4-H Families and 4-H Volunteers,
Thank you for your understanding as we all adjust to the impacts of COVID-19 in our communities. As of today, March 25th, Purdue University Travel and Event Restrictions are in place until May 18, 2020 which means there are no face to face extension programs, including 4-H meetings, to be held until that date. Additionally Governor Holcomb has issued a “stay at home” order through April 7th. You should have received an email communication from the Indiana 4-H office on updated the Animal ID deadline and tagging procedures. As a follow up to that message I have outlined how these procedures will take place in our county. The Brown County Animal ID/Tagging Day scheduled for May 3, 2020 has been cancelled and the 4HOnline ID Deadline, normally May 15th, has been moved back until June 1st. Our fair and the Indiana State Fair are still scheduled to take place which means that our animals must still be identified.
What does this mean for our livestock exhibitors?
- This year only 4-H Livestock Exhibitors (Cattle, Swine, Goats, Sheep) will be responsible for tagging their own animals and additionally
- Are required to upload two photos (one color photo of the animals head on with the tags visible and one color photo from the side profile showing all four feet) to 4HOnline.
How will this work?
- Contact the Extension Office to set up a time to pick up your Tags by filling out the 2020 Brown County Tag Order Form, emailing the 4-H Youth Educator directly at copelanb@purdue.edu, or calling (812) 988 5495.
- Access the form by clicking here bit.ly/tagorderform
- Please note the office is closed to the public but our staff is teleworking meaning the best way to schedule this pick up time is by using the online form or emailing Britt at copelanb@purdue.edu.
- Tags come at no cost to 4-H members thanks to the BC 4-H Council. The order form is just to help me prepare your packet for pickup.
- Pick up your Tagging Packet in the Black Mailbox outside the office at your scheduled time after April 7th or later if Governor Holcomb extends the “stay at home” order.
- The envelope will contain all the required tags, taggers, and instructions needed.
- You will be emailed by copelanb@purdue.edu when your packet is prepared.
- Bring back the Taggers within 24 hours by dropping them in the Drop Box or Mail Box.
- We own a very limited amount of taggers so prompt return of our taggers is not only courteous to your fellow 4-H Members but also essential for this process to be effective.
- If you own a set of taggers and do not need to borrow ours please let the office know when scheduling your pick up time.
- Extension Staff and 4-H Volunteer Leaders will not be travelling to house to house to assist 4-H members for the health and safety of our community. Please disinfect taggers before and after use.
- Enter your Animal ID on 4HOnline by June 1st.
- As always the Office is here to help you enter your information on 4HOnline, email Britt at copelanb@purdue.edu for assistance.
Indiana State Fair Information
ISF has extended its deadlines to accommodate 4-H members as well. The initial entry deadline is July 1st. New this year is a DNA Hair sample requirement for all livestock heading to the Fair. When scheduling your appointment to pick up your tags please indicate your intention to compete at the state fair so I can include a DNA Hair sample collection envelope, additional tags if necessary, and instructions.
Instructional Resources on How to Tag your Animals
Below I have complied videos from extension services and tagging companies to assist 4-H members in tagging their animals. While the tags might not look exactly the same in these videos the position in the ears and processes are the same. Contact your leaders or the extension office for further instruction or advice on properly tagging your 4-H animals.
Tagging Requirements
4-H tagging requirements for Brown County and the Indiana State Fair are listed on page 60 of your 4-H Handbook which can be accessed on our website or picked up at the extension office. Updated State Fair requirements are included in the attached document below.
Our top priority is the health and safety of our community. While the Purdue Extension-Brown County office is still closed to the public we are working remotely and continue to offer quality 4-H programming during this time. Virtual programming like the Virtual Area 1 Performing Arts Contest and the Indiana 4-H Animal Science Web Series (Tuesdays at 3 pm, coming soon) are a few of the options I have been part of developing. 4-H leaders and members are encouraged to use virtual methods of communication during this time. Zoom is great (free) option for virtual meetings. Contact me if you need help setting up online meetings for your club or group. A list of at home activity guides is also available on Indiana 4-H’s website.
Thank you for working with us as we adapt and make changes to our 4-H Program to keep everyone safe. If you have any questions about the 2020 Animal ID process this year please contact me, the 4-H Youth Educator, Britt Copeland at copelanb@purdue.edu.
Sincerely,
Britt Copeland | Extension Educator- 4-H Youth Development
copelanb@purdue.edu | (812) 988 5495
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