Meeting Minutes

In September, the Kent County 4-H Small Animal Developmental Committee held a meeting. The first half of that meeting is for each animal project area to meet. The 4-H goat project met and you can click HERE for a full PDF version of the minutes from the meeting.

Below is a brief summary of the minutes:

1. Officers were elected:

President - Laurie Blough
Secretary - Lori Ostrom
Treasurer - Julie Blodgett
Teen Representative - Calina Mills

2. Treasurer's Report was given ($367.86 in checking and $711. in savings)

3. Fair Report was given

4. Goat Show 2013 planning started.

5. Educational Event 2013 planning started.

6. Quiz Bowl team - anyone interested in the State goat quiz bowl team?

See the complete set of minutes for details on the above.

Please email any comments or questions to the secretary (lori_greenacres@yahoo.com).

We want all of our Kent County 4-H families to know that even if they cannot attend a planning meeting - we need their input and welcome and comments and/or suggestions.

Respectfully submitted,
Lori
GDC Secretary
lori_greenacres@yahoo.com

Goat Workshop coming soon....

Good morning!

Fall is upon us and that means that 4-H workshop weekends are fast approaching!  

Please consider attending the 2012 Michigan 4-H Goat Teen & Adult Leader Workshop that will be held at the Kettunen Center in Tustin, MI on November 9-11. 

Workshop information and the online registration system can be found by clicking  https://enrollment.4-h.org/events/145/splash

You may register for the workshop online or by visiting your local MSUE office.  Registration closes October 12, 2012.  We have an awesome line up of session for this exciting workshop, please consider joining us!

Sincerely,
Katie

Katie VanderKolk
Michigan State University Extension
4-H Animal Science Educator
Please note, our address has changed:
Agriculture Hall
446 W. Circle Drive
Room 240
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-432-5270

Nov 9-11 Workshop @ Kettunen Center

4-H Goat Teen & Adult Workshop  Nov 9-11, Kettunen Center

Teens, age 13 by 1/1 2013, and adult volunteers will be energized at this workshop with loads of new ideas for working with youth in goat projects. Participants will develop new knowledge and skill in goat science, learn goat management principles and techniques, increase skill in goat selection and judging, and explore career opportunities in goat science.

You can register for this workshop using the new 4-H Event Registration system! The new system allows you to self-register and pay by credit card! You can still register through the county office (as you did in the past) as well.

To register online, you must have an OpenID and password. Some volunteers already have these and have been using 4-H ACCESS to register their clubs, but if you do not have an OpenID, contact Christine at the MSU Extension Office, (616) 336-2036 or by email at mickel24@anr.msu.edu

GDC News Update

We just had a 4-H Small Animal Developmental Committee meeting last night at the Extension office.    I'm sorry you weren't able to make it.    We want you to know that even if you cannot make it to a planning meeting, your voice counts. Please feel free to give your input and/or ask questions by eMAILING the GDC secretary Lori at lorigreenacres@yahoo.com.

Minutes from the meeting will be posted on the website soon.  

However, briefly here is what we have planned for the 2012-2013 4-H Year:

• Annual goat show in June, 2013
• Mandatory meeting & educational event in March, 2013 (the mandatory meeting part is for those who plan to show at Fair in August 2013)
• Promote  a Quiz Bowl team to represent Kent County this year at the State Goat Expo event

Oh, we thought you would like to know that the vet was very happy at check in this year at Fair (August, 2012).  He said it went great - we had ALL healthy goats and no lice or other issues!  WOW! That means you are doing a great job!   

Coming SEPT 20th.....

Attention Parents, Leaders and Teen Leaders:

What’s a great way to develop your commitment to your small animal project?  Get involved – Join the Revolution of Responsibility!!!

The Kent County 4-H Small Animal Committee is looking for new members. The committee is in place to provide opportunities for leadership and education to the youth of Kent County.  We match the educational desires of the county’s participants with small animal programs for 4-H youth aged 5 – 19.

Committee members promote the 4-H small animal program, plan and implement fun and educational shows and clinics, and discuss relevant topics that relate to the project area.  Last year, the committee formed project area teams to compete in statewide competitions – let’s keep the youth development and achievement opportunities happening in our community!  

The next meeting will be held Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  The meeting will take place at Kent/MSU Extension (775 Ball, Grand Rapids).

Each group individually will meet from 7:00 – 8:00.  The group will meet as a whole between 8:00 – 9:00.
The groups that meet individually are:

·         Dog

·         Goat

·         Poultry

·         Rabbit & Cavy

Please let me know if you have any questions! Hope to see you there! 

Kristi Bowers
4-H Program Coordinator
Kent County MSUE
(616) 336-3287
bowerskr@anr.msu.edu

NEXT WEEK THURSDAY - buy a goat day!

Please pass this information to all Goat Families:

A Market Goat is being donated and sold at the Kent County Youth Fair with proceeds to benefit the Kent County 4-H Goat Developmental Committee and the Kent County Youth Fair.  The market goat is a young boer wether that is being shown by Adam Trapp, a member of the North Kent 4-H Club.  During the summer Adam's own, long time 4-H goat passed away and he volunteered to train and show the donated market goat in it's place.  The market goat is called "Gordon"  and is very friendly and gentle.  He will be sold at the at the livestock auction at the Kent County Youth Fair on Thursday, August 9 starting at 2:00pm in the Reath Barn.  (Goats are sold with the small animals at the start of the auction.)  This goat will make a great pet, a wonderful starter 4-H project, a good pasture mate for other goats or horses, or even a tasty market animal. 

Please consider helping us by bidding on, or purchasing this goat.  You will be supporting both 4-H and the Kent County Youth Fair!!  If you just want to help these outstanding organizations, but really don't want a goat, consider bidding and then donating him back to the sale to be sold again. We can also make arrangements to help you donate the goat to a  4-H exhibitor that may need a project for next year. Thanks for your help!  If you have any questions about this fundraiser please contact goat superintendent, Julie Blodgett @ 616-890-8670.

 

SADC meeting

The next Small Animal Developmental Committee (SADC) meeting
will by on Thursday, July 19th.

7pm = Individual animal group meetings
8pm = Group meeting of all small animal groups


NOTE: For this meeting the Dogs are starting at 6pm - for record books and show prep

The meetings are open to all 4-H families!

LOCATION:
MSU Extension Office
775 Ball Ave NE
Grand Rapids MI

Important FAIR Information

GOAT DIVISION INFORMATION FOR THE 2012 KENT COUNTY YOUTH FAIR...

All goat exhibitors, leaders and families:

We have a record number of goats entered into the fair this year, which is a wonderful problem!  We will be short on pens again and I will be making arrangements to have additional pens built.  I need to know if there has been ANY changes in the numbers of goats that each exhibitor originally signed up for on the declaration forms and fair registration paperwork. Any goats that will not be going to fair, need to be reported to me, even if something comes up a few days before fair.  Also, If there is any way that any of your family or club goats can "double up" in pens, especially the smaller breeds, that would be helpful.  Please let me know.

Also, there are a couple opportunities for goat families to help the fair this year.  We still have goat trophies for the fair that have not been sponsored.  The fair depends on sponsorship for all of the trophies that are awarded to the exhibitors.  All sponsors are recognized by announcment at the goat show, and the trophies are tagged with the donors name.  The trophies cost about $8-12 each.  There are about 10 trophies that still need to be sponsored, so if you family is in a position to help, please contact Mary Crosby at 616-292-9006. 

Also, each year as a goat program we enjoy giving our explorers a special recognition gift. This year we also have a record number of explorers at 19 to date!!! If your family would like to help sponsor the explorer gifts, please contact me.  Thank you!

Julie Blodgett

Goat Superintendent KCYF

616-890-8670

Goat Show Reports

Here is the report from Julie regarding the placing for the 2012 Lowell and 4-H Youth Goat Show - click HERE

Here is the Treasurer's report after the goat show - July 2012 - click HERE

Goat Show Success!

Thank you to everyone for all of your work this weekend!

The shows and clinics were a huge success based on the number of participants we had.  I don’t have official numbers yet, but I counted approximately 25+ in the audience during the vet’s presentation and I know there were Explorers outside, too.

This event was such a great opportunity for youth to learn new skills, network with others and to have a chance to evaluate the skills and knowledge they already have in the 4-H goat area.   You’re efforts are truly helping shape the leaders of the future!

I have attached a few pictures - take a look if you’re interested!

Thank you again!


Kristi Bowers
4-H Program Coordinator
Kent County MSUE
(616) 336-3287
bowerskr@anr.msu.edu

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.

Goat Show Tomorrow

Saturday, June 30th  - registration starts at 8am sharp.

SET UP VOLUNTEERS - please arrive at 7am

@ Kent County Fairgrounds - Reath Barn
Lowell, MI

See the flyer for details!

July 14th Goat Show Info...

Please contact Colleen Hines (hines445@att.net) directly if you have any questions on their goat show coming up on July 14th....

Hello

My name is Colleen Hines I am the new superintendent for Newaygo County Youth Goats, and we are having on open show July 14. I am attaching a copy of the show bill.  Would love to see you there.

               Thanks, Colleen


Click HERE for flyer.

Showmanship Clothing Swap~!

Attention All Goat Families:

You are invited to bring any Goat showmanship clothes that your exhibitors have out grown or no longer need, to the 4th Annual 4-H Youth Goat Show on June 30 at the Reath Barn at the Kent County Youth Fair. 

We will have a table available and anyone that is interested can donate or swap showmanship clothes. 

We will not be selling clothes but feel free to donate or to take items from the table.  

Clothing might include black or white pants, white show shirts, belts or even show shoes/boots.  

Registration for the goat show starts at 8am.  (We are still accepting registrations for the goat show for a brochure go to http://goatdevelopmentalcommittee.blogspot.com/ )

Goat Show & Parasite Clinic - June 30th

Reminder that the goat show is Saturday, June 30th!

Registration starts at 8am with the Parasitology course starting at 9am sharp and the goat show begins at 10:15am,

The parasitology course is FREE.  Dr. Jeremy Boge will share practical goat parasitology information, including FAMACHA, pasture management, dewormer selection and many other fun facts about parasitic worms.  FAMACHA kit will be available for a $20 fee.

The parasitology course will benefit both youth and parents - so please plan to attend!

MDGS news...

The Michigan Futurity will be held at the MDGS Annual Show. For further information and updates as they are made; check the MDGS website - or contact the Futurity Secretary Kelli Newberry bluerivergoats@hotmail.com ;
phone: 269-948-2030

The entry forms and rules to the Michigan Futurity are posted on the website. In the menu click on Michigan Futurity.

MDGS welcomes ALL Michigan breeders to participate in this event. This opportunity pays the top 5 placing 2 year olds from the monies collected for the entries.

Dawn Tallent has volunteered to help with the News Letter. Her daughter Zara will be working on a youth page. Any youth wishing to contribute can contact Zara dawntallent@yahoo.com .

Dawn will be working on "share the tips" any tips can be directed to the same e-mail address. Any "You heard it here" can also be sent to Dawn.

Dawn also has some fresh ideas floating around for future News Letters.

( correction made to last weeks ad pricing )

The Annual Buck issue will be Aug-Sept-Oct with a July 1 deadline for ads.
Ads are 1/8th page $5.00; 1/4th page $8.00; 1/2 page $12.00 and full page $18.00. You do not need to be a member to place a advertisement. Payment is due when submitted. Electronic files or computer disc ads that are ready to put in the News Letter are no extra charge. Ads that need the editor to set them up will be an extra $4.00 or half the price of your ad, which ever is greater. Ads are payable to MDGS.

This is a great opportunity even if you don't do outside breeding, to spotlight your herd sire for next years kid sales.

Don't forget the MDGS Annual Show, June 23 & 24. This is a 4 show week end. Best in Show winner photo's will be placed on the MDGS website for the year.

Even if you don't show, plan to attend and enjoy the day talking with Michigan's friendly breeders. You'll be glad you did.

There will be a one day milk test at the MDGS Show. Entry forms for the milk test are on the mdgs website.

Fall Round-Up is scheduled for September 22. information is on the Event Calendar www.mdgs.org

MDGS News Letter Editor

April Olney

Kent County Goat Show coming soon!

Reminder - the goat show is coming up soon! SATURDAY, JUNE 30th

See the flyer for more details!

This is a great opportunity to get you and your goat in shape and ready for fair. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about your goat!

UPDATE - follow by eMAIL

Please enter your eMAIL address on this ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE if you would like to be eMAILED anytime an update is posted to the ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE.

This has been revised as of 5/17/2012.

If you have previously submitted your eMAIL on the main page, you must re-submit it on the announcements page.

The program only allows it to work on the page it is listed on and it will not allow us to transfer your eMAIL to the ANNOUNCEMENTS page.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Have a great summer!

Free Goats

We have been asked to post this announcement for free goats. Please contact Mike directly. Thank you.

I have six Angora Pygmy goats, all in good health, ages 6 months to 5 years, one adolescent male and five females. My wife and I cannot afford to run the hobby farm/petting zoo setup we have had for the past few years and I need to find a home for our critters. The goats are FREE.

If you would like them or know someone else who would like to have them, please give me a call.

Thank you. My number is (616) 374-7252.

Mike Roddy

Follow by eMAIL

You may follow any updates to the GDC website by entering your email in the "follow by eMAIL" box at the top of HOME page. It is a great way to keep updated on events and happenings!


5/17/2012 CORRECTION...you must go to the ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE to submit your eMAIL address to get an eMAIL when this page has been updated.

Thank you Pro-Tech

Thank you Pro-Tech for being a major sponsor of the 4th Annual 4-H Youth Goat Show scheduled for June 30, 2012!

Problem Solving - situation #1

Junior Problem Solving
Situation # 1
You recently purchased a four-month-old wether. The sellers told you that they had dehorned and castrated him
at three weeks of age, and gave him his tetanus shots too. All you have left to do is feed and take care of him.
You are feeding him grain and alfalfa hay twice a day and watering him once a day. A couple of weeks go by,
and you notice one night while doing chores that you wether is lying down in his stall and acting different. He is
depressed, not eating, looks bloated, acts constipated, and is straining. What is wrong with him and what do you
do?

Do you know the answer? If you do then you should enter the GOAT EXPO 2012!

Problem Solving is a team event at the 2012 GOAT EXPO...by the way, 2 or more people are a team....so grab a friend and check out the other Situations, choose one and enter this contest!

GOAT EXPO catalog - click HERE

Are you NEW to goats? GOAT EXPO 2012

If you are new to goats then the Goat Expo is a great place to get exposure!

Goat Expo is Saturday April 28th in Lansing. Click HERE for the link to the booklet of events & registration.

What do they do at Goat Expo? Check out the catalog!

Here is a litte info....

The big event at Goat Expo is the Quiz Bowl event, however, there are several other team and individual events you can participate in....

Creative Writing
Photography
Illustrated Talk
Problem Solving
Skillathon
Art
Crafts
Cookery
Educational Display


Jr category is ages 9-14
Sr category is ages 15-19

COST: $2 per person and $2 per event

May 5th - Boer Goat Sale Info

Michigan Boer Goat Association would like to present the 2012 Breeding Stock & Market Goat Sale!

Saturday May 5, 2012
Cass County Fairgrounds, Cassopolis, MI
Approximate sale time 2pm following the Youth Showmanship & Market Show.

It's still not to late to enter a goat into the sale! ALL breeds are welcomed and encouraged!

For rules and more information please visit www.michiganboergoats.org

Date to remember....

April 13-15 = Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference @ Kettunen Center

April 28 - State 4-H Goat Expo in Lansing

May xx - Blue & Gold Goat Show in Lowell - DATE TBA SOON!

June 1 - Goat Fair Declaration Forms Due BEFORE June 1st

June 30th - Kent County 4-H 4th Annual Goat Show in Lowell (at the County Fairgrounds)

August 6-11 - Kent County Youth Fair



You can check other other 4-H events at the state website under the EVENTS tab: http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/events/2012

Goat Mandatory Meeting/Workshop

On Saturday, March 23rd Dr. Boge presented to the crowd "Uh Sorry...your goat can't stay at the Fair" i.e. many of the reasons a goat is sent home. He covered the most common reasons, causes and cures. He also answered many of your questions.

After the workshop, Julie Blodget presented a short powerpoint presentation on the changes for showing at Fair this year. You can view the powerpoint under the FAIR DOCUMENTS tab, along with her reminder notes for leaders. If you have any questions about showing at Fair this year, please let us know.

State Goat Show AND State Goat Expo

Good afternoon!

On behalf of the Michigan 4-H Goat Programming Committee, I am pleased to announce that information on both the 2012 Michigan 4-H Goat Expo and 2012 Michigan 4-H Goat Show are now available at http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/goats.
The Goat Expo will be held on the campus of Michigan State University in Anthony Hall on April 28, 2012. The Michigan 4-H Goat Show will be held at the Michigan State University Pavilion for Livestock Education--South Barn on June 30, 2012.

The event catalogs have all of the information regarding entry due dates, schedule of events, and contest rules. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Thank you so much and we hope to see you at these awesome events!

Katie

Katie VanderKolk
Michigan State University Extension
4-H Animal Science Educator
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-432-5270

MARCH 24th - 9-11AM

Mandatory Goat Meeting & Workshop

All families showing goats this year must have a representative at this meeting.

We plan to start at 9am sharp with Dr. Boge who will be speaking on "what can keep your goat from showing or selling at the fair".

Julie Blodget, goat superintendent will also be going over the paperwork and changes for Fair this year.

Bring your list of questions - this is a great opportunity to get them answered.

Goat Show Flyer

June 30, 2012

4th Annual 4-H YOUTH GOAT SHOW

Click HERE for flyer

OR

Click photo below to enlarge viewing of Flyer

Guest Speaker Announced...

2012 GOAT WORKSHOP & MANDATORY MEETING

On Saturday, March 24th @ 9:00 am our guest speaker will be Dr. Jeremy Boge, DVM @ Bull Creek Veterinary Clinic.

He will be talking about what can keep your goat from showing or selling well at the fair.

BIO: Dr. Jeremy Boge
Dr. Jeremy Boge came to Bull Creek Veterinary Service after graduating from Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He provides care for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, camelids and cervids. Veterinary medicine on both the individual and the population level are always intriguing, and the multitudes of great clients keep him enthusiastic. Recent areas of more specialized interest include dairy cow and calf comfort and small ruminant parasitology. He serves on the Board of Directors and the Food Animal Practice Committee for the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Committee on Pharmaceutical and Biological Agents for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. He is also a member of the American Association of Small Ruminant Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Boge spends his free time with his wife, Laura, and sons Owen and Kellen. He also referees AYSO soccer, fishes (ice is best!) and follows Michigan State sports.

Spring Goat Day @ MSU = March 10th

Here is the official announcement from MSU:

"Spring Goat Day, an educational program for producers of all types of goats including meat, fiber and pygmy goats as well as all dairy goats, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 10, in Anthony Hall. Registration is $5 per person or $15 per family. For more information, contact Mike Metzger at metzgerm@msu.edu."


EVENT: Spring Goat Day
DATE: Saturday, March 10th 9am-5pm
WHERE: Anthony Hall @ MSU in Lansing
COST: $5 ea or $15 per family

If your looking for INFORMATION - then Spring Goat Day is the event you want to attend!
_______________________________________________________________


The MIGoat Yahoo group has also been talking about this event....

Juli Huffman ADGA Judge
(feature speaker)

Classes

#1 Reproductive Herd Management--this will include vaccination timelines,
pregnancy testing, and some troubleshooting.

#2 Synchronized and Out of Season Breeding--this will include cidrs, shots,
lights, and all of the hormones and protocols.

#3 Dystocia and Kidding--this will include my lovely skeleton of the pelvis,
timelines, lots of diagrams about different malpresentations, a discussion
about inducing labor, and some retained placenta tips.

April Olney
Grace Hill Alpines
Bellevue, MI

NEXT MEETING - April 19th

GDC = Kent County 4-H Goat Developmental Committee
SADC = Kent County 4-H Small Animal Developmental Committee

The GDC is a part of the SADC

The GDC meets from 7-8pm
The SADC meets from 8-9pm

Meeting are held at the MSU Extension Office on Ball Street in Grand Rapids. All 4-H youth, parents, volunteers, and leaders are welcome to attend.

It's a great place to learn what's going on!

QB Invitation

TO: Kent County 4-H Goat Project Families

FROM: 4-H Goat Developmental Committee


THE INVITATION
You are invited to participate in the Goat Quiz Bowl event for 2012. Please contact Lori Ostrom at lori_greenacres@yahoo.com.

THE EVENT -
QUIZ BOWL is held in Lansing at the State Goat Expo. The Expo includes contests in judging, quiz bowl, skillathon, creative writing and problem solving.

THE CHALLENGE -
Can we beat our Kent County 2011 2nd place in the Goat Quiz Bowl @ the State Goat Expo on April 28, 2012?


THE PARTICPANTS
Youth ages 9-19 are eligible to participate – and while you must be a 4-H member, you don’t have to be in a 4-H goat project to compete.

THE PREPARATION
The team will set 6 dates to meet between now and April 28th that work best with the majority of our schedules.

THE PARENTS or VOLUNTEERS
Parent helpers or Volunteers are also needed to help the Quiz Bowl Team prepare for this event. You don’t have to be “goat smart” but you do need to be willing to help coach at the meetings.

THE SECRETARY
Hi everyone! I'm the GDC Secretary and just wanted to say that the Goat Expo is a great opportunity for our youth to learn at a state level and see what is going on. There are a variety of areas to participate in for new and experienced youth. If this is your first time considering the Goat Expo, then please speak up and we will do what we can to encourage you and guide you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Lori.
http://goatdevelopmentalcommittee.blogspot.com/

SADC Meeting in January

The SMALL ANIMAL DEVELOPMENTAL COMMITTEE meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 7pm at the Extension Office.

Since we are a volunteer run organization all 4-H families are welcome to attend and participate in their area(s) of interest.

The individual animal groups (such as the goats as Goat Developmental Committee GDC) all meet from 7-8 pm and the all the groups come together as one large group from 8-9pm.

We hope you will join us as we plan for youth development for 2012!