4-H August and September Newsletter
Upcoming Dates
September 21 – 4-H Information Meeting, Bridgewater Community Building 6:00pm
If you are new to 4-H, want to know more or know someone who is interested in joining, join us to learn more about what 4-H offers and how you can participate.
September 30 – Project Records Due
To be eligible for project pins we must receive project records by the end of September. Please indicate if you would like to have the project record judged for additional awards.
Project Records can be found HERE.
October 1 – Enrollment for next year opens!
Please visit https://4h.zsuite.org/ to complete your forms. ATTENTION: Please complete the address and contact information for your household to ensure we can mail invitations, premium checks, and membership cards. If the forms are not complete the enrollment can’t be processed.
October 5 – Fall Farm Clinic, Treystar Farm 3:00 pm
Join us at Treystar Farm (219 Easton RD, Presque Isle) for a hands-on learning experience focusing on animal care and handling. The Putnam Family once again is opening their barn to us to share valuable information with our 4-H members. We hope those who attended the Spring clinic will join us once again as well as anyone who was unable to make it.
October 11 – Registration deadline for Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors.
Open to all Maine youth ages 14-18. Please see the State News section for additional information.
October 21 – SAVE THE DATE Aroostook 4-H Achievement Night
We are excited to bring back Achievement Night to honor our members and volunteers for the work they have done over the past year. More information will follow soon!
PROJECT RECORDS
September ushers in the fall season. The activities of summer are replaced with the tasks of the harvest season and the 4-H year begins to wind down. It’s time to reflect on the projects you’ve worked on in the past year and complete your project records. This video should help you find, fill out, and submit your records
Cloverbuds (age 5-8) are highly encouraged to do a project record each year, and members age 9-18 (Junior & Seniors) are required to complete at least one project record a year and submit it to the county office. These records have been updated from years past and are simple and easy to complete.
Members who submit records will be eligible for project pins and recognition.
FAIR FUN!
In spite of the wet weather, Aroostook 4-H had great participation at the fair this year. I’m incredibly proud of all our members and immensely grateful to the families, friends, and leaders who came to support them. Below are a few highlights and some photos of the fun. We have so many wonderful pictures to share, so over the next couple newsletters will include a section of fair photos. If you have any photos you would like featured please send them along.
- Horse Show: Senior Grand Champion English and Western Megan R. Senior High Point Game Mia C. Walk Trot Mylah G.
- Demo Ex: The change up to our traditional public speaking event was well received. Participation increased from the previous year and several members who didn’t participate expressed interest in joining the event next year. We had 10 participants with 9 presentations. We are excited to see this event grow next year.
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- AV Baby Beef Auction: The auction broke a record for price per pound this year! Average price per pound was $5.71 with an auction total of $66,168.45
- Exhibition Hall: 102 exhibits
- Obstacle Course: Make It To Market, 15 participants.
- Costume Show: From mermaids to loggers and dinosaurs to cowboys, 9 participants dressed to impress.
- Judging & Showing Clinic: Meghan Smith provided youth with an array of options and information on showing and judging various animals –16 members participated along with siblings and parents.
- Scavenger Hunt: This self-guided activity lead youth on a tour of the fairgrounds to discover 4-H & NM Fair facts. We had over 30 entries, and 3 winners were drawn for prizes.
- Exhibitor of Character: For the first time since 2019, we had a nomination for the Exhibitor of Character Award. This will be presented in person at Achievement Night.
- Premiums: 4-H members received a total of $1,612.00 in fair premiums.
Club News
The Aroostook Valley 4-H Baby Beef Club had another successful show and auction at the annual Northern Maine Fair. The steers had an overall weight of 11,645 pounds and fetched an average of $5.71 per pound. The grand total of $66,168.45 was paid by loyal buyers who bid and won at the annual auction. This year, Reserve Champion was awarded to Isabella McCarthy and Grand Champion was awarded to Olivia McCarthy. Congratulations to all club members! Your hard work and dedication to your project certainly paid off! You represented your club, your community, your country and your world with dedication and integrity and we are proud of you!
AND 
State 4-H News
UMaine Extension 4-H to offer sessions for aspiring volunteers in September
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a two-part online informational session for adults interested in becoming Maine 4-H volunteers on Sept. 18 & 25, 2023 from 6 – 7 p.m. “Start Your 4-H Volunteer Journey” will provide participants with information about the UMaine Extension 4-H youth development program through four short e-Learning modules. Attendees will also participate in an experimental learning activity, learn about the key aspects of positive youth development, and be introduced to ages and stages of youth. A 4-H volunteer is many things – mentor, advisor, friend, teacher, referee, role model, pacesetter and much more. As a 4-H volunteer, participants will have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children, teach them valuable life skills, help them thrive towards a positive self-image, accomplish positive personal goals and a sense of accomplishment. The two one-hour virtual sessions will wrap up with an outline of next steps and an introduction to a county staff contact to help with the application process if desired. Registration is required. The sessions are free. To register, visit our website. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, visit our website or contact Jennifer Lobley, jennifer.lobley@maine.edu, 207.255.3345.
Fall 2023 Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Program
Who: This program is for all Maine youth ages 14 – 18.
What: This hybrid program will provide youth with an opportunity to connect to local agriculture, build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and explore careers in agriculture. The 2023 fall cohort will explore careers and local agriculture through in-person field trips (limited transportation available), and by attending virtual meetings to grow their professional skill set (e.g. resume writing and interviewing skills). Additionally, youth will complete a personal reflective project exploring the role of agriculture and their future. This program includes mentoring in post-secondary opportunities as well as exploring current issues around food systems, livestock, crop sciences, aquaculture, climate issues impacting food systems, food equity, and more.
Why: The goal of the Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Program is to provide experiences for youth to explore their interest in agriculture. The program focuses on
– connecting youth with their local food systems and industries
– exploring the richness and diversity of the Maine food system
– developing “ag-vocacy” skills
– increasing access to career and post-secondary opportunities in agri-science and food systems.
Where: Virtually and in-person throughout Maine.
When: – Virtual Meeting Dates: October 18 & 25, November 1 & 15
– In-Person Meeting Dates: October 21, November 10, and December 2.
How: Interested in Joining? Register Online by October 11 th .
Maine Harvest of the Month
Tomatoes are the September Harvest of the month, check out the link for some great information.
Mainely Dish: Taco Pie
Do you love the taste of tacos but want something a little less messy? Try this Mainely Dish Taco Pie recipe!