{"id":11910,"date":"2026-05-14T15:40:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T19:40:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/aroostook\/?page_id=11910"},"modified":"2026-05-15T09:40:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T13:40:28","slug":"may-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/aroostook\/4h\/newsletter\/may-3\/","title":{"rendered":"May 4-H Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>Upcoming Dates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

May 22: <\/b>4-H Honor Cord Request Deadline
\n<\/span>May 22: <\/b>Summer Learning Series Registration Opens<\/a>
\n<\/span>June 30: <\/b>Animal Approval Forms Due<\/a>
\n<\/span>July 17:<\/b> NM Fair Clean Up Day 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
\n<\/span>August 5 \u2013 9:<\/b> Northern Maine Fair
\n<\/span>September 12: <\/b>County Camp Day (more info coming soon)
\n<\/span>November 7: <\/b>Maine 4-H Volunteer Summit<\/span><\/p>\n

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Free Goats<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Three,\u00a0 3 month old Nigerian Dwarf Bucks.\u00a0 If you are interested or would like to know more about\u00a0 this, call Jean 207-267-5505.\u00a0 She was hoping to find a 4-H home for them.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>County News<\/b><\/h2>\n

<\/a>\u00a0<\/b>Successful Small Ruminant Starter Weekend!<\/b><\/h3>\n

The first weekend in May was all about sheep and goats! 4-H youth and adults from around the state gathered in Aroostook County for a hands-on Small Ruminant Starter Weekend. The weekend was designed to help adults, producers, and 4-H\u2019ers get started with sheep and goats and ensure the future of small ruminant husbandry in Maine is brighter (and healthier) than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saturday: Diving Deep into Parasite Management<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Saturday was all about health and precision. Our “Parasite Intensive Day” saw adults and older youth rolling up their sleeves for a deep dive into flock and wellness. Participants didn’t just listen to lectures; they got behind the microscope to perform fecal egg counts and mastered the FAMACHA protocol for barber pole worm management on live animals.\u00a0 Participants left FAMACHA certified, equipped with the tools to reduce chemical resistance and keep their animals thriving.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunday: From Foundational Care to Show Ring Success<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Sunday morning kicked off with the “Basics of Small Ruminant Care,” covering the essential of success.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Nutrition and Pasture Management<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Shelter Design<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Handling Techniques and Hoof Trimming<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    As the afternoon rolled around, the focus shifted entirely to our 4-H youth. Members received hands-on instruction from former Maine 4-H ESE Sheep team members in fitting, showmanship, and project management. Seeing these alumni return to mentor the next generation was a testament to the lasting impact of the 4-H program.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This event was a resounding success thanks to an incredible collaboration of experts and local supporters. A massive thank you to our facilitating team:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Sadee Mehuren, 4-H Animal Science Professional<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Dr. Rachel White, UMaine Cooperative Extension Livestock Professor<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Owen Cortner, Livestock Specialist with the DACF<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      We also want to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Willie Winslow and the Putnam Family<\/strong>. Their generosity in allowing us to use their animals for demonstrations provided the vital hands-on experience that made this weekend so impactful.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t