4th Grade Farm Tour- Part 1

The 4th graders from Locust Grove Elementary School visited Bob and Missy Chambers' farm in Mine Run last week.  The 4th graders went through 6 stations and learned about area and perimeter, soybeans and corn, watersheds, dairy cows and beef cows and even milk Clover the cow, how to grow a hamburger, and Virginia Regions and products.  Then, they did a group station and learned about farm equipment and made grain art with corn, soybeans, oats, and wheat.

Livestock Cloverbuds

The Livestock Cloverbuds had their monthly meeting on Tuesday night.  They learned about how pumpkins grow, decorated pumpkins, and then had a snack of pumpkin cookies!  Cloverbud clubs are open to all youth ages 5-8.

Home Ec Club

The Home Ec club had their monthly meeting last Thursday night.  They elected new officers, decorated pumpkins, and made mini pumpkin pies.  They welcome anyone interested in joining to attend one of their meetings!

Two Clubs Greeted Customers at Tractor Supply for National 4-H Week Exhibit

Two Orange 4-H clubs staffed displays at the local Tractor Supply store as part of National 4-H Week and Clover Campaign promotions.

The Cooper family from the Goat Club exhibited their animals.

Members of the Bit N' Bridle Club staffed an indoor display that promoted 4-H to the public.

We thank each of these young people and their parents for their time and volunteerism to promote 4-H to more people in the community.

Orange 4-H Sells Holiday Poinsettias - Orders Due November 21

Orange 4-H members and campers are selling holiday poinsettias now through November 21.  These high-quality plants are locally grown by Battlefield Farms and are a great addition to any home or business in December!  Please see a 4-H member or stop by the Extension office to place your order.

Regular plants (the size typically seen, 6" pot) are $7 each and the jumbo plants (florist quality, 8" pot) are $13 each.  Plants will need to be picked up the evening of December 4 or during regular business hours December 5.

Order forms are available in our document library near the top of the list.

Stock Show U Coming to Virginia in December

Sullivan's is hosting a Stock Show U event for youth with beef cattle projects December 28-29 in Harrisonburg.  This is a workshop for youth to bring their calves and get instruction on grooming and fitting while working with experts in the field.  Additional information can be found on our document library under the "Livestock" heading.

Help Extension Stay Abreast of Orange County Needs and Issues

We want to hear from you about what's important in Orange County!  Please take a short online survey by October 25.  Responses are anonymous and we thank you in advance for your time.  Visit http://bit.ly/extsurvey to provide input.

State Carcass Show and Educational Program to be Held at Virginia Tech Sunday

All champion market animals from the State Fair of Virginia (beef, lamb, hog, goat) have been processed and will compete in a carcass show on Sunday, October 13, at Virginia Tech's Meats Lab from 2-4 p.m.  All 4-H members are invited to hear the results and learn from an educational program that is being offered.

Travel THE WORLD with 4-H!

Have you always wanted to experience another country's customs and daily life?  4-H international programs can afford you this opportunity! In 2014, Virginia 4-H'ers can travel to the following countries: Australia, Costa Rica, Japan, Norway, Tanzania.

Application deadlines are December 1st, plus the first installment of money.  This is a wonderful opportunity.  Please speak to Kaci ASAP if you think you want to travel abroad with 4-H!

Dairy Club Selects Officers for New 4-H Year

The Orange 4-H Dairy Club met last evening and elected new club officers for the 2014 4-H year.  Congratulations to the following:

President:           Sierra Coleman
Vice President:   Ashley Goodwin
Secretary:          Hayley Coleman
Treasurer:          Robert Goodwin
Reporters:         Rachel Cooper & Elizabeth Goodwin

Also, congratulations to club members who participated in the recent State Fair of Virginia youth dairy activities.  Hayley Coleman placed ninth overall in the Junior Dairyman's Contest.  Tristen Goodwin exhibited the Grand Champion of the Commercial Show, and Robert and John Goodwin each won a class in the show.

Way to go, Dairy Clubbers!  You're off to a great start!