Free Purebred Sheep

Do You Want To Get a Purebred sheep "Free"--please let me know if anyone is interested...I will be happy to write your recommendation. This is a great way for a youth to start his or her own flock. I can send you the breed list if you are interested. It hasn't been posted yet, but I will pass it on when it becomes available. Romney sheep and Icelandic sheep are usually on the list.


Youth interested in applying for the 2013 Youth Conservationist Program

* Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
*Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2013 that includes:
An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answers the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”

The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a particular breed or for any of the breeds available. Requirements if selected:
**Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday May 5, 2013.
**Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2013 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
**Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2013, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
**Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
**Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
**Must submit a one to two page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2014 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival then given back to the youth.

Community Service Helper for Feb/March

Our Service Project Coordinators have chosen the overall topic for the Monthly Community Service Helper Project: Helping the Hurting.


For the month of Feb: We will be making cookies to be delivered to the homeless in Montreal. This project should be completed by the members--parents can assist younger ones but older ones should do the work themselves! Kids can work together to make the cookies. The Robotics team learned that getting a few families together is a fun way to make cookies. Cookies do not need to be individually wrapped. Please bring them either Thursday 21 Feb or Thurs 28 Feb and the Kyles will take them to be passed off to the deliver team.

For the month of March: We will be making music and bringing cheer at the Third Age Day Care. Sign-ups will be in the hallway. We will have several days to sign up to perform (music, theater, song, dance, comedy...) to an adoring audience in Plattsburgh. There will be a mix of times and days available. We hope to get as many in our group to attend as possible. There will be opportunities to make cards for the residents. If you are thinking that "performing" is not your style, we encourage you to come to just visit. Other ideas, bring a game or photo album to share with the residents.

Animal Crackers

Animal Crackers
“Animal Crackers: Walk, Trot, and Hop to It”
By Janet Pfromm, 4-H Educator

The Cornell University Department of Animal Science is pleased to announce Animal Crackers 2013 “Animal Crackers: Walk, Trot, Hop to It” on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Cornell University.  The up-coming program will incorporate both horse and rabbit topics for youth ages 9-12 or those with beginner/intermediate knowledge of the species.  All youth, 4-H and non-4-H, are invited to participate. Adult chaperones are also invited to attend to make Walk, Trot, and Hop to It a family event!

Interesting, educational, hands-on activities are planned to make Animal Crackers a memorable teaching event.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn horse or rabbit care, biology, or management while having fun in two different learning tracts (horse): beginners and intermediates. There will also be sessions on exploring animal science careers, animal demonstrations, and much, much more!


Beginner and Intermediate 4-H members in the Horse project will learn:

Beginners:

Horse Guts & Hoses – Interactive, hands-on demonstration about the horse digestive tract.  Come and have fun getting “all hosed up” in the equine digestive tract!
Know How to Open & Close Your “Gaits” – Find out what most people wished they knew: horse gaits, hoof placement, rhythm, and the way horses travel.  Here’s your chance to learn to trot!
What is that Judge Thinking? – Have you ever been at a show and wondered what the judge was thinking?  Learn how to judge and what goes into becoming a judging pro from a fellow 4-H’er!
Riding Horses: Cloverbuds & Beginners – Hey, we all have to start somewhere in our horse riding careers, so come to Animal Crackers to learn more about safely getting started and making horses a FUN 4-H Project!

Intermediate:
What Bugs ‘Em? – See what “icky” things are bugging your horse, inside and out, and learn how you can prevent internal and external parasites.
Travel Time – Find out how to turn “Oh no, not the trailer again!” to “Yes, let’s get to the horse show!” No more worry or hassle as trailer pros teach you everything you need to know.
Trail Tips – Learn to teach your horse “look, sniff, and go” to accept trail obstacles in all environments.
Learn the Look – How can a horse’s looks and its build affect how you should be caring for him/her? Come learn how anatomy and physiology go hoof-n-hoof!


Those interested in Rabbit projects will learn:

“Looking the Part” – “What do you mean he’s not really a Mini Lop?”  Don’t go to County Fair unprepared!  Learn how to match your rabbit with breed standards and what it takes to be a good judge of conformation in this hands-on breed standards and judging workshop.
“Home Sweet Home” – Ever wonder what your rabbit would really like to live in?  Does a rabbit need a split level ranch or spacious mansion?  Find out just how much space is needed for the best rabbit housing that won’t break the bank!  House cleaning tips will also be shared.
“Healthy and Hoppy” – Rabbits do get sick and need to see the vet but there are plenty of things you can do at home to keep them healthy and hoppy!  Learn about common diseases like snuffles and simple prevention strategies to keep your friends healthy.
“It’s in the Genes” – No, we’re not talking about designer denim. What makes BIG rabbits BIG and small rabbits small?  Find out more about rabbit DNA and how it relates to your rabbit.  This is exciting new research from Cornell’s School of Veterinary Medicine!
“Splitting Hares” – How different are domestic rabbits from their wild counterparts?  What really makes them so different?  Are there any similarities between your pet and the bunny who robs the garden?  Come to Animal Crackers and find out!
“Handling How-To’s” – We all know that you have to take very good care of your rabbit but what does that really mean?  Learn tips, techniques, and tried-and-true care, grooming, and handling all in one place from fellow 4-H’ers!


Cost of the program will be $7 for youth and adult chaperones and everyone is asked to bring their own lunch. Registration for the event will be done through your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office and must be completed no later than April 15, 2013.  All groups must have at least one chaperon per species tract.  More information can be found on the Animal Crackers website: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/crackers/index.html.
Mark your calendars for one the most exciting animal science programs of 2013!