes, or mix dried fruit into hot oatmeal.

 

Eat a variety of vegetables by cooking a variety of colorful veggies. Make extra vegetables and save some for later. Use them for a stew, soup, or a pasta dish.

 

Make half your grains whole grains.  Add brown rice to your stir-fry dishes. Combine your favorite vegetables and protein foods for a nutritious meal.

 

Try adding a new protein to your entrée like shrimp, beans, chicken, or beef.

 

Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy products.  Enjoy a yogurt parfait for breakfast made with low-fat dairy milk or fortified soymilk. Top with fruit and nuts to get in two more food groups.

 

Drink and eat less sodium, saturated fats and added sugars.  Cook at home more often to limit added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Read the ingredients lists and use Nutrition Facts label on products to help you reduce the intake of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.

 

The benefits of eating healthy add up over time bite by bite.

 

4-H Country Ham Project

 

4-H Country Ham Project is open for enrollment, the program year began in September as youth enroll in 4-H and attend 4-H Livestock Club meetings to earn their educational hours.The ham project is designated a certified 4-H project in Kentucky.  The six hours must be completed by June 1, 2025.  Enrolling in the project requires youth to complete the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form and attend the 4-H Livestock Club monthly meetings to earn their educational hours.  The 4-H Country Ham contract and $70 registration fee deadline is December 1, 2024. 

    

Now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  October 30, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

4-H Country Ham Project Contract due December 1

 

The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project during the 2023-24 4-H program year involved 1,029 youths across the state.  It is the second year in a row that the project involved over one thousand youth.  As part of the project fulfillment, the youth not only cured two country hams to enter in the contest at the Kentucky State Fair the first day of the fair but also made their way to Louisville to compete in the 4-H Country Ham Speech Contest.

 

For youth involved in the 4-H Country Ham Project, the program year begins in September as youth enroll in 4-H and attend 4-H Livestock Club meetings to earn their educational hours.

 

The ham project is designated a certified 4-H project in Kentucky.  A certified project means that 4-H members must complete six hours of education to be eligible to compete in the project.  The six hours must be completed by June 1, 2025.

 

The first step in enrolling in the project is to complete the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form.  The next step is to attend the 4-H Livestock Club monthly meetings to earn their educational hours.  The third step is to complete the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham contract and pay the fee of $70 no later than the contract and registration fee deadline of December 1, 2023. 

 

For more information on the 4-H Country Ham Project, contact me at your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

    

Certified 4-H Projects in Kentucky

 

4-H Country Ham project is part of the 4-H Animal Science program or 4-H Livestock program in Kentucky 4-H.  It is also one of the projects Kentucky 4-H designates as a “certified project” which means that a required minimal amount of education hours must be completed before a member can compete in the events and contests offered in the project. A minimum of six educational hours must be attained by June 1, 2025. Attendance at monthly livestock club meetings is the way to earn educational hours. For more information about joining 4-H, you can contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.  Enrollment in 4-H Livestock must be completed no later than December 1, 2024. 

 

Now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  October 16, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

4-H Shooting Sports Hit the Mark for Positive Youth Development

  

Young people across the Commonwealth are invited to sharpen their shooting skills while engaging in healthy competition, service, leadership and education through the Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports program. 

The nationally recognized program, which is open to all youth in Kentucky aged 9 to 18, focuses on fostering life skills and positive youth development through a variety of shooting disciplines, including: 

 

• Archery  

• Muzzleloading 

• Pistol 

• Rifle 

• Shotgun 

 

Each discipline is taught by a certified instructor, ensuring that participants receive high-quality education and training. Through club activities, and with guidance from knowledgeable adults, youth participants not only learn firearm/archery safety and marksmanship but also develop skills such as teamwork, self-confidence, personal discipline and responsibility.  

The 4-H Shooting Sports program provides participants with a safe environment to explore their sparks, share a sense of belonging, and form healthy relationships with caring adult mentors. In the 2023-2024 program year, more than 5,000 Kentucky youth members took part, engaging with over 1,000 certified instructors across the state.  

Enrolled youth have opportunities to participate through competitions and leadership roles not only the county level but also the state and national levels. The Kentucky 4-H’s annual statewide contest provides a culminating event for youth to strive for each year. Kentucky teens can also hone their leadership skills serving as Shooting Sports Ambassadors or becoming certified apprentice-level instructors. 

Since 2022, Kentucky has also taken part in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships, hosted yearly in Grand Island, Nebraska. Two teams, muzzleloading and shotgun, have represented the Bluegrass state in the national competition the last two years.  In 2025, Kentucky plans to expand its participation to four teams which include muzzleloading, shotgun, compound archery and recurve archery.  These teams will compete in summer contest in 2025. 

To learn more about the program and how to participate in your community, contact the your Montgomery County Extension Service office which is part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.  

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

        

Now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

Certified 4-H Projects in Kentucky

 

4-H Shooting Sports is one of Kentucky 4-H’s designated certified which means that a required minimal amount of education hours must be completed before a member can compete in the events and contests offered in the project.  Enrollment in 4-H Shooting Sports must be completed no later than December 1, 2024.  A 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form or commonly referred to as 4-H PIE form or 4-H enrollment form must be received by the Montgomery County Extension Service office. 

 

For more information about joining 4-H, you can contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  October 9, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

4-H Youth Development Program News

 

4-H Shooting Sports Results from State Contest

 

Montgomery County 4-H Shooting Sports teams put in another impressive performance at the State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest in September.  Several of the members placed in the top 3 in their respective contests.  Here are the results:

 

Finishing tops earning first place honors in their competition were Dalton Smith in .22 Sport Rifle in the 9-11 year old division; McKenna Smith in 12-14 year old Target Recurve Archery; and Rilee Pitts in 9-11 year old Trap Shoot Division II.  In team competition, the 9-11 year old Trap Shoot team of Rilee Pitts, Dalton Smith, Aaron Adkins, Garrett Pelfrey, and Jayce Burton won champion honors.

 

Top 3 placings also went to Dalton Smith placing second in 9-11 year old Black Powder Flintlock Rifle and third in 9-11 year old Black Powder Percussion Rifle; Bracken Powell placing second in 12-14 year old Target Recurve Archery; Curtis Bailey placing second in 15-18 year old Target Recurve Archery and third in 15-18 Recurve Archery; and Hannah Chandler placing third in 15-18 year old Target Recurve Archery  .                         

 

In addition to these top finishes, Curtis Bailey and Hannah Chandler qualified to be members of the first Target Recurve team from Kentucky 4-H to compete in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Contest in June 2025 in Nebraska. 

 

Now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

Certified 4-H Projects in Kentucky

 

Livestock, Horse and Shooting Sports are designated certified projects in Kentucky 4-H which means that a required minimal amount of education hours must be completed before a member can compete in the events and contests offered through these projects.  In the Livestock and Horse projects, a minimum of 6 hours of education must be completed prior to June 1, 2025. Now is the time to begin earning the education hours.  Enrollment in these three certified projects must be completed no later than December 1, 2024 meanin a 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form must be received by the Montgomery County Extension Service office. 

 

For more information about joining 4-H, you can contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  October 3, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

National 4-H Week 2024 Proclamation

 

Whereas, 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, having supported almost six million youth across the country.

 

Whereas, 4-H has helped 202,647 youth across the commonwealth of Kentucky to become confident, independent, resilient, and compassionate leaders.

 

Whereas, 4-H is delivered by the Cooperative Extension Service– a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing hands-on projects in areas including health, science, agriculture, and citizenship.

 

Whereas, National 4-H Week showcases the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in Kentucky who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.

 

Whereas, 4-H’s network of 600,000 volunteers and 3,500 professionals provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 4-H’ers, helping them to grow into true leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

 

The week of October 6-12, 2024 is proclaimed as National 4-H Week recognizing 4-H for the significant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime.

 

Now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  September 25, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Two Montgomery County 4-H Members serve on State 4-H Leadership Boards

 

Curtis Bailey and Jefferson Oldfield are serving as representatives on two of Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boards this year.  Bailey is serving a second year of his term on the Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board.  Oldfield is serving the first year of a two-year term on the Kentucky State 4-H Teen Council. Both are expanding their horizons by serving in these capacities.

 

The Shooting Sports Teen Ambassadors assists with developing leadership workshops  that are incorporated into the 4-H Teen Summit schedule to share with middle school aged 4-H participants.   The teen ambassadors assist with the educational components of the fall and spring 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Certification workshops held each year to train new coaches in the 4-H program.  Ambassadors are involved in college and career-readiness activities to develop their skills that lead to the next step in their life.

 

The State 4-H Teen Council plans, implements, and evaluates two major teen programs for Kentucky 4-H participants:  4-H Summit for middle school-aged members and 4-H Teen Conference for 14-18 year-old members. Teen representatives are trained how to plan, implement, fund and evaluate these events.  4-H Summit involves over three hundred participants statewide while Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference involves five hundred and fifty participants from across the state.

Overall there are five Teen Leadership Boards in Kentucky 4-H.  These boards are focused in specific content areas of the 4-H Youth Development program. They include:   Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Board; Fashion Leadership Board; Science, Engineering and Technology Board and the two on which Bailey and Oldfield serve. Through service on the boards, 4-H members gain a valuable leadership experience that allows them to network with other teen leaders from across the state and share similar interests. These positions help young people springboard into a larger 4-H leadership service within 4-H and beyond.

Selection to these leadership boards takes place in the spring through an application and interview process.  New board members are announced during the week of the 4-H Teen Conference held the second week of June.  Board members are oriented to their boards purpose and scope through on-line and in-person meetings in the summer to be ready to fully participate in their board meetings beginning with the new 4-H program year in September.

 

For more information about State 4-H Leadership Boards, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

Now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  September 18, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Volunteers: The Lifeblood of Kentucky 4-H

 

In the 2023-2024 program year alone, 12,849 adult volunteers and 3,567 youth volunteers contributed their time to further 4-H initiatives in every county across the Commonwealth. 4-H could not achieve success without them.  What motivates today’s volunteers to engage in 4-H? 

They value quality of volunteer service over quantity. Volunteers want to make meaningful contributions in a limited amount of time. Recognition based on accumulated hours or years of service is not a strong motivating factor.

Volunteers are connected to the community. Volunteers are busy people, but they make time for the causes and people who matter to them. Two-thirds of volunteers 55 and over discover volunteer opportunities through their involvement in faith communities, because someone asked them, or through participating in their children’s activities, according to Dawn Lindblom, author of Baby Boomers and the New Age of Volunteerism.  

People who are already active in the community serve in volunteer roles. They like to volunteer for tasks that align with their interests and talents. 

These are the three questions of most volunteers before they commit. Before volunteering, most people have three questions:  What will I do?  How long will it take? When does it need to be done? 

For more information on volunteering with 4-H in your community, contact the Montgomery County Extension Service office which is part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. 

 

For young people 9-18 years of age, now is the time to enroll in 4-H

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

The certified 4-H Projects in Kentucky 4-H are Livestock, Horse and Shooting Sports which means that a required minimal amount of education hours must be completed before a member can compete in the events and contests offered through these projects.  In the Livestock and Horse projects, a minimum of 6 hours of education must be completed prior to June 1, 2025. For 4-H Shooting Sports, 6 hours of club and range work is required to compete in 4-H Shooting Sports events.  Now is the time to begin earning the education hours…not later.  Enrollment in certified projects must be completed no later than December 1, 2024 meaning a 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form must be received by the Montgomery County Extension Service office. 

For more information about joining 4-H, you can contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

4-H Youth Development News -  September 11, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Who Can Join Kentucky 4-H ?

 

Kentucky 4-H membership is open to any young person ages 9 through 18.  Some counties offer Clover Bud activities for youth ages 5-8.  Once a young person reaches age 19, he or she is too old to participate in 4-H but may volunteer in the 4-H program.

 

What is 4-H?

 

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.  Kentucky 4-H reaches on average 200,000 young people each year.

 

Join 4-H Now

 

Program year 2024-25 has begun as of September 1.  Enrollment is the first step to participation in Kentucky 4-H.  To enroll, visit your Montgomery County Extension Service office located at 106 East Locust Street, Mount Sterling, Kentucky.  You can call the Extension Office at 859-498-8741.

 

How do you enroll in 4-H?

 

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  Whether you are a new 4-H member or a returning 4-H member, the “4-H PIE” form for 2024-25 must be completed this year. 

 

Certified 4-H Projects in Kentucky

 

Livestock, Horse and Shooting Sports are designated certified projects in Kentucky 4-H which means that a required minimal amount of education hours must be completed before a member can compete in the events and contests offered through these projects.  In the Livestock and Horse projects, a minimum of 6 hours of education must be completed prior to June 1, 2025. Now is the time to begin earning the education hours.  Enrollment in these three certified projects must be completed no later than December 1, 2024 meanin a 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form must be received by the Montgomery County Extension Service office. 

 

For more information about joining 4-H, you can contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  September 4, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Now is the time to Join 4-H

It’s that time of year to join 4-H.  September 1 begins a new program year.  Membership in 4-H begins with completing the 4-H Participation Information Enrollment form which is also known as the “4-H PIE” form.  

 

What is 4-H?  4-H is the dynamic, informal educational youth program of the Cooperative Extension Service that combines the cooperative efforts of youth, volunteer leaders, the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University and local and federal governments.

 

In Montgomery County, the following project clubs are offered Livestock, Horse, Shooting Sports, and Culinary.  To be an official member of the club the 4-H PIE form must be completed. 

 

Livestock, Horse and Shooting Sports are certified projects in Kentucky 4-H which means that a required minimal amount of education hours must be completed before a member can compete in the events and contests offered through these projects.  In the Livestock and Horse projects, a minimum of 6 hours of education must be completed prior to June 1, 2025. Now is the time to begin earning the education hours.

 

Whether you are a new member or a returning member, the 4-H PIE Form for 2024-25 must be completed this year.  For more information about joining 4-H, you can contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

Show and Sale Schedule, Friday, September 6, 2024

 

4-H and FFA Livestock Show and Sale is scheduled for this Friday, September 6 at the Bluegrass Stockyards on Owingsville Road beginning at 4:00pm with the shows of livestock then followed by the dinner at 6:00pm. Following the dinner the sale of livestock takes place at 7:00pm.  The event is open to the public.  Come out and support the youth!

 

State 4-H Shooting Sports Contests – September 7-8, 2024

The State 4-H Shooting Sports Contests are this weekend beginning with Bluegrass Sportsmen’s League located in Wilmore Saturday, September 7 for disciplines of archery, riflery,  black powder and pistol. The second day of the contest is Trap Shoot which is held at  Miller Welch Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area located in Berea on Sunday, September 8.  These events are for junior, ages 9-13, and senior 4-H members, ages 14 -19. 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  August 14, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

4-H Country Ham Contest Kicks off State Fair

 

The Kentucky State Fair takes place Thursday, August 15 through Sunday, August 25, 2024 in Louisville. 

 

On opening day, the 4-H Country Ham Contest and Country Ham Speech contests kick off the 4-H events at the State Fair.  Seven participants from Montgomery County will be competing in the Speech Contest which is part of the 4-H Ham contest. 

 

The seven include:  Oaklee Amburgey, Rhett Amburgey, SidneyShea Amburgey, Kenleigh French, Marshall Kipp, Jefferson Oldfield and Garrett Pelfrey.

 

They will be joined by 1,042 other youth representing seventy-eight counties in the state who have cured hams, entered them in the contest and written a ham speech to present on Thursday.  The 4-H Country Ham program has grown leaps and bounds in recent years. 

 

The program starts each December with particpants completing a 4-H Country Ham contract and paying a registration fee that will yield them two “green” hams.  The hams are then received in mid-January to put the cure on them and hung in a ham house to cure over a sixty-day period.  In early May, the hams are removed from the house to wash then re-sock and placed bach in the house to season until contest time in August.

 

Cloverville at the Kentucky State Fair

 

Cloverville, the home of Kentucky 4-H during the State Fair, opens on Thursday, August 15 for the public to view the project work of thousands of 4-H members from across the state of Kentucky. 

 

4-H & FFA Livestock at the Fair

 

4-H and FFA Livestock shows take place August 19-22 at the State Fair. The youth livestock events begin Monday afternoon with the Junior Goat Showmanship, Junior Wether Dam show and Novice Goat Show starts the run of 4-H and FFA livestock shows that take place on Tuesday-Thursday, August 20-22.

 

The culmination of a four days of 4-H and FFA market livestock shows is the

Championship Drive to take place Thursday evening, August 22 at 6:30.  This event is an opportunity to showcase the excellence of 4-H and FFA livestock competitors.

 

For information about the 2018 Kentucky State Fair, visit https://kystatefair.org

For more information on 4-H, contact me at the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service office.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  August 1, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

 

YOUTH EXHIBITED AT THE ANNUAL MONTGOMERY CO. 4-H PROJECT RALLY DAY

Montgomery County 4-H hosted a 4-H Project Rally Day at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center on Thursday, July 25.  The event is a qualifying-event for 4-H project work to be selected for entry at 4-H Cloverville at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, KY.  At the Rally, the project exhibits were judged and received a quality ribbon of Blue, Red or White.  The color corresponds to the quality of excellence of the exhibit with blue meaning excellent, red meaning very good and white meaning fair.  Champions in each project category also received a Purple Ribbon and will now advance to the Kentucky State Fair in August for further competition and recognition on the state level.

 

Following are the results of the 2024 Montgomery County 4-H Project Rally Day:

 

►DIVISION 1000 – COUNTY RECORD BOOKS

* Class 1002 – 4-H Project Record Books:

Laci Sorrell – Sewing, Clothing – Blue Ribbon

Laci Sorrell – Sewing, Non-Clothing – Blue Ribbon

Erika Woosley – Sewing, Non-Clothing – Blue Ribbon

 

►DIVISION 6015 – HORTICULTURE & PLANT SCIENCE

* Class 567 – Vegetable Bucket Garden

Jefferson Oldfield – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 574 – Garden/Orchard Display

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 575 – Tomato – Cherry

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 577 – Tomato – Heirloom

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 579 – Peppers:  Bell

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 580 – Peppers:  Sweet

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

 

 

* Class 581 – Cucumbers, Slicing

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 583 – Beans, Snap or Lima

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 586 – Squash, Summer

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 587 – Eggplant

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 588 – Potato

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 589 – Largest Tomato

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

►DIVISION 6018 – FIELD CROPS

* Class 604 – Mixed Hay

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 607 – Yellow – Shelled (previous year’s crop)

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champions

 

* Class 614 – Soybeans (current year’s crop)

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champions

 

* Class 615 – Soybeans (previous year’s crop)

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champions

 

►DIVISION 6025 – WOOD SCIENCE

* Class 674 – Level 1 – made from kit

McKenzie Richmond – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

►DIVISION 6029 – ARTS

* Class 763g. – Jr. Leather Craft

Mallorie Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

* Class 764a. – Jr. Heritage Arts

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Mallorie Ingram – 2^nd Place: Blue 

 

 

►DIVISION 6030 – PHOTOGRAPHY

Class 764a. – NATURAL RESOURCES – Forest

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

Class 764b. – NATURAL RESOURCES – Water

Haley Richmond – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Maesyn Ingram – 2^nd Place:  Blue 

 

Class 764d. – NATURAL RESOURCES – Scenic

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Haley Richmond – 2^nd Place:  Blue

Clay Garland – 3^rd Place:  Blue

 

Class 764f.      NATURAL RESOURCES – Insect

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

Class 765f. – AGRICULTURE – COMPANION ANIMAL

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

Class 768c. – SET – Energy

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

Class 768c. – SET – Movement

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

Class 772 – HORTICULTURE – Single Color Photo

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Clay Garland – 2^nd Place:  Blue

 

►DIVISION 6032 – SEWING

Class 790a.– Unit 1 – “Let’s Learn to Sew” – Clothing Option

Laci Sorrell – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

Class 790b. – Unit 1 – “Let Learn to Sew” – Non Clothing Option

Erika Woosley – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Lacy Sorrell – 2^nd Place:  Blue

 

►DIVISION 6035 – FOODS

●Class 849 – COOKIES – Snickerdoodle Cookies

Mallorie Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Maesyn Ingram – 2^nd Place:  Blue

 

 

 

 

► DIVISION 6039 – HOME ENVIRONMENT

Class 887 – Color Collage

McKenzie Richmond – 1^st Place: Blue & Champion

 

► DIVISION 6041 – 21^ST CENTURY SKILLS

Class 925 – Resume

Jefferson Oldfield – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

For more information about 4-H Rally Day, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 498-8741.

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  July 24, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

Kentucky State Fair 2024

 

The Kentucky State Fair begins its 2024 run this week.   Opening day is Thursday, Thursday, August 15. 4-H Country Ham Contest and Country Ham Speech contests kick off the 4-H events on the first Thursday of the State Fair. 

 

Cloverville, the home of Kentucky 4-H during the State Fair, opens on Thursday, August 15 for the public to view the project work of thousands of 4-H members from across the state of Kentucky. 

 

Throughout the run 10-day run of the fair, 4-H contest and activities are taking place in Cloverville and throughout the facilities of the fair and expo center.

 

4-H and FFA Livestock shows make up the second week of the fair, August 19-22. The youth livestock events begin Monday afternoon with the Junior Goat Showmanship, Junior Wether Dam show and Novice Goat Show starts the run of 4-H and FFA livestock shows that take place on Tuesday-Thursday, August 20-22.

 

The culmination of a four days of 4-H and FFA market livestock shows is the

Championship Drive to take place Thursday evening, August 22 at 6:30.  This event is an opportunity to showcase the excellence of 4-H and FFA livestock competitors.

 

For information about the 2018 Kentucky State Fair, visit https://kystatefair.org

For more information on 4-H, contact me at the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service office.

 

The Summer of 4-H Events and Deadlines…

 

The summer keeps move quickly by.  Here is a look at events upcoming:

 

Thursday, July 25 – Montgomery County 4-H Rally Day, 8:00 AM – Noon Entry of exhibits, Extension Education Center, Mount Sterling

 

Saturday, July 27 - State 4-H Chicken & Turkey Barbeque Contest, 1:00pm, Hardin County Extension Service office, Elizabethtown

 

Tuesday, August 6 through Saturday, August 10 – State 4-H Horse Show held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville.

 

Saturday, August 10 – State 4-H Culinary Challenge, Boone County Enrichment Center, Burlington, KY

 

Thursday, August 15 – State 4-H Country Ham Contest and Ham Speech Contest, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville.

 

Call me at 498-8741 or email me at ccomer@uky.edu  for more information regarding any of these events.

 

KY STATE FAIR

The Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 15-25, 2024 in Louisville. More information on Cloverville is available by contacting the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 498-8741.

 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  July 3, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

The Summer of 4-H Events and Deadlines…

 

The summer seems to go by fast and the deadlines to register and enter contest tend to creep up on us before we know it, but here is a look at deadlines and events upcoming:

 

Wednesday, July 10 – Kentucky State Fair entry deadline for 4-H and FFA livestock shows this includes market livestock and breeding livestock. 

 

Wednesday, July 10 - 4-H Chicken & Turkey Barbeque Workshop, 8:30am to Noon, Montgomery County Extension Service Education Center

 

Wednesday, July 24 – Registration deadline for State 4-H Chicken & Turkey Barbeque Contest…to register call the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

Thursday, July 25 – Montgomery County 4-H Rally Day, Extension Education Center, Mount Sterling

 

Saturday, July 27 - State 4-H Chicken & Turkey Barbeque Contest, 1:00pm, Hardin County Extension Service office, Elizabethtown

 

Tuesday, August 6 through Saturday, August 10 – State 4-H Horse Show held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville.

 

Saturday, August 10 – State 4-H Culinary Challenge, Boone County Enrichment Center, Burlington, KY

 

Thursday, August 15 – State 4-H Country Ham Contest and Ham Speech Contest, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville.

 

Call me at 498-8741 or email me at ccomer@uky.edu  for more information regarding any of these events.

 

KY STATE FAIR

The Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 15-25, 2024 in Louisville. More information on Cloverville is available by contacting the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 498-8741.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  June 26, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

Get Fired Up Safely for Grilling Season 

If backyard barbecues are on your summer agenda, it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking! 

Grilling outdoors can liven up your summer social events with tasty food and fun, and it can also provide a nice break from your regular meal routine. However, safely mastering the art of barbecuing requires careful practice and attention.  

In 2022, roughly 5,400 emergency room visits were attributed to charcoal and gas grill accidents, according to data released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Follow these grilling safety guidelines to keep grilling injuries from spoiling your next cookout. 

• Use grills outside only. Even small grills can create fire hazards and release potentially fatal carbon monoxide when used indoors. 
• Keep the grill away from the house and any flammable materials. It should also be a safe distance from deck railings and overhanging tree branches. 
• Use the right lighter fluid for your grill. Store it away from heat and out of child reach. 
• Establish a child- and pet-free zone. Children and pets should be supervised by someone other than the cook and kids should stay three feet away to avoid burns. 
• Clean the grill well before use. Built-up grease and fat can contribute to fires. 
• Don’t overload the grill. Excess fat dripping on the flames can cause major flare-ups. 
• Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby. It can be used to douse small flare-ups without ruining the food. 
• Never leave your grill unattended. Charcoal grills can stay hot for hours after use. 
• Never add lighter fluid after the flame has been lit. If the flame gets too low, add dry kindling. 

If you use a gas grill, follow these additional safety precautions: 

• Make sure the lid is open before lighting it. This prevents flammable gas from being trapped in the chamber, which can cause an explosion. 
• If you smell gas and the flame is off, turn the gas off. 
• If you smell gas and the flame is on, get away immediately. This is a sign that there is a leak. Call the fire department and stay away from the grill.  

Youth are invited to put their grilling skills to the test at this year’s Kentucky 4-H Poultry Barbecue Contest scheduled for Saturday, July 27 at the Hardin County Extension Office. The contest is open to all youth who register with their county 4-H agent in advance. No qualifying events are required, and participants do not need to have a poultry project to participate. 

 

4-H Poultry Barbecue Workshop Planned

To help prepare youth for the Kentucky 4-H Poultry Barbecue contest held in late July.  a local 4-H Poultry Barbecue workshop is planned for Wednesday, July 10, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Montgomery County Extension Service office.  The workshop is open to youth ages 9-18 years old.  Pre-registration is required.  To pre-register, contact the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 no later than Monday, July 1 with name of youth, age, and birthdate.

 

Just So You Know

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.      

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  June 12, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

4-H Rally Day 2024

 

For young people in 4-H, the Montgomery County 4-H Rally Day serves as the qualifying event for State Fair 4-H Cloverville exhibits.  This event will be held Thursday, July 25 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center. Project exhibits that qualify for entry can be brought to the Extension Office on Wednesday, July 24 or the morning of Thursday, July 25. Judging of the exhibits takes place the afternoon of July 25.

The event is an opportunity for 4-H members to exhibit their best work in their 4-H projects with the hope of advancing to the next level which is the Kentucky State Fair.  .

Similar to exhibiting at a county fair, 4-H project exhibits will be judged on the Danish Award System in which all exhibitors receive a ribbon indicating the quality of their work. The Danish system of color ribbons is as follows:  blue for excellent; red for very good; and white for fair.   Premiums will be awarded to those exhibitors who receive first, second or third place for their exhibits.  Champion or first place exhibits will advance onto the state fair.

Entry time for exhibits is Wednesday, July 24, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM, as well as, Thursday morning, July 25 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  Exhibits will be released Thursday afternoon, 4:00-5:00 PM.

To be eligible to exhibit in the 4-H section, exhibitors must be enrolled in the Montgomery County 4-H for the program year 2023-24, and must have completed their project exhibit within the program year which began September 1, 2023. For an information packet listing the numerous project categories and classes of exhibition, you can contact the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 to request one. 

 

4-H Poultry Barbecue Workshop Planned

 

Montgomery County 4-H’ers have found success in recent years in the Kentucky 4-H Poultry Barbecue contest held in late July.  The contest which is actually two contest rolled into one includes the 4-H Chicken Barbecue contest and the 4-H Turkey Barbecue contest.  To prepare for the state contest coming up later this summer, a local 4-H Poultry Barbecue workshop is planned for Wednesday, July 10, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Montgomery County Extension Service office.  The workshop is open to youth ages 9-18 years old.  Pre-registration is required.  To pre-register, contact the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 no later than Monday, July 1 with name of youth, age, and birthdate.

Last year, Lance Munday won national champion honors in the National 4-H Turkey Barbecue contest held in Louisville in November 2023.  His journey to the championship began with his love of cooking and the local workshop.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  May 22, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

Area Communications Contest Results

The C1-C2 Area 4-H Communications Contest aka 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest took place at Nicholas County Elementary last Tuesday evening.  The Montgomery County participants did a great job getting up on their feet and speaking in both contest…and representing the county!

 

In the Speech contest in which participants compete by age based on their age as of January 1, 2024.  Montgomery County came away with four champions.  Here is how they did:

9-year-old Speech…Laci Sorrell…Red and 2^nd

13-year-old Speech…SidneyShea Amburgey…Blue and Champion

15-year-old Speech…Jefferson Oldfield…Blue and Champion

16-year-old Speech…Jayla Sands…Blue and Champion

17-year-old Speech…Kyera Wright…Blue and Champion

 

In the Demonstration contest, a show-and-tell style of presentation.  Montgomery County received excellent scores with one of our participants earning the champion placing in the Science, Engineering and Technology demonstration category.  That winner was McKenzie Richmond who demonstrated how to make slime.  Here are the other results:

Junior Animal Science Demonstration…Kenleigh French…Blue and 2^nd

Junior Foods Demonstration…Elijah Clarkson…Blue and 3^rd

Senior Foods Demo…Luke Baker…Blue and 2^nd

For the participants who won their category, they have the opportunity to advance to the next level of competition which is the State 4-H Communications Contest which will be held Saturday, July 13 at Red Oak Elementary School in Nicholasville, KY.

 

4-H Camper Orientation

To help campers prepare for 4-H Camp week of June 3-7, a 4-H Camper Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, May 30at 6:00 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center at 104 East Locust Street, Mt Sterling.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  May 15, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer, Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

Family Exercise helps Youth Stay Healthy for Life

As warmer spring weather arrives in Kentucky, it’s a great time for families to stay healthy and active while enjoying the outdoors together.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physically-active youth have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body fat, and stronger bones and muscles than their inactive peers. School-aged children also experience a noted boost to their brain health from physical activity: namely, improved cognition and reduced symptoms of depression. Research shows that physical activity can improve cognitive functions associated with memory, executive function, processing speed, attention, and academic performance.

Kids who get regular exercise also have better odds at becoming healthy adults. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis are rare among young people. However, obesity and other risk factors for these diseases, including elevated insulin, blood lipids, and blood pressure, are on the rise among today’s children and adolescents. In 2020, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that more than one in five U.S. adolescents (22 percent) were considered obese.

But making regular exercise a part of family life can give young people a head start on disease prevention and introduce healthy benefits to last a lifetime.

Empowering youth to be healthy—in body and mind—is an important part of the programming provided through 4-H. Young people who have the confidence and skills to lead healthy lifestyles don’t just feel healthier; they are also better able to tackle life’s challenges and demonstrate strong leadership in their lives, careers, and communities as they grow up to become responsible adults. According to a 2015 study by researchers from Clemson University, Tufts University, the University of Washington, and Boston College, youth who participate in 4-H Positive Youth Development programming are twice as likely to make healthier choices for themselves.

If you need some extra inspiration to get started with a new family fitness routine, the 4-H program can help.

4-H families can get more physically-active by participating in Move the Clover Way, a family-based physical activity program held this year from May through June. Families can take part by planning to engage in physical activity for a set amount of time each week, then logging those active minutes online.

To learn more about Move the Clover Way and other 4-H Healthy Living programs, contact the Montgomery County Extension office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

 

4-H Camper Orientation

To help campers prepare for 4-H Camp week of June 3-7, a 4-H Camper Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, May 30at 6:00 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center at 104 East Locust Street, Mt Sterling.

 

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News -  May 8, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles Comer

Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

4-H Camper Orientation

To help campers prepare for 4-H Camp week of June 3-7, a 4-H Camper Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, May 30at 6:00 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center at 104 East Locust Street, Mt Sterling.

 

Validation of Small Animal Livestock

For 4-H and FFA youth who show small animal market livestock including market lambs, market goats, market hogs and breeding hogs, market animal validations are scheduled as follows:

 

Thursday, May 9…Laurel County WTA Complex…5:00-7:00 PM

Saturday, May 11…Hardin County Fairgrounds…9:00-11:00 AM

Tuesday, May 14…Warren County WKU Ag Expo Center…5:00-7:00 PM

Wednesday, May 15…Spencer County High School…5:00-7:00 PM

 

Small animal livestock must be validated no later than May 15, 2024.

 

C1-C2 Area 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest May 14

The C1-C2 Area 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest will take place Tuesday, May 14 at the Nicholas County Elementary School in Carlisle.  Check-in begins at 4:00pm.  Winners of their respective categories at the area contest will advance to the State 4-H Communications Contest to be held Saturday, July 13 in Nicholasville.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - March 6, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

4-H Speech and Demonstration

The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest will take place next Thursday, March 14 at 6:30pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  Call the County Extension Office at 498-8741 to pre-register for the contest by Friday, March 1 to pre-register your topic.

Through this contest, participants learn the logical way to prepare a speech or present information through a demonstration.  Standing up and delivering a speech or presentation develops independence and confidence in participants. It helps them overcome the fear of speaking in public. Communications expertise is a vital skill for today’s youth and tomorrow’s adults.  4-H Youth Development helps youth improve their quality of speech and association with others whether one-on-one in a job interview or a keynote address in a banquet hall.

 

4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy

The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is now accepting applications for program year 2024-25. The Academy is also known as the 4-H NRESci Academy is a three-year program designed to teach youth about the natural environment. In the program, members participate in hands-on investigations to learn about Kentucky’s water, forest, entomology, and wildlife resources.  Applicants must be in the 5th grade at the time of the application.  Twenty-five youth will be selected statewide to participate. To apply, prospective participants must complete the application by April 19, 2024.

For more information about the 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy, contact me at your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

State 4-H Horse Contests to take place in June

The Kentucky 4-H State Horse Contests will be held June 5-7, 2024. The State Horse Judging contest will be June 5 at Spy Coast Farm in Lexington with the other contests that include Horse Crafts, Horse Photography, Horse Public Speaking, Horse Demonstration, Horse Bowl being held at the Ag North building at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Food Environment campus June 6-7.

What kinds of contests are offered at the State Horse Contests? Horse Judging; Horse Quiz Bowl; Hippology; Communications contests including Individual Demonstration; Team Demonstration and Individual Speech; and Arts & Crafts all of which must be horse related with categories for Sewing/Quilting, Photography, Painting, Drawing, Paper Crafts, Woodworking, Metal Work, Jewelry Making, and Art from a Kit

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - February 28, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

4-H Camp 2024

4-H Camp 2024 for Montgomery County campers takes place June 3-7, 2024 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle.  Summer 4-H camp is for youth, ages 9-14.  It provides a safe, secure and fun environment for young people.

Registration for campers takes place on-line by way of SignUpGenius beginning on Friday, March 1.  The registration link will be posted on our website and Facebook page.  You can also contact our office at 859-498-8741 to request to be on our email camp list to receive the link directly.

 

Kentucky 4-H:  A Capitol Experience

State 4-H Capitol Experience takes place on Wednesday, March 6 in Frankfort.  Pre-registration was required for the trip. 

 

4-H Speech and Demonstration

The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest will take place Thursday, March 14 at 6:30pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  Call the County Extension Office at 498-8741 to pre-register for the contest by Friday, March 1 to pre-register your topic.

 

4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy

The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is now accepting applications for PY 2024-25. The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is also known as the 4-H NRESci Academy.

What is NRESci?  The NRESci Academy is a three-year program designed to teach youth about their natural environment. In the program, members participate in hands-on investigations to learn about Kentucky’s water, forest, entomology, and wildlife resources.

When does the Academy meet?  The Academy is a three-year commitment, and meets quarterly each year. Delegates attend a two-day residential retreat at Feltner 4-H Camp in September and participate in three 1-day events held in winter, spring, and summer. The locations of the 1-day events vary and take place across the state at different natural areas/venues such as Salato Wildlife Education Center, Pine Mountain Settlement School, Robinson Forest, Lost River Cave, UK Campus just to name a few.  This ensures that youth experience a variety of natural areas and natural resource professionals during their 3-years in the program. Please note that this program does require substantial travel for families, as our 1-day events take place across the state. 

One-day events take place on week-days, generally in October/November, February/March, and May. These dates are set at the beginning of each program year. The dates are scheduled for 2024-2025 and are listed on the application.  Transporation to/from events is not provided. Families are responsible for providing transportation

Who can apply?  Applicants must be in the 5th grade at the time of the application. If selected, youth/families must agree to make a three-year commitment to the program. Please note that only 25 youth will be selected from the entire state to participate. Applications will be reviewed in May with applicants being notified in June if they are selected to the program. 

What is the cost?  The cost of the program is $175 per year. The costs includes lodging and meals for the Fall Retreat, and programming costs associated with the 1-day events. Partial and/or full scholarships may be available. If available, a scholarship application will be made available to members by June. 

What do youth do in the Academy?  Each year of the 3-year program, delegates concentrate on a different core area of water, entomology, forestry, wildlife as well as interact with experts in each of these disciplines. Youth participate in a variety of field exercises, including stream sampling, forest measurement data collection, wildlife observation and trapping, insect collection and identification, and much more. Youth also have the opportunity to visit natural areas throughout the Commonwealth, such as Lost River Cave,  Salato Wildlife Education Center, Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery,  Pine Mountain Settlement School, Robinson Forest, University of Kentucky’s campus, and more!

To apply, prospective participants must complete the application by April 19, 2024.

For more information about the 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy, contact me at your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - February 21, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

 

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum will take place this week beginning on Thursday running through Saturday, February 22-24, 2024 at the Central Bank Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum is the second largest of its kind in the United States in terms of attendance with approximately 1200 attendees.

Thursday’s Opening Event will be held at the UK Athletics Champions Club at Rupp Arena.  Dinner is served at this event.  Entertainment for the evening will be Brice Long a KY song writer and performer.

The forum is offering the Master Accreditation opportunity for volunteers again this year.  Accreditation allows volunteers to become more acquainted in applying knowledge and skills in their counties by providing educational resources and workshops in club management, leadership, and subject matter. 

Friday and Saturday is loaded full of workshops covering the core areas of 4-H youth development. 

The 4-H Hall of Fame banquet and awards ceremony takes place Friday night Convention Center Ballroom.  It is the premier event for state recognition of 4-H volunteers and the work they do in positive youth development of 4-H members.

The forum is a biennial event for 4-H volunteers in Kentucky.  The next one will take place in 2026.

 

4-H Teen Retreat

C1-C4 Area 4-H Teen Retreat for teens 14 years and older will take place March 8-10 at  Feltner 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky.  The retreat begins on Friday after school with registration then dinner.  The weekend includes workshops, funshops, service project, recreation, social time, games and a dance.  For registration information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H Camp 2024

4-H Camp 2024 for Montgomery County campers takes place June 3-7, 2024 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle.  Summer 4-H camp is for youth, ages 9-14.  It provides a safe, secure and fun environment for young people.

Registration for campers takes place on-line by way of SignUpGenius beginning on Friday, March 1.  The registration link will be posted on our website and Facebook page.  You can also contact our office at 859-498-8741 to request to be on our email camp list to receive the link directly.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

4-H Youth Development News - February 14, 2024 

4-H Youth Development Program News

 

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Changes for 2024 Market Livestock Validation

 

For 4-H and FFA youth who show market livestock including market steers, market heifers, market lambs, market goats, market hogs and breeding hogs, there are changes that have occurred in the validation process for 2024. 

One of the changes is that validation of livestock is returning to regional sites in 2024 similar to way it was prior to March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic.  The first to be validated will be large animal livestock also known as market steers and market heifers.  The deadline for validating large animal livestock is March 16.  Exhibitors will need to attend one of five of the sites and dates that are scheduled as follows:

Monday, February 19…Bourbon County Fairgrounds…5:00-7:00 PM

Thursday, February 22…Pendleton County Fairgrounds… 5:00-7:00 PM

Saturday, March 2…Kentucky Beef Expo…11:00 AM to NOON

Tuesday, March 12…Laurel County…5:00-7:00 PM

Saturday, March 16…Green River Beef Show…8:00-10:00 AM

Another change is exhibitors will need to obtain or provide the National Premise Identification Number for the physical location of where the validated livestock or show animals are housed.  What is a National Premises Identification Number?  It is an identification code permanently associated with a physical address where animals are raised, housed, or boarded, and is used for animal disease traceability efforts. Once a Premises Identification Number (PIN) is create for a physical address, it never changes. This code is requested and registered through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Office of the State Veterinarian.

Exhibitors and parents will need to complete the appropriate validation form bases on the species of the animal to be validated.  This includes ensuring that the physical address of where the validated animal is to be housed has a National Premises Identification Number.  Complete the top portion of the form and secure signatures of the 4-H Agent or the FFA Advisor.  Take the completed form to the validation site. 

The validation fee is $5 per head.  Cash, money order, or check is acceptable. 

Exhibitors will need to be accompanied by parents to the validation site to witness the tagging and collection of DNA by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture representative.  Signatures from both the exhibitor and parent on the DNA envelope are required. 

If an exhibitor under the age of 18 is present without a parent or guardian, a signed Hold Harmless Form must accompany the exhibitor to the validation site.

For further information about the 4-H Livestock Validation, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Servic office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H Teen Retreat

C1-C4 Area 4-H Teen Retreat for teens 14 years and older will take place March 8-10 at  Feltner 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky.  The retreat begins on Friday after school with registration then dinner.  The weekend includes workshops, funshops, service project, recreation, social time, games and a dance.  For registration information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

4-H Camp 2024

4-H Camp 2024 for Montgomery County campers takes place June 3-7, 2024 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle.  Summer 4-H camp is for youth, ages 9-14.  It provides a safe, secure and fun environment for young people.

Registration for campers takes place on-line by way of SignUpGenius beginning on Friday, March 1.  The registration link will be posted on our website and Facebook page.  You can also contact our office at 859-498-8741 to request to be on our email camp list to receive the link directly.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

4-H Youth Development News - February 7, 2024

4-H Youth Development Program News

 

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

4-H Teen Retreat

C1-C4 Area 4-H Teen Retreat for teens 14 years and older will take place March 8-10 at  Feltner 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky.  The retreat begins on Friday after school with registration then dinner.  The weekend includes workshops, funshops, service project, recreation, social time, games and a dance.  For registration information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

What is C1-C4 Area in 4-H?

C1-C4 Area or areas are the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Administrative Areas.  This includes counties that make up the central Kentucky and the Central Region in the Extension Service.  The counties include Clark, Estill, Madison, and Powell which are in the C1 Area.   The C2 area includes Bourbon, Fayette, Montgomery and Nicholas.  C3 area includes counties of Boyle, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, and Mercer.  C4 area includes Anderson, Franklin, Harrison, Scott and Woodford counties.

Kentucky 4-H moved away from district programming to area programming on September 1, 2022. 

 

4-H Camp 2024

4-H Camp 2024 for Montgomery County campers takes place June 3-7, 2024 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle.  Summer 4-H camp is for youth, ages 9-14.  It provides a safe, secure and fun environment for young people.

Registration for campers takes place on-line by way of SignUpGenius beginning on Friday, March 1.  The registration link will be posted on our website and Facebook page.  You can also contact our office at 859-498-8741 to request to be on our email camp list to receive the link directly.

 

4-H Speech and Demonstration

The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest will take place Thursday, March 14 at 6:30pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  Call the County Extension Office at 498-8741 to pre-register for the contest by Friday, March 8 to pre-register your topic.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - January 3, 2024

4-H Youth Development Program News

 

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

4-H Camp 2024:  Under the Big Top

Be the star of the show at 4-H Camp 2024!  This year’s theme for 4-H Camp week is Under the Big Top. For Montgomery County campers, 4-H camp takes place June 3-7, 2024 at North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle.

Going to camp, means you meeting and making new friends, learning new skills and being involved in fun activities. It is a week of memories you take home with you.  It’s more fun than you have ever spent away from home, shooting a bow and arrow, being part of the winning team in field relay games, cooling off at the pool and remembering all the neat people you met and new friends made.

Summer 4-H camp is for youth, ages 9-14.  It provides a safe, secure and fun environment for young people.

Kentucky 4-H camps, which there are four statewide, are accredited through the American Camp Association in recognizing that Kentucky 4-H Camps utilize the “best practices in the camping industry”  towards providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for our campers.

For more information on 4-H Camp,  contact your Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, such as 4-H Camp, serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

Camp Volunteers register in February

Registration for 4-H Camp Adult Volunteer counselors and Teen Volunteer Counselors also known as Junior Counselors ages 15-17 begins February 1.  Volunteer counselors assist with the camp program as mentors to campers, cabin chaperons and assist with camp duties at meal times.  For more detailed information about serving as a 4-H Camp volunteer, call me at 498-8741.

 

Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum will take place February 22-24, 2024 at the Central Bank Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency in Lexington.  Contact me at the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service office for more information about the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum.

 

4-H Summit Awaits You

4-H Summit is for youth who are 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Summit is designed to develop leadership, citizenship and communications skills of middle school-aged youth. 

It takes place March 21-23, 2024 at the Lake Cumberland 4-H Leadership Center in Jabez. Registration for 4-H Summit is due January 15.   For further information, contact me at 498-8741 or by email at: ccomer@uky.edu

 

How To Join 4-H…

For many of our 4-H project clubs, January 1 is the deadline to join the club and begin attending meetings.  The first step though is completing the 4-H enrollment form annually.  The form officially known as the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form or 4-H “PIE form” for short. You can complete it at the Montgomery County Extension Service office.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - December 13, 2023  

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum will take place February 22-24, 2024 at the Central Bank Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. This year’s theme is Volunteers Reaching New Horizons. The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum is the second largest of its kind in the United States in terms of attendance with approximately 1200 attendees.

The forum offers an accreditation opportunity for 4-H volunteers.  Attendees can complete classes to earn a 4-H Volunteer accreditation.  A Master 4-H Volunteer Accreditation can be earned by completing nine classes at the forum.  The core requirements of accreditation include four classes which are Introduction to 4-H; 4-H Club Management; Ages and Stages of Youth Development; and Understanding EffectiveTeaching Methods and Learning Styles. 

The final registration deadline is this Friday, December 15.  Contact me at the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service office for more information about the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum.

 

4-H Summit Awaits You

4-H Summit, originated in 2005.  It has been held annually since that time focusing on  youth who are currently enrolled in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Summit is designed to develop leadership, citizenship and communications skills of middle school-aged youth.  It does this through workshops, fun-shops, speakers and team-building activities, planned and designed to satisfy a wide range of interests.

Delegates choose from several interest areas including leadership, communications and citizenship. The greatest benefits young people receive from 4-H are confidence and knowledge to be good communicators and leaders.  4-H Summit works to strengthen these qualities.

The Summit takes place March 21-23, 2024 at the Lake Cumberland 4-H Leadership Center in Jabez.

Would you like to be a delegate?  If “yes,” contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office no later than January 15.   For further information about the Summit, contact me at 498-8741 or by email at: ccomer@uky.edu

 

How To Join 4-H…

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the enrollment form annually.  The form officially known as the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form or 4-H “PIE form” for short.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - November 22, 2023  

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Lance Munday Wins National Contest

Lance Munday brought home a national championship by winning the National 4-H Turkey Barbecue Contest last Thursday in Louisville.  The contest was held during the 2023 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, November 15-16 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. This annual conference brings 4-H members from across the country to compete in 4-H poultry and egg contests.

Lance, a Montgomery County 4-H member, represented Kentucky in this year’s Turkey Barbecue Contest, an event that is a two-part contest with one being the cooking/grilling part and the other being the illustrated talk part. 

In the cooking portion of the contest, contestants are scored on their barbecue skills, food safety knowledge and skills and sensory evaluation of the cooked product.

In the illustrated presentation portion of the contest, contestants demonstrate their knowledge of the turkey industry in the United States and its economic importance along with their knowledge of general food safety and the nutritional value of turkey and its role in a balanced diet.

The annual 4-H conference includes five separate competitive events for 4-H members to complete that include Poultry Judging, Avian Bowl, Chicken Barbecue contest, Turkey Barbecue contest, and Egg Preparation contest.

In 2021, Lance represented Kentucky in the National 4-H Chicken Barbecue contest in which he placed 2^nd in the nation.

 

How To Join 4-H…

Membership in 4-H begins with completing the enrollment form annually.  The form officially known as the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form or 4-H “PIE form” for short.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

4-H Youth Development News - October 25, 2023

 

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Upcycling Your Fashion Through 4-H

In a world characterized by fast fashion and the constant churn of consumer goods, 4-H advocates thrifting and upcycling alternatives. These practices save money and also significantly contribute to environmental conservation by extending the life of used items and reducing waste. Thrifting, the act of purchasing secondhand goods, and upcycling, the art of transforming old items into something new, form the cornerstones of a circular economy within the fashion and home industries.  

Thrifting is not just about scoring a good deal; it's about being a conscious consumer. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your thrifting experience: 

• Set a Budget: Before embarking on your thrift-store adventure, determine how much you're willing to spend. Knowing your budget will help you make wise choices and avoid impulsive purchases. 
• Invest Time: Thrifting often requires patience. You may need to visit multiple stores and locations to find the perfect item. Remember, treasure hunting can take time. 
• Avoid Overspending: Thrifting should not be a splurge. Stick to your budget, and don't give in to the temptation of buying more than you need. 
• Use What You Buy: Only buy items you genuinely need and will use. Avoid accumulating more clutter in your life. 
• Inspect for Quality: Examine items for defects and wear, paying particular attention to high-stress areas and seams. You want to ensure that your finds are durable and will serve you well. 

Upcycling is a creative way to breathe new life into old items. Here's how you can start your upcycling journey: 

• Visualize the End Product: Before you begin upcycling, have a clear idea of what you want to create. Planning ahead will help you make the most of the materials at hand. 
• Prioritize Used Materials: Whenever possible, use materials from other old or unused items in your upcycling projects. This promotes a more sustainable approach. 
• Minimize Waste: Plan your project meticulously to utilize as much of the original item as possible, leaving little to no waste behind. 
• Set Realistic Goals: Don't bite off more than you can chew. Choose upcycling projects that match your skill level and resources to avoid unnecessary waste. 
• Make It Fun: Upcycling can be a great family project, fostering creativity, sustainability, and quality time. Involve your loved ones and enjoy the process. 

Thrifting and upcycling are more than just trends; they are powerful tools for creating a more sustainable and responsible future. By embracing these practices and sharing them with the younger generation through initiatives like 4-H, we can collectively reduce waste, lower our environmental impact and inspire a new wave of conscious consumers. 

More information on 4-H thrifting and upcycling programs are available at your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

How To Join 4-H…

We are almost two months into our new 4-H program year that began on September 1, 2023.  Membership in 4-H begins with completing the enrollment form annually.  The form officially known as the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form or 4-H “PIE form” for short, must be completed each new program year .

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - October 18, 2023

Charles M. Comer

Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

U. K. College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Kentucky 4-H Ham Project

Country ham is a longstanding tradition dating back to Kentucky’s earliest settlers.  The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project, a project that teaches 4-H youth the process of making country ham began in the late nineties with just forty youth.  The project begins in January and ends at the Kentucky State Fair. 

Today some 900 youth across Kentucky cure country hams each year and enter their hams in the State 4-H Country Ham Contest and compete in the 4-H Country Ham Speech Contest on opening day of the Kentucky State Fair held the third Thursday of August each year.

The 4-H hams are judged by Kentucky Country Ham Producers while the 4-H members present a speech on some aspect of curing hams.  4-H participants learn about food production and how the country ham fits into Kentucky's food heritage.  

The Country Ham is distinctive to Kentucky and the Southeast.  The “ham belt” of the United States includes Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Missouri.  The project not only teaches Kentucky’s youth about where their food comes from, but also teaches them about our food heritage.

Country ham is the dry-cured hind leg of a pig that harks back to the way food was preserved before mechanical refrigeration.  Historically, pigs were harvested in the cold winter months of December through early February.  The hams were removed and allowed to cool overnight before salt, sugar, and other spices were rubbed into the ham to begin the process of making a country ham.

The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project is a certified project.  A certified project means that 4-H members must complete six hours of education to be eligible to compete in the project.  The hours must be completed by June 1^st.

To sign up for the project, a prospective 4-H member must complete the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form and attend the 4-H Livestock Club monthly meetings to earn their educational hours.  The next step is to complete the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham contract prior to the deadline of December 1, 2023.

Curing of the hams takes place in the middle of January.  Shucking of the hams takes place in May.  The final preparation of the hams for exhibition takes place typically in late July or early August.  Hams are then entered in the state contest in mid August.    

For more information about the 4-H Country Ham project, contact your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.

 

How To Join 4-H…

September 1, 2023 began a new program year in Kentucky 4-H.  It’s time to complete your membership form for the new year in 4-H.  The form officially known as the 4-H Participant Information and Enrollment form or 4-H “PIE form” for short, must be completed annually to be considered a 4-H member.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H Youth Development News - September 13, 2023

Charles M. Comer

Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

U. K. College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Kiernan Comer is a 2021 University of Kentucky graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.  While at the university, he served as a Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Ambassador. He was a member of the Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences organization serving as a liaison seeking funding and working on organization initiatives.   He served a year as the U.K. Student Ambassador to Agriculture Future of America organization, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Since graduating, he has served for one year as a Team Leader for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps in the North Central region in Vinton, Iowa.  The last several months he has worked as a Fire and Disaster Crew Leader for Southeast Conservation Corps. 

Kiernan developed his love of outdoors through the Montgomery County 4-H youth development program.  Attending camp for ten years as a camper, Junior Counselor in Training, Junior Counselor and as a volunteer adult counselor.  Then he went to work for six summers as a Camp Program Staff member at North Central 4-H Camp.  Then served as an Environmental Camp Intern in the fall 2021.

Here are his dreams and expectations for the next twenty-seven months. 

Hello! My name is Kiernan Comer—and starting September 22^nd—I will be a Peace Corps Forestry and Environment Extension Agent in Senegal, West Africa! On the 22^nd, I will fly to Washington, D.C. for staging. There, I will meet the approximately 30 other volunteers who will serve in Senegal with me. These volunteers make up my “cohort”, and they will be part of my support network while in the country. After two days, we will fly to Senegal to begin three months of Pre-service Training in the city of Thiès. This includes health, security, language, and technical training.

Once I finish Pre-service Training, I will split off from my cohort and be sent to a host community on my own. There, I will be paired with a host family who I will live, eat, complete chores, and practice language with. As a Forestry and Environment Extension Agent, I will assist locals with various environmental projects. These could include environmental education, mangrove reforestation, tree planting and maintenance, mango and cashew production, and live fencing projects. However, the work I do will depend on the needs of the specific needs of the community.

During my 27-month term, I look forward to growing as a person and a professional. There will be so many things—language, culture, ecology—that will feel unfamiliar to me. Many of the lessons I have learned in the United States will not translate to Senegal. I will have to relearn how to make friends, how to be professional, and how to interpret the environment. My ability to stay curious and adapt will determine the success of my time there. At the end of service, I strive to contribute to the long-term health of my community’s people and environment.

 

Conversation with a New Peace Corps Volunteer Event

If you would like to learn more about Kiernan’s journey, he will speak about Peace Corps at a program to be held this Sunday, September 17 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center from 2:00-5:00 PM with remarks followed by questions and answers at 3:00 PM. 

 

 

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING 

 

4-H Youth Development News - August 16, 2023

Charles M. Comer

Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

U. K. College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

Kentucky State Fair Cloverville:  4-H on Display

The Kentucky State Fair begins this Thursday, August 17 and once again 4-H exhibits are on display in Cloverville in South Wing A, Kentucky 4-H’s home during the 2023 run of the state fair.  Cloverville is part of AgLand highlighting Kentucky’s agricultural heritage.

Project exhibits from 4-H members from all 120 counties are the biggest attraction of Cloverville.  It showcases the talent, hard work and dedication of the Kentucky youths.  The state fair is the culminating event for these 4-H members who are vying blue ribbon work and the opportunity to be a state champion!

In addition to the projects, Cloverville is home to live showcases and hands-on contests that allow 4-H members to display their natural talents and abilities as well as entertain thousands of fair visitors.

The Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 17-27 in Louisville. For more information on Cloverville is available by contacting the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 498-8741.

 

4-H Country Ham Contest August 17

Six Montgomery County 4-H members will be entering their cured country hams in the State Fair 4-H Country Ham Contest.  In addition to the judged ham contest, they will compete in the 4-H Country Ham Speech Contest.  Junior members ages 9-13 years of age will present on the topic of the history of country ham curing.  Senior member ages 14-18 will present on the topic of how to control pest that can infest a country ham.  The six are Oaklee Amburgey, SydneyShea Amburgey, Rhett Amburgey, Kenleigh French, Marshall Kipp and Jefferson Oldfield.

 

Livestock Goes to State Fair

It’s the highlight of the summer show season. It’s the reward of long hours preparing for several county fair shows.  The Kentucky State Fair 4-H and FFA Livestock Shows begins today and runs through next week.  Competing at State Fair is the highlight of the summer for youngsters and their families.  It’s an opportunity to go up against the best of the best from all across the state.  Over the next several days, families will be preparing to load up their animals and head to the fair. 

Here’s a look at the busy schedule ahead:

Tuesday, August 22 – 4-H and FFA Market Goat Showmanship and Commercial Doe Show at 4:00pm in Broadbent Arena

Wednesday, August 23 - 4-H and FFA Heifer Show at 8:00 AM in Broadbent Arena; 10:30am; 4-H and FFA Swine Showmanship contest at 10:00 AM in the Swine Barn; 4-H and FFA Market Lamb Show at Noon in the Sheep Barn; 4-H and FFA Beef Heifer Showmanship at 1:00 PM in Broadbent Arena; 4-H and FFA Breeding Gilt Show in the Swine Barn; 4-H and FFA Market Goat Show in Broadbent Arena.

Thursday, August 24 – 4-H and FFA Crossbred Market Hog Show at 8:00am in the Swine Barn; 4-H and FFA Market Steer Show at 8:00am in Broadbent Arena with the Beef Showmanship Contest following thirty minutes afterwards.

Thursday, August 24 – Championship Drive at 6:30 PM in Broadbent Arena.

All of the animal shows and contests take place in the West Wing and/or Broadbent Arena of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.  West Wing includes the Sheep and Swine barns along with Newmarket Hall.  For details, contact me at your Montgomery County Extension Service Office at 498-8741.

 

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING 

 

4-H Youth Development News - August 2, 2023

Charles M. Comer

Montgomery County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

U. K. College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

 

YOUTH EXHIBITED AT THE COUNTY 4-H RALLY DAY

Montgomery County 4-H hosted a 4-H Project Rally Day at the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Education Center on July 27.  The event is a qualifying-event for 4-H project work to be selected for entry at 4-H Cloverville at the Kentucky State Fair.  At the Rally, the project exhibits were judged and received a quality ribbon of Blue, Red or White.  The color corresponds to the quality of excellence of the exhibit with blue meaning excellent, red meaning very good and white meaning fair.  Champions in each project category received a Purple Ribbon and now advance to the Kentucky State Fair in August for further competition and recognition.

Following are the results of the 2023 Montgomery County 4-H Rally Day

 

DIVISION 1000 - COUNTY RECORD BOOKS

Class 1002 – 4-H Project Record Books:  All project records received a Blue Ribbon.

●Kenleigh French – Livestock

●Jefferson Oldfield – Livestock

 

DIVISION 6013 – COUNTRY HAM

 

DIVISION 6015 – HORTICULTURE & PLANT SCIENCE

●Class 586 – Squash, Summer

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 587 – Eggplant

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 565 – Terrariums

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6018 – FIELD CROPS

●Class 607 – Yellow – Shelled (previous year’s crop)

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champions

 

●Class 614 – Soybeans (current year’s crop)

Kenleigh French – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champions

 

DIVISION 6025 – WOOD SCIENCE

●Class 677 – Level 2 – Not from a kit. 

Lakelyn Hoffman – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6030 – PHOTOGRAPHY

●Class 764b. – NATURAL RESOURCES – Water

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 764d. – NATURAL RESOURCES – Scenic

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 764e.   NATURAL RESOURCES – Native Plants

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 764f.   NATURAL RESOURCES – Insect

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 765a. – AGRICULTURE – Livestock

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 765d. – AGRICULTURE – Scenic

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 765e. – AGRICULTURE – Farm Equipment/Implement

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Red & Champion

Maesyn Ingram – 2^nd Place:  Red

 

●Class 765f. – AGRICULTURE – Modern or Historic Practices

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 766a. – LEADERSHIP – Formal/Candid Portrait

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 766b. – LEADERSHIP – Urban Scenic

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 766c. – LEADERSHIP – Event

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 767b. – FCS – Food Preparation

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 767e. – FCS – Patterns/Design

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 768b. – SET – Architecture

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Red & Champion

●Class 768c. – SET – Energy

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Red & Champion

 

●Class 768c. – SET – Movement

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 771 – HORTICULTURE – Single B&W Photo

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue

Clay Garland – 2^nd Place:  Blue

 

●Class 772 – HORTICULTURE – Single Color Photo

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

Maesyn Ingram – 2^nd Place:  Blue

 

●Class 774 – HORTICULTURE – Collection

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6032 – SEWING

●Class 790a.– Unit 1 – “Let’s Learn to Sew”

Laci Sorrell – (Cloverbud) – 1^st Place:  Blue

 

DIVISION 6033 – NEEDLEWORK

●Class 814 – Large crochet item

Emma Combs – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6035 – FOODS

●Class 843 – BISCUITS – Rolled Biscuits

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 845 – QUICK BREADS – Cornmeal Muffins

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Red & Champion

 

●Class 848 – COOKIES - Brownies

Clay Garland – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 849 – COOKIES – Snickerdoodle Cookies

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

●Class 858 – CANDY - Classic Chocolate Fudge

Maesyn Ingram – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6039 – HOME ENVIRONMENT

●Class 902 – In My Home – Accessory – original or adapted design

Lakelyn Hoffman – 1^st Place: Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6040 CONSUMER & FINANCIAL EDUCATION

Class 920 – Poster – What Does Real Life Cost?

Kyera Wright – 1^st Place:  Blue & Champion

 

DIVISION 6042 KENTUCKY TRENDS

Class 1050 – Junior Upcycling

Laci Sorrell (Cloverbud) – 1^st Place:  Blue Ribbon

4-H Exhibits that were selected as Champion in their class will advance to the Kentucky State Fair.  For more information about 4-H Rally Day, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 498-8741.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING

 

4-H Youth Development Program News - July 26, 2023

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent

U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Kentucky 4-H state fair projects ignite curiosity and cultivate skills

At the heart of 4-H lies project work, an initiative that empowers 4-Hers to choose a topic of personal interest and passionately delve into it. Projects are available in seven core areas: natural resources, agriculture, communication and expressive arts, family consumer sciences, health and wellness, leadership and sciences engineering and technology. Kentucky 4-H ensures every member finds a project that ignites their curiosity. 

Once a 4-Her selects a project, they embark on a journey of skill mastery and personal growth. Throughout the project year, these young individuals acquire specialized knowledge and develop essential life skills such as public speaking, record-keeping and decision-making. These invaluable skills will serve them well in their future endeavors, enabling them to become confident and capable community leaders. 

The Kentucky State Fair, August 17-27, is a significant platform for 4-H members to showcase their completed projects and compete with their peers. This year's fair will feature a diverse array of 4-H project work, from livestock exhibits in the West Hall to the innovative projects in Cloverville displayed in the South Wing. The fair provides an excellent opportunity for fairgoers to witness these 4-Her’s creativity, dedication and hard work. 

All 4-H'ers who have their projects displayed at the county, regional, or state fair are considered winners in their own right. Every 4-H member's journey is a testament to their growth, resilience and commitment to personal development. 

Kentucky 4-H invites the public to attend the Kentucky State Fair to witness the exceptional project work of these talented young individuals. 

For more information about 4-H projects and other topics, your Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service.  

 

4-H Rally Day is the Qualifying Event for State Fair

4-H Rally Day is the qualifying event for State Fair 4-H Cloverville exhibits.  This event takes place this Thursday (July 27) at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  This is the chance for 4-H members to exhibit their best work in their 4-H projects in hopes of it advancing to the next stage—the Kentucky State Fair.  Exhibits ranging from insect collections, great tasting food, beautiful red, ripe tomatoes, and artistic photographs are just a few of the categories young people can exhibit at Rally Day.  Project exhibit entry time is Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM and on Thursday morning, July 27, 2023, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  Exhibits will be released Thursday afternoon, 4:00-5:00 PM for pick up by the exhibitors.  For more information on the Rally Day, contact the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 to request one. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H News - July 19, 2023

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

State 4-H Communications Contest Results

The journey to State 4-H Communications Contest begins in March with county level contest.  If a 4-H member wins at county, then the next level is area contest which encompasses winners from the eight counties that make up C1-C2 Area.  Earning the “win” at area results in the trip to State 4-H Communications Day in July.

This past Saturday the state event took place in Nicholasville.  Two Montgomery County 4-H members competed…and did real well.  Emma Combs competed in two different contests, 15-Year-Old Speech and Mock Job Interviews.  Lance Munday competed in 17-18 Year-Old Speech.  

Emma won her speech category and was a top 3 finalist in mock interviews.  Lance earned reserve champion honors in his speech category.

It was a successful journey from county to area to state. Congratulations to Emma and Lance!

 

4-H Rally Day is the Qualifying Event for State Fair

4-H Rally Day is the qualifying event for State Fair 4-H Cloverville exhibits.  This event will be held Thursday, July 27 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  This is the chance for 4-H members to exhibit their best work in their 4-H projects in hopes of it advancing to the next stage—the Kentucky State Fair.  Exhibits ranging from insect collections, great tasting food, beautiful red, ripe tomatoes, and artistic photographs are just a few of the categories young people can exhibit at Rally Day.

Much like the fair, 4-H project exhibits will be judged on the Danish Award System in which all exhibitors receive a ribbon indicating the quality of their work. Blue for excellent; red for very good; and white for fair.   Premiums will be awarded to those exhibitors who receive first, second or third place for their exhibits.  Champion or first place exhibits will advance onto the state fair.

Entry time for exhibits is Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM, as well as, Thursday morning, July 27, 2023, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.  Exhibits will be released Thursday afternoon, 4:00-5:00 PM.

To be eligible to exhibit in the 4-H section, exhibitors must be enrolled in the Montgomery County 4-H Program for 2023, and must have completed their project in the past year. For an information pamphlet on the different categories, you can call the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 to request one. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H News - May 24, 2023

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Three Advance to State Communications Contest

Curtis Bailey, Emma Combs, and Lance Munday won their respective classes of competition at the C1-C2 Area 4-H Communications Contest held May 2 at the Madison County Extension Service office in Richmond. 

Curtis won his Senior Shooting Sports Demonstration category.  His presentation was focused on How to Shoot a Bow.

Emma won two different contests.  She won the 15-Year-Old Speech Contest with a speech entitled Polarity in Politics.  She then added to her winning ways by winning the 14-15 Year Old category of the Mock Interviews.

Lance rounded out the winning ways at the area contest claiming top prize for his speech  The Farm Bill in the 17-18 Year Old Speech category.

They will now advance to the State 4-H Communications Day event to be held Saturday, July 8 at Red Oak Elementary in Nicholasville, Jessamine County. Demonstration Contest & Mock Interview Contest to be held at 9:30 am followed by the Speech Contest in the afternoon  beginning at 1:00.

 

4-H Camper Orientation This Thursday Evening

The 4-H Camper Orientation, held for all campers along with their parents and /or guardians is scheduled for this Thursday, May 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Montgomery County Education Center located at 104 East Locust Street, Mount Sterling, next door to the Montgomery County Extension Service office.  The orientation covers rules and camper expectations; travel plans; departure times; camper checklist of items to pack for camp; medication handling requirements; and cabin assignments along with other relevant information pertaining to camp.        

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

 

4-H News - May 17, 2023

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

Get your child ready for 4-H camp with these nine exercises 

  

Camp is an exciting opportunity for 4-Hers, but a group living environment with high independence can also be stressful. To ensure your child maximizes their potential for success at camp, we suggest preparing for the experience in advance. These nine exercises will prepare your child manage their belongings, navigate the campgrounds and prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for the experience. 

 

1) Pack with your child and practice packing their suitcase a few days before camp. Keep their belongings in their luggage. Packing clothes in zippered plastic bags with day labels can help your child stay organized at camp. They can then repack the dirty clothes in the empty bag. 

 

2) Practice packing your child's backpack. During camp, counselors help campers pack and review the schedule. Your child should bring a towel, a zippered plastic bag for a wet swimsuit, sunscreen, water bottle, hat and sunglasses. Counselors advise campers to double-check their belongings before leaving an area. 

 

3) Help your child pack their toiletries. A small backpack for dry items and a caddy or waterproof bag for wet items is best. Before camp, have your child use their caddy for bathing, brushing their teeth, getting ready for the day and going to bed. 

 

4) Camp shower lines can be long. Help your child track shower time. Practice five-minute showers before camp. Assure modest children they can always shower in their swimsuit. 

 

5) Campers must "pitch in" to keep the camp clean. To get into the routine, help your child sweep, make their bed, wipe the kitchen table after meals and make their bed. 

 

6) Camp can be busy. Help your child track time and monitor their surroundings. While exploring the campgrounds on the first day, note landmarks. To familiarize your child with the camp layout, look up your campground map on the 4-H website. In the weeks before camp, take family walks to prepare your child for hiking. 

 

7) There is a lot of walking at camp. Teach your camper to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Divide your child's body weight by two to determine how many daily ounces of water they should drink. Find their camp water bottle and practice tracking their water intake in the weeks leading up to camp. 

 

8) No one likes moldy clothes. Teach your child to use a clothesline and space items out to dry before packing them back in the zippered plastic bag. 

 

9) Some campers find group living stressful. Discuss ways your child can find quiet time in a busy environment and how to recognize when they need a break. Your camper can ask their counselor for quiet time. Talk about managing emotions with your child. Give them a scenario and discuss what they should do if they encounter problems. 

 

Work through these exercises with your child throughout the weeks leading up to camp. Remind your camper that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed in a new environment and that it is okay to ask for help. Our staff and volunteers want every child to thrive at camp and we are committed to supporting your camper. 

For more information about 4-H camp, visit the website at https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/camp or contact me at your Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service.  

 

4-H Camp is an educational program.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4-H News - April 26, 2023

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Montgomery County 4-Her’s to Compete in upcoming Area Communications Contest

What a difference a year makes!  Last year at this time, our 4-H members were competing in 4-H Speech and Demonstration and Mock Interviews also known as the 4-H Communications Contest competed with youth from the twenty-county district known as District 1.  At that time, the contest was hosted in Montgomery County at Northview Elementary School.  This year, our 4-H members competing in the same contest will be competing in the first C1-C2 Area 4-H Communications Contest hosted by Madison County Extension Service office.

Yes, in one year’s time we have gone from a district made up of twenty counties of eastern Kentucky to an area made up of eight central Kentucky counties.  The counties with Montgomery County are Nicholas, Bourbon, and Fayette which constitute the Central 2 area combined with Clark, Madison, Powell and Estill which make up the Central 1 area. 

Six members will travel to Richmond to compete next Tuesday in the contest.  They include Kenleigh French, Curtis Bailey Sophia Wright, Emma Combs, Kyera Wright, and Lance Munday.

All qualified at the county contest held in March.  They will compete for the opportunity to advance to the State 4-H Communications Contest to be held in July.  We wish each one the best outcome.

 

Kentucky 4-H Foundation Offers Scholarships

The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is now accepting applications for their 2023 Scholarship Program. The foundation offers a total of fifteen scholarships thirteen of which are offered to graduating high school seniors who are members of 4-H.  The other two are offered to 4-H alumni who have completed at least one-year of college or technical school.  The deadline to apply for foundation scholarships is May 12.  For more information about the Kentucky 4-H Foundation Scholarship program you can contact Melissa Miller at melissag.miller@uky.edu.  She is the foundation director.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H News - April 19, 2023

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Using social media wisely 

Social media is very much a part of our culture, with most young people and adults regularly using the outlets to connect with their friends and family. When used appropriately, social media can be very positive. However, mis-use can lead to serious consequences. For example, cyberbullying has increased with the popularity of social media. In some cases, thieves have used social media accounts to target their victims. 

Some social media outlets have member guidelines, such as Twitter and Facebook, that require account holders to be at least 13 years old. However, some young people falsify their ages to gain entry. 

Here are some tips to help you and your children safely navigate social media platforms. 

Ensure you and your child use your real names and ages when activating social media accounts. Don’t post personal information, such as social security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers and details about when you’re on vacation or not home, on social media sites to avoid becoming a target for thieves.  Make sure you and your child personally know each person listed as your friends or followers. 

Use social media privacy settings but realize that what you say on social media is never really private. Monitor your child’s accounts and your friends’ and followers’ feeds to ensure no one has posted private or inappropriate information about you or your family. Ask your friends to remove any information involving you or your family that you feel is inappropriate or private. Remove tags from any inappropriate photos your friends may post of you and your family. 

Remind your child that what they say and do online can have real-life consequences, both now and in the future. Encourage your children to talk to you if someone’s online behavior makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

For more information on online safety, contact your Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service at 859-498-8741.  

 

Kentucky 4-H Foundation Offers Scholarships

The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is now accepting applications for their 2023 Scholarship Program. The foundation offers a total of fifteen scholarships thirteen of which are offered to graduating high school seniors who are members of 4-H.  The other two are offered to 4-H alumni who have completed at least one-year of college or technical school.  The deadline to apply for foundation scholarships is May 12.  For more information about the Kentucky 4-H Foundation Scholarship program you can contact Melissa Miller at melissag.miller@uky.edu.  She is the foundation director.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

 

4-H News - April 12, 2023

 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

2022 4-H Achievement Award Winners & State Champions Recognized

 

4-H members were recognized at the annual 4-H Achievement Awards program held March 9 at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center. 

Those youth recognized at the annual program were 4-H members during the 2022 program year who completed project record forms and/or the 4-H Achievement Forms along with those who won a state champion honor in 4-H-designated contests, shows and events.

2022 Achievement and Project Record winners were Uryah Ayers, Zander Ayers, Curtis Bailey, Arabella Caldwell, Isaac Carpenter, Will Compton, Kenleigh French, Nevaeh Hall, Maesyn Ingram, Braxton Johnson,  Abigail Jordan, Justin Leadingham, Zachary Manley, Lance Munday, Jefferson Oldfield, Luke Pierce, Rilee Pitts, Bracken Powell, Jayla Sands, Dalton Smith, Kaylee Wilson, Leah Wilson, Kyera Wright, and Sophia Wright.

The title of “state champion” is a worthy level of achievement in 4-H contests and events held throughout the program year.  In 2022, these were the 4-H members who attained the title of state champion in their respective competitions: State Fair 4-H Livestock Shows - Addison Arnett, Braylon Crank, and Kenleigh French; State 4-H Shooting Sports Contest - Isaiah Blankenship, Rebekah Jones, Hannah Chandler, Landon Lawson, Will Compton, Katherine Parks,Dakota Hunley, John Stephens, Dawson Jones, Sophia Wright; State 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest - Curtis Bailey and Maesyn Ingram and State Fair 4-H Photography exhibit - Zachary Manley

The awards program is held annually.  Awards are presented to those 4-H members completing record-keeping in individual projects along with completing the 4-H Achievement Form which is a cumulative record form of their Leadership, Citizenship, Community Service, Marketing/Communications and Participation activities in 4-H. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

 

 

 

4-H News - April 5, 2023

 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Get Outdoors for Health and Learning

With spring’s arrival, we reap many “wellness” benefits experiencing the outdoors because nature supports mind and body wellness.

Now is a great time to encourage children to put down their electronic devices and go outside to enjoy nature. Getting outdoors has many advantages, including increased vitamin D levels, more physical activity, improved mood, better concentration and faster healing, according to research from Harvard Medical School. 

Here are some ideas to encourage children to go outside. 

Offer enjoyable activities. Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are both excellent low-cost incentives for outdoor play. Additionally, many young people enjoy fun chores, like walking the dog. 

Make it a contest. Kickball and dodgeball can be enjoyable games to play with your family or with neighbors. Another option is to play a game of hide and seek. 

Conduct an insect safari to teach children to listen and look for insects. To contribute to a 4-H digital insect collection, they might even want to take pictures of the insects they find. 

Introduce kids to nature's wonders. As a family, observe sunrises, sunsets, or the night sky. Take a stroll and observe the buds on the various tree species.  

For more ideas on ways to get young people outdoors, contact your Montgomery County Extension Service office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.  

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 

 

4-H News - March 8, 2023

 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

Communicators Compete

4-H Speech and Demonstration contest was held last Thursday night for county 4-H members.  Six youth will now advance onto the Area contest in May.  They include Emma Combs, Curtis Bailey, Kyera Wright, Lance Munday, Kenleigh French, and Sophia Wright.

The event is three contests rolled into one communication event.  These include Speech contest; Demonstration contest; and Mock Interview contest.

Speech or public speaking allows youth to deliver speeches on a topic they find interesting.  In the process of organizing their speech, they develop valuable research skills and learn organizational skills composing the speech and giving it the structure and flow that both that gets the audience’s attention and informs or educates them.

Emma Combs, Curtis Bailey, Kyera Wright, Lance Munday, and Kenleigh French presented speeches.  The speech categories are divided by age so that a youngster is competing with other participants who are similar age.  Speech topics on in the contest ranged from Polarity in Politics to Rooftop Farming to Texas Longhorns.

Demonstration is a show-and-tell-type of presentation making use of visual aids such as posters or signs along with equipment or supplies to aid in relaying the message to the audience.  Demonstrations are 4-H project-oriented presentations.

Sophia Wright and Curtis Bailey presented demonstrations in the contest. Topics included How to Play a Violin and Archery 101.

Emma Combs will also advance to Area in the Mock Interview contest.  Mock interview is a simulated job interview that allows 4-H participants the opportunity to practice and gain skills in the interviewing for a job.

The Speech and Demonstration event is a communication event that begins at county level.  Youth who qualify at county advance to district level vying for the opportunity to advance to the State 4-H Communications Contest held at the University of Kentucky campus in July.

These qualifiers from Montgomery County will now advance to the C1-C2 Area  contest to be held on Tuesday, May 2 at the Madison County Extension Service office.

 

Kentucky 4-H:  A Capitol Experience

State 4-H Capitol Experience takes place Tuesday, March 14 in Frankfort. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

 

 

4-H News - March 1, 2023

 

4-H Youth Development Program News

Charles M. Comer, 4-H Agent, U. K. College of Agriculture

 

The Whole Truth

Grains are split into two subgroups:  whole grains and refined grains.  Whole grains, which provide more fiber, have all the grain kernel which includes the bran, the germ and the endosperm.  These three parts make up a whole grain.

Read the Nutrition Facts label particularly the ingredients portion to be sure to choose products that list a whole grain first.

Don’t be fooled.  Whole grain and multi-grain are not the same.  Stick to products labeled whole grain.

Check the fiber value on the Nutrition Facts label.  Look for products with at least ten percent Daily Value of fiber.

 

Popcorn: A Healthy, Whole Grain Snack

Do you like snacks? Who doesn’t!? The problem is that most snacks aren’t healthy for your body.  Popcorn, a popular snack, can be a healthy snack as long as it’s prepared without adding too much butter or salt.

Whole grains are an important part of healthy diets. Healthy diets that include whole grains may lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing obesity, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

Did you know that popcorn is a 100 percent whole grain? And that one serving of popcorn provides about one-third of the whole grains most adolescents and adults need?

For a whole grain snack on the go, there are many options for healthy pre-packaged popcorn at the supermarket or convenience store, too. Glance at the ingredients list and nutrition facts to make sure the amounts of sodium and saturated fat are low.

Popcorn can be a healthy, whole grain choice for anyone. For more healthy snacking tips and ideas, check out MyPlate.gov.

 

Kentucky 4-H:  A Capitol Experience

State 4-H Capitol Experience takes place Tuesday, March 14 in Frankfort. 

 

Summer Camp Registration

4-H Camp takes place June 5-9, 2023.  Camp registration for campers ages 9-14 has begun as of March 1. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu.  You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/. 

 

 

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.