2022 Newsletters
Dear Dairy Feeder Calf Club Members, April 2022
Our next meeting will be this Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 7:00pm in the Home & Family Arts Bldg. Registration starts at 6:45pm. Program for the evening will be on calf care and showmanship. If you have yet to pay your club dues, they are now $11/member.
Do you have your calf yet? If you are having trouble locating a calf, don’t hesitate to call any of the leaders. They would be glad to help.
We would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the members that sold geraniums this year!! If you sold geraniums, don’t forget to pick them up at the fairgrounds on April 27th from 3-6pm. All flowers must be picked up at this time.
Congratulations to Bridgette Stutsman for being voted as our queen representative for this year’s fair! Congrats, Bridgette and good luck!!
**Have you completed the mandatory Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program for this year??? This training NEEDS to be completed by EVERYONE by May 15, 2022. You can either complete this online ($12 fee) or in-person ($3 fee). You must register for this training (https://yqcaprogram.org). You will not be able to show at the fair if you do not complete this training!!
**IMPORTANT WEIGH-IN INFORMATION**
Our calf May weigh-in date is Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 7:00am-10:30am at the fairgrounds by the dairy feeder calf barn. Because there are many activities going on at the fairgrounds that day, please follow any posted directions that they may have regarding traffic flow. All DFC club members are REQUIRED to bring their calves in on this date to be weighed and receive an ear tag. The maximum weight at weigh-in is 250lbs. Any calves weighing 250lbs or less are in Group A. If your calf weighs over 250lbs, you are in Group B and you will show in the overweight class at the fair. HOWEVER, at the fair weigh-in, if your Group B calf weighs less than the heaviest calf in Group A, you will be eligible to show in a regular weight class. Each member can only tag two calves for the county fair. If your calf does not already have a RFID tag, it will receive one. It is mandatory, and will cost $5.00 to receive one.
All club dues need to be paid by this time. We will be drawing auction numbers as well. Don’t forget to draw yours. If your dues aren’t paid or you forget to draw your number, you will automatically be put at the end of the auction order. We will have sign up sheets for the Café. Please sign up to work a shift or two!
We will have three screeners at the weigh-in. They will be looking for crossbred calves. If they decide your calf is a crossbred animal, you will need to talk with Ken Metzler. The screeners decision is final. If this is the only calf you have, you are still allowed to bring your calf to the fair and show it in the crossbred class. You will still be able to sell this calf in the auction as well. The only thing you will not be able to participate in is the championship drive on show day.
Milford Animal Clinic will be available at weigh-in to give your calves their vaccination shots and implants if needed. Because of the stress that is involved in dehorning and castrating, these services will not be offered at weigh-in. Please remember, calves need to be castrated and dehorned early enough for them to be completely healed by fair week. It’s good to get this done before the flies get bad. If you are planning to have any vet services done, please come prepared to pay. We will once again have the Square as another form of payment method for a $1.00 fee.
If anyone is planning on showing at the State Fair, you may tag six calves total. You may show the same calf at the county fair and state fair. If you do this, you are not allowed to sell that calf at the county fair. You will need to declare two calves for the county fair at weigh-in. You will need to pull hair samples on these calves and turn it into the extension office by May 15,2022. If not turned in by the deadline, you will not be able to show at state fair. This is only a requirement for calves signed up for the State Fair.
Don’t forget, everyone will need a Premise ID number. You can register for one online at http://www.in.gov/boah/2700.htm. If you have any questions about premise ID, go to http://www.in.gov/boah/files/4H_FAQs_3-2015.pdf.
**AFTER WEIGH-IN** Remember to register your calves by May 15, 2022 on 4HOnline. For your animal to be eligible to show at the county fair and/or the state fair, you animal MUST be identified into the 4HOnline database. This is the same database that you used to sign up for 4H. Everyone should have received an email from the extension office explaining how to do this.
SERVICE PROJECTS & ESSAY QUESTION
Each year members are required to either write an essay on a posted question or participate in a predetermined service project. Our two service projects for this year are scheduled for June 4, 2022 at the fairgrounds and June 11, 2022 at Loveway. Times for these projects are yet to be determined, however, they are usually in the morning.
If you are unable to participate in one of the two service projects, you are required to write an essay. Our essay topic for this year is: How has the pandemic changed the agricultural industry? Essay length requirements can be found on the website.
Remember to check out our website regularly! www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com
See you Thursday!
-Your DFC Leaders
**Looking Ahead**
Dear DFC Families, February 2022
Hello! Our next meeting is this Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7:00pm. We will meet in the Mennonite Room in the ECCC Building. We will start registration at 6:45pm. Program for the evening will be presented by Dr. Chapman from Milford Animal Clinic . If you have not paid your club dues yet, please come prepared to take care of this. Dues are $10/member. It goes up $1.00 at the March meeting. If you wish to pay by check, please make it payable to: Dairy Feeder Calf Club.
Remember the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program that is required for completion of your project? All 4-H members who are enrolled in Dairy Feeder have to complete the program every year in order to show at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair and or the Indiana State Fair. There are several dates and times to choose from. This training needs to be completed by May 15, 2022!!!! You can either complete this online ($12) or In-person training ($3). Registrations for both online and In-person training will need to be competed at http://yqca.org. You must preregister to participate in the IN-Person training. If you have any questions on this, please contact Robert Kelly in the extension office. In person training dates are: Feb. 24, March 21, March 26, April 19 and May 10.
Are you selling geraniums?!?!?! This is an excellent fundraiser for the club and the 4-H program. Geraniums are $1.50/plant and hanging baskets are $15/basket. Orders and money are due NO LATER than April 8th to Jodi Evans. Pickup of flowers is on April 27th at the fairgrounds from 3-6pm. Mail all orders and money to: Jodi Evans, PO Box 416, Bristol, IN 46507. Any checks need to be made out to DFFC. Each member MUST sell one flat of geraniums (18 plants) for stall request forms to be honored. See the attached “Flower Sale 2022 Flyer” on your email for more information and a handy dandy order form to help you keep track of your orders.
Club Officers were elected at our January meeting. Your 2022 Club officers are: Riley Kitson, Grace Brenneman, Titus Stutsman, Jayden Rassi and MaKayla Kingdon. Congratulationsl!!
Important Dates:
See you Thursday!
Your DFC Leaders
January 2022
Dear 4-Her’s and DFC Families,
Welcome to 2022 and to another exciting year of 4-H!! Our first meeting is this Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 7:00pm. We will be meeting in the Home & Family Arts Building at the fairgrounds. Registration starts at 6:45pm. Check your email, text messages or the website for cancellation if the weather is bad.
The program for the evening will consist of basic club information and stations. The stations will be cover crossbreds, feed/bedding, rules/updates, and health/vaccinations/what to look for. We also plan to elect club officers. We will be electing our president, vice president, secretary, and treasure. If you are interested or know someone that is interested in being an officer, please come to the meeting and get your name on the ballot. Please contact a leader if for some reason, you are unable to make it to the meeting, but would like to be added to the ballot.
Club dues are $10 per 4-Her if paid at the January or February meetings. (UNLESS, you took advantage of our early bird registration special and enrolled by Dec 1, your dues will only be $5/member.) Dues go up by $1 each month after February. Checks or cash only. Checks can be made out to DFC.
Every year each 4Her must either participate in one of our announced service projects or submit an essay on an announced topic. We have our first service project coming up on Feb 5 from 9am-12pm with Feed the Children. A link to sign up was posted on our Facebook page or you can try this link Feed the Children Sign Up. Parents and 4H members (12yrs and older) are welcome. There are still 28 open spots available. A signed waiver form is needed for ALL volunteers and is also attached to this email. Parents must sign for 18 & under.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training dates were sent out. Everyone has to complete the training EVERY YEAR to be able to participate at the fair. This can be done either in person ($3) or online ($12). You must register prior to attending the class. To sign up, go to yqca.org and use your 4HOnline log in. In person training dates are: Feb. 24, March 21, March 26, April 19, May 10. The deadline to have this completed by is May 15, 2022.
Adult 4-H Leaders:
Organizational Leader: Ken Metzler
Assistant Leaders: Lydell Troyer, Tim Stutsman, Dale Miller, Jodi Evans, Brandi Kitson,
Erica Brenneman, Bridget Hunter
Advisory Board Members:
President: Reba Goshert
Vice President: Leah Bigler
Recording Secretary: John Rassi
Treasurer: Jodi Evans
Members: Steve Miller, Earl Yoder, Trever Riegsecker, Dustin Mattern, Chad Brew, Sara Lechlitner
We will be using the club website and our Facebook page to post important information throughout the year. It will serve as a good tool to look up club information.
Facebook Page: Elkhart County 4H Dairy Feeder Calf Club
Website: www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com
Email Address: dfcclub@gmail.com
To receive DFC updates via text messages, text @dfcc17 to the number 81010.
If you receive this newsletter and you are not going to participate in the DFC club this year, PLEASE let us know. Thank You and we hope to see everyone on the 20th!
See you soon,
Your DFC Leaders
Mark your calendars:
2022 DFC Club Meeting Dates: All meetings begin at 7:00p.m., unless otherwise noted. Registration at 6:45pm.
January 20: Home & Family Arts Building
February 17: Home & Family Arts Building
March 17: Ag Hall
April 21: Home & Family Arts Building
May 7: 7:00am-10:30am Weigh In & Auction Number Draw, DFC Barn
May 19: Beef/Dairy Arena
June 16: Worknight/Clean up Barn & Concession Stand
July 19: Dairy Feeder Calf Barn, all paperwork due and passes handed out
July 22-30: 2022 Elkhart County 4-H Fair
August: DFC Achievement Banquet
Dear DFC Families, July 2021
It’s about time for another fair!!! We, as leaders and advisory board members, have enjoyed working with each one of you. We hope you have learned a lot this year and have enjoyed working with your calf. Our last meeting for this year will be on Tuesday, July 20 at 7:00 PM in the Dairy Feeder Calf barn at the fairgrounds. We will be putting the final touches on both our barn and concession stand to have them ready for the fair. You may want to bring your shovels and/or rakes. The base of sawdust will already be in your stalls and stall cards and the stall dividers will be up.
As always, if you or another member you know is not bringing their calf for any reason, and have not notified us yet, please give Brandi Kitson (354-0156) a call immediately so we can make the necessary adjustments in the stalling arrangements.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING AND EVERYONE MUST ATTEND. Listed below are a few important reminders:
1. We will have a table set up for you to pick up your fair packet on work night. This packet may contain: 4Her passes, parent passes, parking hangers, an outline of important dates and times during the fair, and the time you signed up to work in the concession stand. If you are in a local club or certain livestock clubs, you will receive your passes through them. Please ask if you have questions regarding passes. It is your responsibility to see that your packet gets picked up! Before your packet will be handed to you, you need to have the following turned in: care contract form, liability disclaimer form, record/growth summary sheet, & your essay (only if you did not participate in one of the service projects). You will also need to be signed up to work in the concession stand. All these forms can be found on our club website. Please print them off and bring with you.
2. Record/Growth Summary Sheet. Use a weigh tape, if you have one, to get the final weight of your calf. Record sheets are available on the website. Please use $0.80 as your market price to calculate the value of your calf at market.
3. Care Contract Form and the Liability Disclaimer Form. You need to print these items off the website. There will be none available at the work night.
4. CONCESSION STAND: A big thank you to all that have already signed up. Be sure to double check the schedule to see when you are supposed to work!! If you haven’t signed up, PLEASE do so. Your packet will have a reminder slip with your scheduled time and date.
5. If you are in multiple clubs, the extension office needs to know what club you want to receive your completion pin in. We will be collecting this information from you at the work night.
6. Club T-Shirts. Be sure to pick up your new club t-shirt. This is what you will wear to show your calf and wear at the auction.
7. During the fair, stalls and dividers must be kept clean at all times. Stalls and dividers will be checked daily by leaders or advisory board members. There is not a set time for stall check; you’ll just have to keep it clean all the time. It is important to keep these clean because there are hundreds of people walking through the barn every day. You will be asked to clean up your stall area if the leaders or board members see that it needs to be cleaned. Herdsmanship Awards are given away at the Achievement Banquet in August, and much of it is based on your stall area at the fair.
8. Wheelbarrows, Shovels and Forks The club is providing these items for all members to use. Please share and please return them so others can use them as well. Keep the aisles clear of clutter so visitors are able to walk through the barn. Please be sure that all personal items can be folded & stored away conveniently and can be easily moved in case of an emergency.
9. You are not required to get health papers for your calves. However, the Dairy Feeder Calf Advisory Board will be screening calves as they come into the barns. It is still important that your calves are healthy. There should be no signs of ringworm. Also, calves should be completely healed from being castrated and dehorned.
10. Calves can start arriving at the fairgrounds on Friday, July 23. They must all be stalled by Saturday morning (July 24) by the end of weigh in (11:00am). All calves MUST be weighed. Weigh in is from 7am-11am, SATURDAY, JULY 24.
11. Showmanship Show, Monday, July 26 @ 9:00am: New this year, we will have our showmanship classes on Monday, July 26 at 9:00am. If you did not sign up for showmanship on FairEntry, you can still do so. Email Erica asap through the club email, dfcclub@gmail.com, and she can get you added.
12. Weight Class Show, Tuesday, July 27 @ approx. 3:00pm: Our weight class show will be held on Tuesday, July 27 at 3:00 PM, or 30 minutes after the Dairy show.
13. The basketball court between the barns is for both Dairy and Dairy Feeder Calf club members--big and small, young and old.
14. We will be cleaning out the DFC barn once calves are loaded out after the auction on Friday. We need all the help we can get. There will be more information to follow.
15. Our Awards Banquet will be held on August 15th at 5:30pm at Clinton Frame Church. Look for a sign up sheet during fair week.
14. Before you leave the work night, be sure you have:
A) turned in your record summary sheet
B) signed and turned in a Liability Disclaimer AND a Care Contract
C) picked up your packet from leaders – EVERY FAMILY GETS ONE!
E) picked up your club T-shirt
Again, if you have questions, give one of your leaders a phone call. Ken, 535-3018; Tim 226-6606; Erica, 361.9051; Dale, 528-0696; Brandi 354-0156; Jodi 536-0141; Bridget 260-350-1292.
See you on the 20th and remember to have fun at the fair!
***Your Leaders
Dear Dairy Feeder Calf Club Members, April 2021
Our next meeting will be this Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 7:00pm in the ECCC Building, with registration beginning at 6:45pm. Our speaker for the evening is from Bashor Home and will be talking with us about human trafficking. We will also be talking about important information regarding our May weigh-in. If you have not paid your dues yet, they are $10.00/member. Do you have your calf yet? If you are having trouble locating a calf, you can give any of the leaders a call. They would be glad to help. We would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the members that sold geraniums this year!! If you sold geraniums, don’t forget that they arrive at the fairgrounds on Wednesday, April 28. All geraniums must be picked up next to the big commercial building on April 28 from 3pm-6pm. Congratulations to Grace Brenneman for being voted as our queen representative for this year's fair! Congratulations, Grace and good luck!! Have you completed the mandatory Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program?!?!?! This training NEEDS to be completed by EVERYONE by MAY 15, 2021! You can either complete this online ($12) or in-person ($3). You must register for this training at http://yqca.org. You will not be able to show at fair if you do not complete this training! **IMPORTANT** Our calf May weigh-in date is Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 7:00am-10:30am at the fairgrounds by the dairy feeder calf barn. Because there are many activities going on at the fairgrounds that day, please follow any posted directions that they may have regarding traffic flow. All DFC club members are required to bring their calves on this date to be weighed and ear tagged. The maximum weight at weigh-in is 250lbs. If you are over 250lbs, you are in Group B and you will still be able to show at fair in the overweight class. However, at the fair weigh-in, if your calf weighs less than the heaviest calf in Group A, calves weighing 250lbs or less at May weigh-in, you will be eligible to show in a regular weight class. Each member can only tag two calves for the county fair. If your calf does not already have an RFID tag, it will receive one. It is mandatory, and will cost $5.00 to receive one. We will be drawing auction numbers as well. Don’t forget to draw yours. There will be three screeners at the weigh-in looking for crossbred calves. If they decide your calf is a crossbred animal, you will need to talk with Ken Metzler. The screener's decision is final. If this is the only calf you have, you will be allowed to bring it to the fair and show it in the crossbred class. You will still be able to sell this calf in the auction. Once again, Milford Animal Clinic will be available at weigh-in to give your calves their vaccination shots and implants if needed. Because of the stress that is involved in dehorning and castrating, these services will not be offered at weigh-in. Please remember, calves need to be castrated and dehorned early enough for them to be completely healed by fair week. It’s good to get this done before the flies get bad. If you are planning to have any vet services done, please come prepared to pay. This year, we will have the Square as an optional payment method for a $1.00 fee. If anyone is planning on showing at the State Fair, six calves may be tagged total. You may show the same calf at the county and state fairs. If you do this, you are not allowed to sell that calf at the county fair. You will need to declare two calves for the county fair at weigh-in. You will need to pull hair samples on these calves and turn it into the extension office asap. This is only a requirement for calves signed up for the State Fair. **Everyone will need a Premise ID number. You can register for one online at http://www.in.gov/boah/2700.htm. If you have any questions about premise ID, go to http://www.in.gov/boah/files/4H_FAQs_3-2015.pdf. **After weigh-in, remember to register your calves by May 15, 2021 on 4HOnline. For your animal to be eligible to show at the county fair and/or the state fair, your animal needs to be identified into the 4HOnline database. This is the same database that you used to sign up for 4H. Everyone should have received an email from the extension office explaining how to do this. Who is ready and excited for a new DFC Club t-shirt design?!?! We are looking for new design and slogan ideas. If you have any ideas, please submit your ideas to Brandi Kitson at brandikitson@gmail.com. Remember to check out our website regularly. www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com See you on Thursday! -Your DFC Leaders **Looking Ahead** 1. April 28: Geranium pick up 3:00pm-6:00pm 2. May 1: Calf Weigh in 7:00am-10:30am 3. May 20: Regular club meeting - Stations/Demonstrations 4. June 17: Regular club meeting - Work Day 5. July 20: Paperwork due and passes handed out 6. July 23-31: FAIR!!! 7. August 15: DFC Banquet
Welcome 1st & 2nd year members!
We hope this hand out will be helpful info you can refer to. Please feel free to ask questions & take notes! • Some ways to receive communication: o Check our website www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com , it lists upcoming events, leader contact names and phone numbers, newsletters, rules, documents & forms, our full manual, and more. o To receive text notifications: text @dfcc17 to the number 81010 o our facebook page Elkhart County 4H Dairy Feeder Calf Club o be on our mass email list • Please visit the registration table at all meetings to sign in for attendance. You can also pay dues at the table, $10 per member. • Late February/early March is a good time to be buying your calves. If you need help finding a calf there are calf sales/auctions, and buyers known. We are not able to post this info online, but can give you the information if needed, just ask your leaders. • Purebred calves only. Calves must be purebread milking breeds only (ex. Holsteins). No crossbreeds of beef breeds allowed. • Feed & Bedding – Do you have access to our facebook page? We have had some guest speakers on feed & bedding. These videos have been saved on our facebook page to re watch with lots of good info! Questions on feed & bedding? Ask us! • YQCA – this is a program required by each member, each year. It is a short training session you can either do online or in person. There are several in person training sessions scheduled March thru May. You must go online to sign up, pick either online training, or select one of the in person dates. Online is $12 each, in person is $3 each. This must be completed by May 15th. The website to register is yqca.org • May weigh in: o Maximum weight at May weigh in 250#. o No minimum weight at May weigh in. o Calves weighing 250# and under at May weigh in will be considered “group A” – these calves are safe for fair o Calves weighing over 250# at May weigh in will be considered “group B” – these calves will have to determine weight at fair & may be considered overweight in July o vaccines will be offered at our May weigh in. We no longer offer castration or dehorning at weigh in. Please have these done prior to weigh in, or shortly after. These areas need to be fully healed by fair. • Vaccines calves need: o Bovashield Gold o Vision 7 (which also needs a booster 3 weeks after initial dose) • July Weight limits: o Minimum weight at July weigh in 250# o “Group A” calves are safe o “Group B” calves must re-weigh and must weigh the same or less than the heaviest Group A calf. Otherwise considered overweight. • Geranium sales – o single geraniums $1.50 each, available in red, pink, white. o A flat of 18 plants is $27. o Hanging flower baskets also available $15 each. o Orders and money due by 4/2. Mail to Jodi Evans PO Box 416 Bristol IN 46507. o Flower pick up date at the fairgrounds 4/28 • T-shirt design – calling all kids! We need your help designing this years show shirt! Submit T-shirt design ideas to brandikitson@gmail.com • Halters & weight tapes – All 1 st year members receive a free calf halter! ALL members receive a weight tape. If you have not received these items yet please see Ken Metzler • This year we will be starting a 2 day show. Monday morning showmanship and Tuesday afternoon weight classes • Our May club meeting has lots of good info for you new members: calf clipping demonstration, showing demonstration, halter tying, what to pack in a show tack box, so on. • Next meeting March 18th is a full club meeting – We will have a vet speaking to us about calf care
Dear DFC Families, March 2021
Hello!! Our next meeting is Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 7:00pm, with registration at 6:45pm. For those that are comfortable, we will be meeting in the ECCC Building. We will also stream live on our Facebook page. Please limit one parent per family and we ask that you wear a mask until you are seated. Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. Kolberg from Milford Animal Clinic. Along with our program, we need to vote on our fair queen representative at this meeting. LADIES….if you are interested and are 16 years old or older, please come to the meeting. If you are unable to attend, simply email us, contact a leader or fellow member and let us know you would like to have your name placed on the ballot. If you have yet to pay your dues, you can take care of this on Thursday. Dues are $10 per 4Her. Please come prepared to take care of this. You will not be able to draw your auction number at the May weigh in until your dues are paid! You can pay by check, please make it payable to Dairy Feeder Calf Club. Now is a good time to get your calves if you don’t already have them. If you are having some difficulty locating calves, you can give any of the leaders a call. They will be glad to help you if they can. Purebred calves only. No crossbred or beef breeds allowed. Maximum weight at May weigh in is 250 lbs. Minimum weight at fair is also 250 lbs. If you have any questions on this, please don’t be afraid to call one of the leaders or advisory boards members. Have you completed the mandatory Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program?!?!?! This training NEEDS to be completed by EVERYONE by MAY 15, 2021 to be eligible to show at the fair! You can either complete this online ($12) or in-person ($3). You must register for this training at http://yqca.org. Are you selling geraniums yet?!?! This is a great fundraiser for the club. Single geraniums are $1.50 each or a flat of 18 plants for $27. Geraniums are available in red, pink and white. Also available are hanging flower baskets for $15 each. Orders and money are due to Jodi Evans (PO Box 416, Bristol, IN 46507) no later than April 2!! Pick up date is April 28, from 3-6pm, at the fairgrounds. If you are turning in a stall request at the June meeting, you need to sell one flat of geraniums for the request to be honored. (Stall requests do not need to be filled out for immediate family.) T-Shirt designs needed for this year's show shirt!! Submit your t-shirt designs asap to Brandi Kitson at brandikitson@gmail.com. All 1 st year members will receive a free rope halter. All members will receive a weight tape. Make sure to pick yours up at the meeting! MAY WEIGH IN: Our May weigh in date is Saturday, May 1 st , from 7:00am to 10:30am in the feeder calf barn at the fairgrounds. EVERY calf must be brought in to be weighed and ear tagged. Calves are required to have an RFID tag. Information on why you need to have an RFID tag before your animal leaves the farm where it was born, can be found at www.in.gov/boah/2645.htm. If your calf does not have an RFID tag before weigh in, it will receive one for a fee of $5.00. Make sure you have your premise ID number as well. You will need this when you enter your calves into 4H Online. If you have questions on RFID tags and premise ID numbers, please ask. A veterinarian will be on hand to vaccinate if your calf has not been vaccinated previously. We are no longer offering to castrate or dehorn calves at weigh in. It is important to have this done prior to weigh in or shortly after weigh in to give the calf time to fully heal by fair time. Please come prepared to pay for the vaccination. Also, we will be drawing auction numbers. Don’t forget to draw yours! We are excited to announce that starting this year, we will be having a two-day show!! Monday morning, we will be having our showmanship show. Tuesday afternoon, we will have our weight division classes. If you have not signed up to receive important updates and information for the dairy feeder calf club via text messages, you still can!! Here is the link to get signed up: www.remind.com/join/dfcc17. Or you can text @dfcc17 to the number 81010. Remember to check out our website regularly. www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com and join our facebook page, Elkhart County 4H Dairy Feeder Calf Club. Looking ahead….MARK your calendars: • April 15 th : April Club Meeting • April 28 th : Pick up Geraniums at the fairgrounds 3-6pm • May 1st: May Weigh In 7:00-10:30am • May 20 th : May Club Meeting See you Thursday!!! -Your DFC Leaders
Our next meeting will be this Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 7:00pm in the Home & Family Arts Bldg. Registration starts at 6:45pm. Program for the evening will be on calf care and showmanship. If you have yet to pay your club dues, they are now $11/member.
Do you have your calf yet? If you are having trouble locating a calf, don’t hesitate to call any of the leaders. They would be glad to help.
We would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the members that sold geraniums this year!! If you sold geraniums, don’t forget to pick them up at the fairgrounds on April 27th from 3-6pm. All flowers must be picked up at this time.
Congratulations to Bridgette Stutsman for being voted as our queen representative for this year’s fair! Congrats, Bridgette and good luck!!
**Have you completed the mandatory Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program for this year??? This training NEEDS to be completed by EVERYONE by May 15, 2022. You can either complete this online ($12 fee) or in-person ($3 fee). You must register for this training (https://yqcaprogram.org). You will not be able to show at the fair if you do not complete this training!!
**IMPORTANT WEIGH-IN INFORMATION**
Our calf May weigh-in date is Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 7:00am-10:30am at the fairgrounds by the dairy feeder calf barn. Because there are many activities going on at the fairgrounds that day, please follow any posted directions that they may have regarding traffic flow. All DFC club members are REQUIRED to bring their calves in on this date to be weighed and receive an ear tag. The maximum weight at weigh-in is 250lbs. Any calves weighing 250lbs or less are in Group A. If your calf weighs over 250lbs, you are in Group B and you will show in the overweight class at the fair. HOWEVER, at the fair weigh-in, if your Group B calf weighs less than the heaviest calf in Group A, you will be eligible to show in a regular weight class. Each member can only tag two calves for the county fair. If your calf does not already have a RFID tag, it will receive one. It is mandatory, and will cost $5.00 to receive one.
All club dues need to be paid by this time. We will be drawing auction numbers as well. Don’t forget to draw yours. If your dues aren’t paid or you forget to draw your number, you will automatically be put at the end of the auction order. We will have sign up sheets for the Café. Please sign up to work a shift or two!
We will have three screeners at the weigh-in. They will be looking for crossbred calves. If they decide your calf is a crossbred animal, you will need to talk with Ken Metzler. The screeners decision is final. If this is the only calf you have, you are still allowed to bring your calf to the fair and show it in the crossbred class. You will still be able to sell this calf in the auction as well. The only thing you will not be able to participate in is the championship drive on show day.
Milford Animal Clinic will be available at weigh-in to give your calves their vaccination shots and implants if needed. Because of the stress that is involved in dehorning and castrating, these services will not be offered at weigh-in. Please remember, calves need to be castrated and dehorned early enough for them to be completely healed by fair week. It’s good to get this done before the flies get bad. If you are planning to have any vet services done, please come prepared to pay. We will once again have the Square as another form of payment method for a $1.00 fee.
If anyone is planning on showing at the State Fair, you may tag six calves total. You may show the same calf at the county fair and state fair. If you do this, you are not allowed to sell that calf at the county fair. You will need to declare two calves for the county fair at weigh-in. You will need to pull hair samples on these calves and turn it into the extension office by May 15,2022. If not turned in by the deadline, you will not be able to show at state fair. This is only a requirement for calves signed up for the State Fair.
Don’t forget, everyone will need a Premise ID number. You can register for one online at http://www.in.gov/boah/2700.htm. If you have any questions about premise ID, go to http://www.in.gov/boah/files/4H_FAQs_3-2015.pdf.
**AFTER WEIGH-IN** Remember to register your calves by May 15, 2022 on 4HOnline. For your animal to be eligible to show at the county fair and/or the state fair, you animal MUST be identified into the 4HOnline database. This is the same database that you used to sign up for 4H. Everyone should have received an email from the extension office explaining how to do this.
SERVICE PROJECTS & ESSAY QUESTION
Each year members are required to either write an essay on a posted question or participate in a predetermined service project. Our two service projects for this year are scheduled for June 4, 2022 at the fairgrounds and June 11, 2022 at Loveway. Times for these projects are yet to be determined, however, they are usually in the morning.
If you are unable to participate in one of the two service projects, you are required to write an essay. Our essay topic for this year is: How has the pandemic changed the agricultural industry? Essay length requirements can be found on the website.
Remember to check out our website regularly! www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com
See you Thursday!
-Your DFC Leaders
**Looking Ahead**
- May 19: Club Meeting – Stations/Demonstrations
- June 16: Club Meeting – Essays & Stall Request Forms Due
- July 19: Paperwork due and passes handed out
- July 22-30: FAIR!
Dear DFC Families, February 2022
Hello! Our next meeting is this Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7:00pm. We will meet in the Mennonite Room in the ECCC Building. We will start registration at 6:45pm. Program for the evening will be presented by Dr. Chapman from Milford Animal Clinic . If you have not paid your club dues yet, please come prepared to take care of this. Dues are $10/member. It goes up $1.00 at the March meeting. If you wish to pay by check, please make it payable to: Dairy Feeder Calf Club.
Remember the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program that is required for completion of your project? All 4-H members who are enrolled in Dairy Feeder have to complete the program every year in order to show at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair and or the Indiana State Fair. There are several dates and times to choose from. This training needs to be completed by May 15, 2022!!!! You can either complete this online ($12) or In-person training ($3). Registrations for both online and In-person training will need to be competed at http://yqca.org. You must preregister to participate in the IN-Person training. If you have any questions on this, please contact Robert Kelly in the extension office. In person training dates are: Feb. 24, March 21, March 26, April 19 and May 10.
Are you selling geraniums?!?!?! This is an excellent fundraiser for the club and the 4-H program. Geraniums are $1.50/plant and hanging baskets are $15/basket. Orders and money are due NO LATER than April 8th to Jodi Evans. Pickup of flowers is on April 27th at the fairgrounds from 3-6pm. Mail all orders and money to: Jodi Evans, PO Box 416, Bristol, IN 46507. Any checks need to be made out to DFFC. Each member MUST sell one flat of geraniums (18 plants) for stall request forms to be honored. See the attached “Flower Sale 2022 Flyer” on your email for more information and a handy dandy order form to help you keep track of your orders.
Club Officers were elected at our January meeting. Your 2022 Club officers are: Riley Kitson, Grace Brenneman, Titus Stutsman, Jayden Rassi and MaKayla Kingdon. Congratulationsl!!
Important Dates:
- April 8: Geranium orders & money DUE to Jodi Evans
- March 17: March meeting in the Ag Hall
- April 21: April Meeting in the Home & Family Arts Building
- April 27: Geranium pick up at the fairgrounds 3-6:00pm
- May 7: 7:00am – 10:30am Weigh In & auction number draw (all calves are required to be brought to the fairgrounds) Dues must be paid.
See you Thursday!
Your DFC Leaders
January 2022
Dear 4-Her’s and DFC Families,
Welcome to 2022 and to another exciting year of 4-H!! Our first meeting is this Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 7:00pm. We will be meeting in the Home & Family Arts Building at the fairgrounds. Registration starts at 6:45pm. Check your email, text messages or the website for cancellation if the weather is bad.
The program for the evening will consist of basic club information and stations. The stations will be cover crossbreds, feed/bedding, rules/updates, and health/vaccinations/what to look for. We also plan to elect club officers. We will be electing our president, vice president, secretary, and treasure. If you are interested or know someone that is interested in being an officer, please come to the meeting and get your name on the ballot. Please contact a leader if for some reason, you are unable to make it to the meeting, but would like to be added to the ballot.
Club dues are $10 per 4-Her if paid at the January or February meetings. (UNLESS, you took advantage of our early bird registration special and enrolled by Dec 1, your dues will only be $5/member.) Dues go up by $1 each month after February. Checks or cash only. Checks can be made out to DFC.
Every year each 4Her must either participate in one of our announced service projects or submit an essay on an announced topic. We have our first service project coming up on Feb 5 from 9am-12pm with Feed the Children. A link to sign up was posted on our Facebook page or you can try this link Feed the Children Sign Up. Parents and 4H members (12yrs and older) are welcome. There are still 28 open spots available. A signed waiver form is needed for ALL volunteers and is also attached to this email. Parents must sign for 18 & under.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training dates were sent out. Everyone has to complete the training EVERY YEAR to be able to participate at the fair. This can be done either in person ($3) or online ($12). You must register prior to attending the class. To sign up, go to yqca.org and use your 4HOnline log in. In person training dates are: Feb. 24, March 21, March 26, April 19, May 10. The deadline to have this completed by is May 15, 2022.
Adult 4-H Leaders:
Organizational Leader: Ken Metzler
Assistant Leaders: Lydell Troyer, Tim Stutsman, Dale Miller, Jodi Evans, Brandi Kitson,
Erica Brenneman, Bridget Hunter
Advisory Board Members:
President: Reba Goshert
Vice President: Leah Bigler
Recording Secretary: John Rassi
Treasurer: Jodi Evans
Members: Steve Miller, Earl Yoder, Trever Riegsecker, Dustin Mattern, Chad Brew, Sara Lechlitner
We will be using the club website and our Facebook page to post important information throughout the year. It will serve as a good tool to look up club information.
Facebook Page: Elkhart County 4H Dairy Feeder Calf Club
Website: www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com
Email Address: dfcclub@gmail.com
To receive DFC updates via text messages, text @dfcc17 to the number 81010.
If you receive this newsletter and you are not going to participate in the DFC club this year, PLEASE let us know. Thank You and we hope to see everyone on the 20th!
See you soon,
Your DFC Leaders
Mark your calendars:
2022 DFC Club Meeting Dates: All meetings begin at 7:00p.m., unless otherwise noted. Registration at 6:45pm.
January 20: Home & Family Arts Building
February 17: Home & Family Arts Building
March 17: Ag Hall
April 21: Home & Family Arts Building
May 7: 7:00am-10:30am Weigh In & Auction Number Draw, DFC Barn
May 19: Beef/Dairy Arena
June 16: Worknight/Clean up Barn & Concession Stand
July 19: Dairy Feeder Calf Barn, all paperwork due and passes handed out
July 22-30: 2022 Elkhart County 4-H Fair
August: DFC Achievement Banquet
Dear DFC Families, July 2021
It’s about time for another fair!!! We, as leaders and advisory board members, have enjoyed working with each one of you. We hope you have learned a lot this year and have enjoyed working with your calf. Our last meeting for this year will be on Tuesday, July 20 at 7:00 PM in the Dairy Feeder Calf barn at the fairgrounds. We will be putting the final touches on both our barn and concession stand to have them ready for the fair. You may want to bring your shovels and/or rakes. The base of sawdust will already be in your stalls and stall cards and the stall dividers will be up.
As always, if you or another member you know is not bringing their calf for any reason, and have not notified us yet, please give Brandi Kitson (354-0156) a call immediately so we can make the necessary adjustments in the stalling arrangements.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING AND EVERYONE MUST ATTEND. Listed below are a few important reminders:
1. We will have a table set up for you to pick up your fair packet on work night. This packet may contain: 4Her passes, parent passes, parking hangers, an outline of important dates and times during the fair, and the time you signed up to work in the concession stand. If you are in a local club or certain livestock clubs, you will receive your passes through them. Please ask if you have questions regarding passes. It is your responsibility to see that your packet gets picked up! Before your packet will be handed to you, you need to have the following turned in: care contract form, liability disclaimer form, record/growth summary sheet, & your essay (only if you did not participate in one of the service projects). You will also need to be signed up to work in the concession stand. All these forms can be found on our club website. Please print them off and bring with you.
2. Record/Growth Summary Sheet. Use a weigh tape, if you have one, to get the final weight of your calf. Record sheets are available on the website. Please use $0.80 as your market price to calculate the value of your calf at market.
3. Care Contract Form and the Liability Disclaimer Form. You need to print these items off the website. There will be none available at the work night.
4. CONCESSION STAND: A big thank you to all that have already signed up. Be sure to double check the schedule to see when you are supposed to work!! If you haven’t signed up, PLEASE do so. Your packet will have a reminder slip with your scheduled time and date.
5. If you are in multiple clubs, the extension office needs to know what club you want to receive your completion pin in. We will be collecting this information from you at the work night.
6. Club T-Shirts. Be sure to pick up your new club t-shirt. This is what you will wear to show your calf and wear at the auction.
7. During the fair, stalls and dividers must be kept clean at all times. Stalls and dividers will be checked daily by leaders or advisory board members. There is not a set time for stall check; you’ll just have to keep it clean all the time. It is important to keep these clean because there are hundreds of people walking through the barn every day. You will be asked to clean up your stall area if the leaders or board members see that it needs to be cleaned. Herdsmanship Awards are given away at the Achievement Banquet in August, and much of it is based on your stall area at the fair.
8. Wheelbarrows, Shovels and Forks The club is providing these items for all members to use. Please share and please return them so others can use them as well. Keep the aisles clear of clutter so visitors are able to walk through the barn. Please be sure that all personal items can be folded & stored away conveniently and can be easily moved in case of an emergency.
9. You are not required to get health papers for your calves. However, the Dairy Feeder Calf Advisory Board will be screening calves as they come into the barns. It is still important that your calves are healthy. There should be no signs of ringworm. Also, calves should be completely healed from being castrated and dehorned.
10. Calves can start arriving at the fairgrounds on Friday, July 23. They must all be stalled by Saturday morning (July 24) by the end of weigh in (11:00am). All calves MUST be weighed. Weigh in is from 7am-11am, SATURDAY, JULY 24.
11. Showmanship Show, Monday, July 26 @ 9:00am: New this year, we will have our showmanship classes on Monday, July 26 at 9:00am. If you did not sign up for showmanship on FairEntry, you can still do so. Email Erica asap through the club email, dfcclub@gmail.com, and she can get you added.
12. Weight Class Show, Tuesday, July 27 @ approx. 3:00pm: Our weight class show will be held on Tuesday, July 27 at 3:00 PM, or 30 minutes after the Dairy show.
13. The basketball court between the barns is for both Dairy and Dairy Feeder Calf club members--big and small, young and old.
14. We will be cleaning out the DFC barn once calves are loaded out after the auction on Friday. We need all the help we can get. There will be more information to follow.
15. Our Awards Banquet will be held on August 15th at 5:30pm at Clinton Frame Church. Look for a sign up sheet during fair week.
14. Before you leave the work night, be sure you have:
A) turned in your record summary sheet
B) signed and turned in a Liability Disclaimer AND a Care Contract
C) picked up your packet from leaders – EVERY FAMILY GETS ONE!
E) picked up your club T-shirt
Again, if you have questions, give one of your leaders a phone call. Ken, 535-3018; Tim 226-6606; Erica, 361.9051; Dale, 528-0696; Brandi 354-0156; Jodi 536-0141; Bridget 260-350-1292.
See you on the 20th and remember to have fun at the fair!
***Your Leaders
Dear Dairy Feeder Calf Club Members, April 2021
Our next meeting will be this Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 7:00pm in the ECCC Building, with registration beginning at 6:45pm. Our speaker for the evening is from Bashor Home and will be talking with us about human trafficking. We will also be talking about important information regarding our May weigh-in. If you have not paid your dues yet, they are $10.00/member. Do you have your calf yet? If you are having trouble locating a calf, you can give any of the leaders a call. They would be glad to help. We would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the members that sold geraniums this year!! If you sold geraniums, don’t forget that they arrive at the fairgrounds on Wednesday, April 28. All geraniums must be picked up next to the big commercial building on April 28 from 3pm-6pm. Congratulations to Grace Brenneman for being voted as our queen representative for this year's fair! Congratulations, Grace and good luck!! Have you completed the mandatory Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program?!?!?! This training NEEDS to be completed by EVERYONE by MAY 15, 2021! You can either complete this online ($12) or in-person ($3). You must register for this training at http://yqca.org. You will not be able to show at fair if you do not complete this training! **IMPORTANT** Our calf May weigh-in date is Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 7:00am-10:30am at the fairgrounds by the dairy feeder calf barn. Because there are many activities going on at the fairgrounds that day, please follow any posted directions that they may have regarding traffic flow. All DFC club members are required to bring their calves on this date to be weighed and ear tagged. The maximum weight at weigh-in is 250lbs. If you are over 250lbs, you are in Group B and you will still be able to show at fair in the overweight class. However, at the fair weigh-in, if your calf weighs less than the heaviest calf in Group A, calves weighing 250lbs or less at May weigh-in, you will be eligible to show in a regular weight class. Each member can only tag two calves for the county fair. If your calf does not already have an RFID tag, it will receive one. It is mandatory, and will cost $5.00 to receive one. We will be drawing auction numbers as well. Don’t forget to draw yours. There will be three screeners at the weigh-in looking for crossbred calves. If they decide your calf is a crossbred animal, you will need to talk with Ken Metzler. The screener's decision is final. If this is the only calf you have, you will be allowed to bring it to the fair and show it in the crossbred class. You will still be able to sell this calf in the auction. Once again, Milford Animal Clinic will be available at weigh-in to give your calves their vaccination shots and implants if needed. Because of the stress that is involved in dehorning and castrating, these services will not be offered at weigh-in. Please remember, calves need to be castrated and dehorned early enough for them to be completely healed by fair week. It’s good to get this done before the flies get bad. If you are planning to have any vet services done, please come prepared to pay. This year, we will have the Square as an optional payment method for a $1.00 fee. If anyone is planning on showing at the State Fair, six calves may be tagged total. You may show the same calf at the county and state fairs. If you do this, you are not allowed to sell that calf at the county fair. You will need to declare two calves for the county fair at weigh-in. You will need to pull hair samples on these calves and turn it into the extension office asap. This is only a requirement for calves signed up for the State Fair. **Everyone will need a Premise ID number. You can register for one online at http://www.in.gov/boah/2700.htm. If you have any questions about premise ID, go to http://www.in.gov/boah/files/4H_FAQs_3-2015.pdf. **After weigh-in, remember to register your calves by May 15, 2021 on 4HOnline. For your animal to be eligible to show at the county fair and/or the state fair, your animal needs to be identified into the 4HOnline database. This is the same database that you used to sign up for 4H. Everyone should have received an email from the extension office explaining how to do this. Who is ready and excited for a new DFC Club t-shirt design?!?! We are looking for new design and slogan ideas. If you have any ideas, please submit your ideas to Brandi Kitson at brandikitson@gmail.com. Remember to check out our website regularly. www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com See you on Thursday! -Your DFC Leaders **Looking Ahead** 1. April 28: Geranium pick up 3:00pm-6:00pm 2. May 1: Calf Weigh in 7:00am-10:30am 3. May 20: Regular club meeting - Stations/Demonstrations 4. June 17: Regular club meeting - Work Day 5. July 20: Paperwork due and passes handed out 6. July 23-31: FAIR!!! 7. August 15: DFC Banquet
Welcome 1st & 2nd year members!
We hope this hand out will be helpful info you can refer to. Please feel free to ask questions & take notes! • Some ways to receive communication: o Check our website www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com , it lists upcoming events, leader contact names and phone numbers, newsletters, rules, documents & forms, our full manual, and more. o To receive text notifications: text @dfcc17 to the number 81010 o our facebook page Elkhart County 4H Dairy Feeder Calf Club o be on our mass email list • Please visit the registration table at all meetings to sign in for attendance. You can also pay dues at the table, $10 per member. • Late February/early March is a good time to be buying your calves. If you need help finding a calf there are calf sales/auctions, and buyers known. We are not able to post this info online, but can give you the information if needed, just ask your leaders. • Purebred calves only. Calves must be purebread milking breeds only (ex. Holsteins). No crossbreeds of beef breeds allowed. • Feed & Bedding – Do you have access to our facebook page? We have had some guest speakers on feed & bedding. These videos have been saved on our facebook page to re watch with lots of good info! Questions on feed & bedding? Ask us! • YQCA – this is a program required by each member, each year. It is a short training session you can either do online or in person. There are several in person training sessions scheduled March thru May. You must go online to sign up, pick either online training, or select one of the in person dates. Online is $12 each, in person is $3 each. This must be completed by May 15th. The website to register is yqca.org • May weigh in: o Maximum weight at May weigh in 250#. o No minimum weight at May weigh in. o Calves weighing 250# and under at May weigh in will be considered “group A” – these calves are safe for fair o Calves weighing over 250# at May weigh in will be considered “group B” – these calves will have to determine weight at fair & may be considered overweight in July o vaccines will be offered at our May weigh in. We no longer offer castration or dehorning at weigh in. Please have these done prior to weigh in, or shortly after. These areas need to be fully healed by fair. • Vaccines calves need: o Bovashield Gold o Vision 7 (which also needs a booster 3 weeks after initial dose) • July Weight limits: o Minimum weight at July weigh in 250# o “Group A” calves are safe o “Group B” calves must re-weigh and must weigh the same or less than the heaviest Group A calf. Otherwise considered overweight. • Geranium sales – o single geraniums $1.50 each, available in red, pink, white. o A flat of 18 plants is $27. o Hanging flower baskets also available $15 each. o Orders and money due by 4/2. Mail to Jodi Evans PO Box 416 Bristol IN 46507. o Flower pick up date at the fairgrounds 4/28 • T-shirt design – calling all kids! We need your help designing this years show shirt! Submit T-shirt design ideas to brandikitson@gmail.com • Halters & weight tapes – All 1 st year members receive a free calf halter! ALL members receive a weight tape. If you have not received these items yet please see Ken Metzler • This year we will be starting a 2 day show. Monday morning showmanship and Tuesday afternoon weight classes • Our May club meeting has lots of good info for you new members: calf clipping demonstration, showing demonstration, halter tying, what to pack in a show tack box, so on. • Next meeting March 18th is a full club meeting – We will have a vet speaking to us about calf care
Dear DFC Families, March 2021
Hello!! Our next meeting is Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 7:00pm, with registration at 6:45pm. For those that are comfortable, we will be meeting in the ECCC Building. We will also stream live on our Facebook page. Please limit one parent per family and we ask that you wear a mask until you are seated. Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. Kolberg from Milford Animal Clinic. Along with our program, we need to vote on our fair queen representative at this meeting. LADIES….if you are interested and are 16 years old or older, please come to the meeting. If you are unable to attend, simply email us, contact a leader or fellow member and let us know you would like to have your name placed on the ballot. If you have yet to pay your dues, you can take care of this on Thursday. Dues are $10 per 4Her. Please come prepared to take care of this. You will not be able to draw your auction number at the May weigh in until your dues are paid! You can pay by check, please make it payable to Dairy Feeder Calf Club. Now is a good time to get your calves if you don’t already have them. If you are having some difficulty locating calves, you can give any of the leaders a call. They will be glad to help you if they can. Purebred calves only. No crossbred or beef breeds allowed. Maximum weight at May weigh in is 250 lbs. Minimum weight at fair is also 250 lbs. If you have any questions on this, please don’t be afraid to call one of the leaders or advisory boards members. Have you completed the mandatory Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Program?!?!?! This training NEEDS to be completed by EVERYONE by MAY 15, 2021 to be eligible to show at the fair! You can either complete this online ($12) or in-person ($3). You must register for this training at http://yqca.org. Are you selling geraniums yet?!?! This is a great fundraiser for the club. Single geraniums are $1.50 each or a flat of 18 plants for $27. Geraniums are available in red, pink and white. Also available are hanging flower baskets for $15 each. Orders and money are due to Jodi Evans (PO Box 416, Bristol, IN 46507) no later than April 2!! Pick up date is April 28, from 3-6pm, at the fairgrounds. If you are turning in a stall request at the June meeting, you need to sell one flat of geraniums for the request to be honored. (Stall requests do not need to be filled out for immediate family.) T-Shirt designs needed for this year's show shirt!! Submit your t-shirt designs asap to Brandi Kitson at brandikitson@gmail.com. All 1 st year members will receive a free rope halter. All members will receive a weight tape. Make sure to pick yours up at the meeting! MAY WEIGH IN: Our May weigh in date is Saturday, May 1 st , from 7:00am to 10:30am in the feeder calf barn at the fairgrounds. EVERY calf must be brought in to be weighed and ear tagged. Calves are required to have an RFID tag. Information on why you need to have an RFID tag before your animal leaves the farm where it was born, can be found at www.in.gov/boah/2645.htm. If your calf does not have an RFID tag before weigh in, it will receive one for a fee of $5.00. Make sure you have your premise ID number as well. You will need this when you enter your calves into 4H Online. If you have questions on RFID tags and premise ID numbers, please ask. A veterinarian will be on hand to vaccinate if your calf has not been vaccinated previously. We are no longer offering to castrate or dehorn calves at weigh in. It is important to have this done prior to weigh in or shortly after weigh in to give the calf time to fully heal by fair time. Please come prepared to pay for the vaccination. Also, we will be drawing auction numbers. Don’t forget to draw yours! We are excited to announce that starting this year, we will be having a two-day show!! Monday morning, we will be having our showmanship show. Tuesday afternoon, we will have our weight division classes. If you have not signed up to receive important updates and information for the dairy feeder calf club via text messages, you still can!! Here is the link to get signed up: www.remind.com/join/dfcc17. Or you can text @dfcc17 to the number 81010. Remember to check out our website regularly. www.dairyfeedercalfclub.com and join our facebook page, Elkhart County 4H Dairy Feeder Calf Club. Looking ahead….MARK your calendars: • April 15 th : April Club Meeting • April 28 th : Pick up Geraniums at the fairgrounds 3-6pm • May 1st: May Weigh In 7:00-10:30am • May 20 th : May Club Meeting See you Thursday!!! -Your DFC Leaders
