4-H involvement leads young people to explore various career and educational options after graduating high school. For those who choose to further their education, Michigan State University, Michigan 4-H Youth Development and the Michigan 4-H Foundation offer scholarships to help support these 4-H'ers' educational goals. Visit http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/4-h_scholarships for application forms or more information. Currently 4-H scholarships include:
Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) 4-H Scholarship
Michigan Farm & Garden Association 4-H Scholarship
Michigan Rabbit/Cavy 4-H Scholarship
John J. Schunk Memorial 4-H Beef Scholarship
Michigan 4-H Foundation Scholarships
Michigan State University 4-H Scholarship
4-H'ers who attend an MSU pre-college program (such as 4-H Exploration Days or 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp) and are entering 8th, 9th, or 10th grade are eligible to apply for the MSU Pre-College Scholarship. (This is an MSU-wide scholarship, not a 4-H scholarship.)
(Deadlines for posted forms vary between October to April.)
Additional Scholarships
General Hugh Shelton National Student Leadership
Applications for this scholarship are available for high school students. The scholarship is valued at $10,000 per year (and renewable), plus an annual $2,500 stipend for external leadership experiences such as study abroad. See http://www.ncsu.edu/extension/sheltonleadership/leadership-scholarships/4-H.php for a description of the scholarship, criteria and application.
American Soybean Association Scholarship
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is pleased to announce the 2008-09 Secure Optimal Yield (SOY) Scholarship. The SOY Scholarship is a one-time $5,000 award to an eligible High School senior who plans to declare agriculture as a degree area of study at the University of their choice. The award is to be used directly for tuition, fees, and/or books, not to exceed $2,500 per semester, and not to exceed tuition amount with other fee dedicated aid. The scholarship is managed by ASA and sponsored by BASF Corporation. Complete details and applications are available at www.SoyGrowers.com/sym/.
Michigan Sugar Company is proud to offer several scholarships to students in our sugarbeet growing areas. Some scholarships are administered by Michigan Sugar Company and others are by the College. Applicant must be a high school senior and have participated in the Michigan Sugar Youth Sugarbeet program at one time. Visit www.michigansugar.com/about/scholarship.php for more information.
Michigan Corn Growers Association Scholarship
All members of the MCGA, including students, growers and associates, as well as children of members between the ages of 17-25 are qualified. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at a post-secondary educational institution in order to be eligible. A minimum of two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be awarded. The application must include a membership identification number. For questions, or if you would like to purchase a membership, or obtain an application please call the MCGA office (517) 668-2676 or visit us online at www.micorn.org.
Beef Industry Scholarship
Ten scholarships of $1,500 will be awarded to undergraduate students who are pursuing careers in the beef industry. Fields of study may include: education, communications, production, research or any other area involved with the beef industry. Sponsored by the CME Group & the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. More information on scholarship criteria and how to apply is available at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx.
W.D. Farr Scholarship
The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is honoring the successful career of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colorado through two annual $12,000 graduate scholarships bearing his name. The scholarship is national in scope and will be awarded to two outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees in animal science, environmental science (water) or agriculture. Applications will be accepted in March. The winner of the scholarship will be strongly encouraged to participate in NCBA activities. The students must also reflect a drive for success and leadership in the tradition of W.D. Farr. Visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx for more information.
Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship
Since 2000, the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund has been awarding $1,000 scholarships annually to outstanding youth who exhibit at the Michigan State Fair. The eligible applicant must be a graduating high school senior or a high school graduate continuing their education at an accredited institution in the year in which they are applying. They must be a resident of Michigan and a youth exhibitor at the Michigan State Fair for a minimum of three years prior to the year of application. Scholarship requirements and qualifications can be viewed atwww.michigan.gov/mda-mylsf.
The Buick Achievers Scholarship
This scholarship, funded by the GM Foundation, is designed to help high school seniors who are leaders in both the classroom and their communities, but who may not have the financial means to attend college. The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program will award up to $25,000 per year to 100 students and $2,000 per year to 1,000 students. We encourage students to apply who:
Will be enrolling full-time as a first-time freshman at a 4-year college or university.
Plan to major in one of the following: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing or Design.
Have an interest in a career in the automotive or related industries.
More details about the scholarship program, eligibility rules, and selection criteria can be found at www.buickachievers.com.
Thirty-three years after the nations first state fair was held in Detroit, the Tuscola County Fair was organized on March 11, 1882 initially as the Caro District Agricultural Society. On September 19-22, 1882, the fair hosted its first Agricultural, Industrial and Recreational exhibition. Always a primary agricultural attraction, the county fair has displayed new farming equipment and methods, animals, produce, and handicrafts on its current site.
Over the years many volunteer hours have been dedicated to preserving an American heritage, "the county fair". The fair association owes many thanks to these volunteers as well as thanks to many civic organizations, and local businesses, and governmental agencies.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Tuscola County Fair Association may contact any member of the Board of Directors for information. Our county fair has stood strong for over 125 years, and together we can continue this long-standing tradition.
Fair Book
2013 TUSCOLA COUNTY FAIR BOOK
Tuscola County Fair Book
This is a large document and may take awhile to download.
T-Shirts
The Tuscola County Small Livestock Committee is holding a fundraiser. They are selling T-Shirts to celebrate 100 Years of Michigan 4-H. All proceeds from the sale will go to repairing and replacing cages in the Small Livestock area on the fairgrounds. To place a T-shirt order, click the order form. This is a great opportunity to promote 4-H. Clubs can personalize the back of T-shirts. Add your creative ideas and make 4-H Forever yours! Contact the MSU Extension office at (989) 672-3870 with any questions. This will be an ongoing order based on demand. The next order plans to arrive in time for fair.
How to Join 4-H
What does 4-H offer?
For kids, 4-H offers fun learning opportunities through 4-H clubs, afterschool programs, and local, state and international events.
For older teens, 4-H offers opportunities to set goals, develop strategies to reach those goals, and take leadership for sharing their skills, knowledge and talents to make their communities stronger.
For adults, 4-H offers research-based support and training in age-appropriate learning methods and materials to help plan activities and projects for young people in safe, nurturing environments.
Here is a list of active 4-H Clubs in Tuscola County. If you would like to join one of these clubs please contact the leader. Clubs often particpate in multiple projects like horse, beef, crops, etc. all in one club. So if a club in your area is listed as multiple, do not hesitate to call the leader to find out what projects they do. Click here for Tips on Finding a 4-H Club.
Michigan 4-H Cloverbud Program Policy outlines policies that seek to ensure that 4-H cloverbud members remain safe and have positive, developmentally appropriate experiences in 4-H.
Youth Programs
Involvement in 4-H can help kids EXPLORE new ideas, EXPERIENCE a variety of new opportunities and friendships and build skills designed to help them ACHIEVE.
Our commitment to the young people and parents who seek community-based learning opportunities, and to the volunteers and organizations who become our partners in positive youth development is that 4-H:
Helps young people EXPLORE their interests through fun, engaging, hands-on learning experiences led by committed adults in their local communities.
Gives youth and adults opportunities to EXPERIENCE the benefits of working together to reach common goals.
Helps young people ACHIEVE through knowledge, success and friendships that last a lifetime!
In 4-H we are committed to helping young people:
Connect with positive adult mentors and make new friends in safe learning environments.
Take the lead in what they do and how they develop.
Set the pace of their learning.
Recognize, understand and appreciate diversity.
Become active citizens through their service and leadership.
All of which lets them develop skills that help them succeed!
For more information on how to join 4-H please contact the Tuscola County MSU Extension Office at (989) 672-3870. Youth and volunteer enrollment form can be found in this site under the 4-H Information & Forms heading.
Volunteer Workshops
Dynamite Reasons to Attend State 4-H Weekend Training Workshops
Here are just a few of the many reasons people give for the value they've found in attending these workshops:
4-H volunteer and teen participants receive a professionally conducted training experience, guided by experts from Michigan State University Extension and many other organizations.
Participants learn practical skills to increase their employability.
People become energized and inspired to teach and advise children in their home communities.
Good ideas in one county are transformed into good ideas in other counties.
Volunteers and teens have the opportunity to help create new statewide programs, thereby spreading educational opportunities to many children.
These workshops add quality and consistency to 4-H programs across Michigan's diverse communities.
Wow! The accommodations include modern buildings, quality food service, and acres of forest, waterfront and wetlands.
Interested donors pay most of the cost for the best training anywhere!
The Best Training . . . and a Real Bargain!
Each year since 1961, thousands of Michigan 4-H volunteers and older teens, Extension staff members and resource persons have attended Michigan 4-H's skill-building workshops. Most are conducted at Kettunen Center, the Michigan 4-H Foundation's full-service conference center near Tustin.
Due to the generosity of donors, the Michigan 4-H Foundation is able to offer weekend 4-H workshops at bargain prices. The result? High-quality workshops at a greatly reduced cost for 4-H participants or county 4-H organizations (which may subsidize the attendance of qualified local 4-H participants). For example:
A 4-H volunteer or member participant at a 3-day, 2-night workshop is responsible for $46 – plus a $10 resource fee and travel expenses – of the actual $126.50 cost to attend the workshop.
A 4-H volunteer or member participant at a 2-day, 1-night workshop is responsible for $24 – plus an $8 resource fee and travel expenses – of the actual $72.50 cost to attend the workshop.
In both examples, the participant costs include meals, lodging and typical conference fees. These figures are based on prices in effect July 1, 2004, and are subject to change each year.
For more information or to register for a workshop please contact the MSU Extension Office at (989) 672-3870.
Information & Forms
Files are saved as PDF forms. Need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and/or print. Files may not be typed on or changed without Adobe Acrobat Writer. Click on the icon to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Forms can be saved to a computer or disk by using the following directions.
1.Open the document by clicking the name of the document
2.Click on the save icon on the left side of the screen below the web address.
3.Then select a location to save the file(s).
ENROLLMENT - All new and returning 4-H members and volunteers must complete an Enrollment Form prior to the established deadline. Enrollments received after the deadline will not be eligible to enter the Tuscola County Fair. The parental information section needs to be completed when a member enters 4-H and updated when there are any changes. Make sure to select all project areas that you intend to enroll in. Member's enrollment is not complete without receipt of the annual participation fee.
CLUB REGISTRATION - Every year all 4-H clubs must complete a Club Registration Form by the last business day of October. A club will not be considered an active club and members will be encouraged to join another club if this is not completed timely.
WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS - A Workshop Registration and Media & Medical Release Form must be completed any time a 4-Her is attending an event or activity. This form is required to attend workshops at KettunenCenter.
Is your club considering a fundraiser? Here are some Fundraising Ideas. Check out some of the links below for suppliers. Most have been prepared especially for 4-H, logos included. Combine your efforts with other clubs.
All 4-H fundraisers must be approved by the 4-H Council and MSU Extension Staff. Complete a Fundraising Request & Review Form and return it to the MSU Extension office to get a fundraiser approved.
All 4-H emblems and materials must follow the USDA 4-H Name and Emblem Guidelines set forth for the use of the 4-H name and emblem.
Tagging Dates
All 4-H market large livestock to be exhibited in the Tuscola County Fair must be tagged on the dates established by the appropriate superintendent and approved by the Large Livestock Committee. 4-H enrollment must be completed prior to tagging. Please make appropriate arrangements to have your animals at the designated tagging.
Beef - March 2nd from 9:00 am - 11:00am at UPI in Cass City
Swine - appointment at farm before May 5th
Feeders - call superintendent with RFID & description by May 5th
Sheep - May 18th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at fairgrounds
Please contact the appropriate superintendent for questions:
Swine - Greg Daily (989) 673-6384 or Katie Wood (989)-550-6164
Feeders - Kendra Micho (989) 233-2662
Sheep - Jeremy Glaspie (517) 262-8601
BEEF UPDATES:
Your 2013 Tuscola County Fair market beef project and/or beef breeding stock project has begun. To let all of the Tuscola County Beef Participants know, there have been some significant changes to the beef department for the 2013 fair.
The changes begin with the tagging date. Now you are not required to truck your animal(s) to UPI for tagging, BUT you are still required to have your project enrolled by the tagging date.
Here are the rules for tagging now:
1) If you decide not to participate in the beginning weigh-in (you will not be eligible for Rate of Gain) and not attend the tagging date at United Producers, you are required to submit a photo of your animal with it’s RFID tag in it’s ear. We need to be able to read the RFID number. This must be submitted one (1) week prior to the tagging date. (February 22rd) If the photo is not sufficient you will be contacted to submit another photo to the MSU Extension Office by the Friday before tagging.
2) Another change to participate at the 2013 Tuscola County Fair will include neatly and accurately completing a record book. We now have record books for your Market Beef Project and your Breeding Stock Project. These can be picked up at the MSUE office or download from here
Beef participants will also be getting a Tuscola County Beef Handbook. This handbook has ALL of the rules and requirements for exhibiting a beef project at the 2013 Tuscola County Fair. You and your parents will be signing a form saying you received this handbook along with a record book at the tagging date or shortly thereafter.
PQA Classes will be held at the MSU Extension office located on Green Street in Caro on the following 2 Saturdays for members to obtain PQA certification.
March 9th from Noon to 2 p.m.
Please call the office if you are planning to attend a class.
If you need to find out if you need to take a class, please contact Heather Middleton at 989-672-3870.
Visit MSU's Dairy Team website at http://dairyteam.msu.edu/ for tons of information including: marketing, nutrition, grazing, reproduction, genetics, health, etc. Also check the calendar for upcoming workshops.
Poultry Links
Visit MSU's Poultry AoE Team website at http://msue.msu.edu/poultry/ for tons of information including: gene mapping, bulletins, other internet resources, etc. Listed below are some links you may find helpful on answering questions with regard to raising a small poultry flock.
All livestock in Michigan require a Radio Frequency Identification tag effective March 1, 2007. A website has been developed to provide information about the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) requirements in Michigan. Please visit www.michigananimalid.com for information about how to obtain a premises ID, where to order tags, details about the requirements for use of the tags, how to manage the application of the ear tags, RFID requirements for youth who will exhibit animals at shows and fairs, etc.
NorthStar Cooperative is now selling official RFID eartags. More information about ordering tags through NorthStar Cooperative can be obtained at http://www.northstarcooperative.com/. Producers also may continue to order RFID tags through Michigan Department of Agriculture toll free at (866) 870-5136.
Please feel free to contact MSU Extension at (989) 672-3870 with any questions.
4-H Fun
Click the link below for some fun online games and activities.
Check out http://www.fs4jk.org/index.html. This website contains games and educational material promoting farm safety! Sponsored by Country Living, a John Deere supported magazine.
4-H Council
The 4-H Council is an advisory board chosen to represent the 4-H leaders and members of Tuscola County. They work with MSU Extension staff to support, guide and promote the Tuscola County 4-H Youth Development Program. The 4-H Council’s functions include:
Assist in planning and development of county 4-H programs based on the needs of young people in the county and in carrying out the planned programs.
Evaluate the county 4-H program on a continuing basis.
Confer and cooperate with the MSU Extension staff and in partnership, raise and manage funds to support planned programs.
Sponsor county recognition for 4-H members and leaders.
Promote the objectives and philosophy of 4-H and serve in an advocacy role.
Represent the interests of the county program at other meetings and events.
Help organize new clubs and establish new projects.
Develop and maintain an active membership that believes their responsibility is to enhance and support the Tuscola County 4-H Program through Michigan State University Extension.
Council meetings usually occur on the third Monday of every month at 7:45 p.m. at the MSU Extension office. Here is a list of current 4-H Council membersand the district they represent.
4-H Youth Council
The Tuscola County 4-H Youth Council, a sub-committee of the Tuscola County 4-H Council, is open to all interested 4-H members 12 to 19 years of age. Local youth meet to plan and carryout activities. Events include educational workshops, social events, and community service work. They have some fantastic ideas and are looking for even more! All activities will be planned and carried out by youth; with adult support provided only as needed. Youth Council does not hold meetings on a regular schedule. Please contact MSU Extension for meeting dates and times if you are interested in serving on this important committee!
Horse Leaders Committee
The Horse Committee does not hold meetings on a regular schedule. These meetings are open to all horse leaders. Contact MSU Extension for the next meeting date and time.
Large Livestock Committee
The Large Livestock Committee does not hold meetings on a regular schedule. These meetings are open to anyone who has an interest in large livestock 4-H projects (beef, feeders, sheep, and swine). Contact MSU Extension for the next meeting date and time.
Small Livestock Committee
Small Livestock Committee meetings usually occur once a month at the MSU Extension office. Please call to confirm dates and times. These meetings are open to anyone who has an interest in small livestock 4-H projects (rabbits, poultry, goats, and dogs).
Adopt-A-Highway
There are state highways near you that need to be adopted. Click here for info and a map. The Adopt-A-Highway program is designed to help keep the roadsides of state highways clean and attractive. Groups of six or more individuals age 12 or older may adopt a two mile stretch of highway for a two year period of time. Besides the sense of pride your group will feel for enhancing the appearance of our community, the name of your group will be displayed near your roadside area and the group will receive a certificate of participation to display. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mdot and select "Projects & Programs" then select "Highway Programs." For more information, contact Doug Wilson at (989) 872-3007.
If you know of a website that you find useful and would like to have added to the Tuscola County 4-H website, please contact MSU Extension at (989) 672-3870.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
Involvement in 4-H can help kids EXPLORE new ideas, EXPERIENCE a variety of new opportunities and friendships and build skills designed to help them ACHIEVE.
