4-H News

March 10, 2016 by Staff Report

Geauga Dairymen

On March 4, Geauga Dairymen held a meeting at Berkshire Hathaway. It was at 3 p.m. for the older kids since they get out of school earlier then the younger kids. The younger kids came around 3:30 p.m. Since it is 4-H Week, members did a window display. Come see it at Chardon Square.

After the display was completed, members had a meeting in the back. It was a short meeting, but there was much information covered. Members got their housing and leasing forms, which are due in June, right before club members get their animals. Each member has to pay $30 for the animal to cover housing, feed and vaccinations, if necessary. The people that had their animals at Hasting’s last year still have their animals there and some people have them at Emma’s house.

Emma reminded members about the upcoming event, Dairy Palooza. It is on April 30. Maddi Johnson was elected as the community service officer and she gives monthly reports about community service events. Then, members voted on the club’s bylaws. There are usually around eight meetings per year and members can miss two excused meetings. Finally, members discussed the next meeting, which will be held at Hastings on April 10 at 5 p.m. Paul is responsible for the demonstration at the next meeting.

After all the painting and talking, club members were hungry. The club voted on going to Pizza Hut to get some pizza. It was very good.

For more information about Geauga Dairymen 4-H club, contact Emma Niehus at 440-221-3812. (Submitted by Lizzie Knopp, news reporter)

Breeders and Feeders

At the last meeting held on Feb. 21, rabbits discussed a rabbit clinic, showmanship and Skill-A-Thon papers and then played a game. An article was also read about new breeds being recognized.

Poultry discussed getting ready for starting out chicks, equipment that is needed, why one might want to use a red light bulb and a starting temperature of 90 degrees. They also used magnifying glasses to get a better look at how feathers are designed.

Swine received their books, talked about Skill-A-Thon and should be looking for pigs born in February and March for this year’s fair. Hog tagging is May 21.

Beef worked on Skill-A-Thon and books.

Important dates to remember are: March 13 is the next meeting in Munson. Members will go roller skating in Chagrin after the meeting; May 14 is quality assurance with the test out option on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office; June 19-25 is 4-H Camp; and July 16 is Skill-A-Thon. (Submitted by Liesel Fenstermaker, news reporter)