Martin County Extension Board: Accepting New Member Nominations & Annual Meeting

The Martin County Extension Board is the advisory and advocacy body of the overall Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service in Martin County. The Board provides an organized way for the county to be represented by local people in its relationship with Extension.  It is an unincorporated association serving in advisory capacities by assisting with local program planning, implementation and evaluation; financial support and resource identification; advocacy for Extension; and personnel recommendation and assistance.

New member nominations are being sought for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be Thursday, January 26 at 6:00 pm, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN.  In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, a special highlight of an Extension Program and 4-H Club Charters from the United States Department of Agriculture through Purdue University will be presented to 4-H Club Leaders. All those interested in more information may contact the Martin County Extension Office.  RSVP’s by January 23^rd is appreciated but not required. All are invited. 

4-H CAMP COUNSELOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN, FOR GRADES 9-12

WHAT:  4-H Camp Counselor Applications for Southern Indiana 4-H Camp

WHEN:  NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2023

WEBSITE FOR APPLICATION:  https://bit.ly/4HCampCounselorA2

DEADLINE:  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 

Would you like to interact with other 4-H teens from the area, have three fun-filled days camping and be a positive role model to younger 4-H members?  Now is your opportunity.  Being a Camp Counselor is a fun, rewarding event. Camp is June 2, 3 & 4 2023 at Country Retreat Center, Underwood, Indiana.  Check out the Website listed above for a copy of the application, information of upcoming interviews and details on how to apply.  Application deadline is Wednesday, February 1, 2023 via 4-H Online. Interviews will be done via Zoom starting Tuesday, February 28, 2023 and will continue on Wednesday and Thursday March 1 and 2, 2023.  A Link to sign-up times will be sent once your application submission is complete.  Be sure to visit the bit link for any information you might need to take part in this exciting event.  

Adult Volunteer Enrollment and Certification

All adult volunteers must re-enroll to obtain certification for 2022-2023 programming season. Enrollment opened October 1, 2021. Please log onto http://v2.4honline.com and complete your profile. If you have any questions, please call 812-295-2412 or email heldd@purdue.edu. 

VOLUNTEER opportunities

Have you ever thought about a talent you have or a talent you want to develop alongside youth in the 4-H Program?  Purdue Extension & Martin County 4-H is seeking adults to work to MAKE THE BEST BETTER through 4-H programs. Contact Dena to explore how to work together in this way.  No matter how much time you have, volunteering with 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Currently, 4-H Club Leaders are needed for All Terrain Vehicle Program, Shooting Sports and STEM/Robotics. Various content specialist and general volunteers are also needed.

Parents, family and adult friends of 4-H members are often a natural fit to help with programming and is one way to spending quality time with the youth in your lives!

SOUTHEAST INDIANA 4-H JUDGES & LEADERS’ CLINIC Saturday, February 4, 2023

WHERE:  Jackson County Learning center

                  323 Dupont Drive, Seymour, IN  47274

TIME:    9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Registration:  Due by JANUARY 25, 2023

COST:  $40.00: Includes Lunch and Materials

Register on your 4-H Online profile, v2.4honline.com. If assistance is needed, please call the Martin County Purdue Extension Office at 812-295-2412.  This is an excellent opportunity for Indiana Judges and Leaders to enhance or develop their skills to be a Judge or Volunteer for the Indiana 4-H program.  Topics will cover both Livestock and Exhibit Hall Projects.  Attendees will be placed on a Preferred Judges List for Southeast Indiana 4-H.

AREA 9 LIVESTOCK JUDGING INVITATIONAL CONTEST APRIL 18, 2023

WHERE:  Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds

TIME:  10:00 am EST

REGISTRATION:  9:30 am to 10:00 am EST

COST:  $10.00 Per youth participant

FOR INFORMATION:  Contact Ashlee Davis – davi1730@purdue.edu or Mercedes Brunton – brunton@purdue.edu

HORSE CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS - Spring 2023

4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest – March 25^th at Purdue University, West Lafayette

4-H Horse Communications Contest- April 13^th held Virtually

4-H and FFA Horse Judging- May 6^th at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds

4-H Academy @ Purdue

bit.ly/in4hacademy

• Wednesday June 7^th – Friday June 9^th
• Purdue University, West Lafayette
• grades 9-12 completed
• 15 career exploration workshops available
• Registration deadline May 15^th : to ride Area III bus, deadline is March 31
• 4-H Academy @ Purdue is a program held at Purdue University specifically designed to offer hands-on, exciting opportunities to learn about a diverse selection of subjects and careers. During this conference previously known as 4-H Science Workshops, participants will meet and learn from professors, graduate students and other experts in their respective fields and participate in interactive activities and experiential learning. Participants stay in a Purdue University Residence Hall for two nights while exploring the Purdue University campus and meeting 4-H members from across Indiana. 4-H Academy @ Purdue is open to all youth grades 9-12.

State 4-H Band & Chorus wORKSHOPS

bit.ly/inband4h; bit.ly/in4hchorus

• Saturday June 24^h – Monday June 26^th
• Purdue University; perform during 4-H Round-Up
• Grades 9-12 completed
• Registration deadline June 1^st
• The State 4-H Band​ workshop is three days in length. Youth will improve their instrumental skills as they prepare for a concert band performance Monday evening during 4-H Round-Up. Any youth who has completed grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 may apply. 4-H membership is not required. Selection is made by the State 4-H B
• The State 4-H Chorus​ workshop is three days in length. Youth will improve their vocal and choreography skills as they prepare for a show choir performance Tuesday evening during 4-H Round-Up. Any youth who has completed grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 may apply. 4-H membership is not required. Selection is made by the State 4-H Chorus Director and Coordinator.​ and Director and Coordinator. 

 4-H Round-Up

 bit.ly/4hroundup

• Monday June 26^th -Wednesday June 28^th
• Purdue University, West Lafayette
• Grades 7-9 completed
• Registration deadline June 1^st: to ride Area III bus, deadline is March 31
• 4-H Round-Up is an exciting opportunity offered to youth who have completed grades 7, 8, and 9. Attendees have an opportunity to explore a variety of careers by attending classes created just for Round-Up attendees at Purdue University. Participants will get a taste of college life and will live in a Purdue Residence Hall for two nights. Youth have an opportunity to meet others from across the state and further develop their leadership skills. Recreation events are planned in the evenings and blocks of free time allow attendees the opportunity to build friendships on their own.

State Fair Exhibit Hall Workers

purdue.ag/in4hehw

• End of July through completion of Indiana State Fair
• Indianapolis, IN
• Workers must be at least 14 years old at the time of work
• College students are welcome to apply
• Application due April 15th
• Youth are afforded an opportunity to work at the Indiana State Fair as an Exhibit Hall Worker​​. Duties include checking-in non-animal 4-H exhibits, preparing exhibits for display to the public, record keeping, interacting with fair attendees, assisting with a variety of state fair events, and releasing exhibits. Workers will develop team work, customer service, record keeping, and other work-related skills through this temporary employment opportunity. 
• Exhibit Hall Worker are expected to reside on-site in the reserved dormitory space. This is a minimum wage-earning employment opportunity.​

Indiana 4-H Leadership Summit 2023

purdue.ag/in4hsummit

• Saturday October 21^st
• Youth grades 8^th-12^th and adult volunteers
• Educational breakout sessions & scholarship & volunteer award recognition

National 4-H Youth Congress 2023

purdue.ag/national4hcongress

• Friday November 24^th – Tuesday November 28^th
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Grades 9+
• Application due May 1^st
• National 4-H Congress​ is one of the premier experiences for 4-H members across the country. For more than ninety years, 4-H members have been gathering to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of 4-H at this event. National 4-H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet other 4-H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team development, and of course having fun! 4-H members in grades 9-12 may apply. Eight to ten selected applicants will comprise Indiana's delegation. 

Career Development Events

purdue.ag/4hcde

• Competitive events throughout the year that allow youth to showcase their knowledge in 15 different subject areas. Most Career Development Events offer both individual and team entries.

Subject Areas include:

Consumer Decision Making  

Crops  

Milk Quality and Products ​

Dairy Cattle Judging  

Entomology  

Forestry  

Hippology  

Horse Judging  

Horticulture  

Livestock Judging   

Livestock Skillathon  

Meat Judging  

Poultry Judging  

Soil Judging  

Wildlife Habitat ​​

State 4-H Junior Leader Conference

Facebook:  @4HSJLC; purdue.ag/4hsjlc

• Tuesday June 13^th - Friday June 16^th
• DePauw University
• Grades 9^th-12^th completed
• Registration due May 15^th
• The Conference is planned by a 14-member Jr. Leader Council.

• STATE 4-H JUNIOR LEADER CONFERENCE IS FOR

Those who want to learn new leadership skills for themselves and others.

Those willing to share the knowledge they gain with those at home.

Those who want to meet new friends from around Indiana.

Those who want to have fun!

• While at Jr. Leader Conference, youth participate in:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Skill Sessions

State Park Group meetings

General Sessions

Skits/Talent Show

Recreation

Banquet and Dance

Installation Ceremony for Jr. Leader Council

Citizenship Washington Focus

purdue.ag/4hcwf

• Dates: July 1-7, 2023
• Washington D.C.
• Grades 9^th-12^th completed
• Registration deadline March 15^th
• This one-time trip is an exciting experience for 4-H members and other youth to go to the nation's capital and learn more about the meaning of citizenship. Listening, learning, sharing, receiving, caring and touring combine to provide a deeper respect and understanding for our American heritage and the principles, processes and structures of the U.S. government. Young people acquire increased motivation and skills for dealing with contemporary social issues and for taking leadership in community development, government affairs, and related projects when they return home. Each delegate will take part in workshops on contemporary issues and topics such as international affairs, human relations, government, ecology and conservation, family life and dating, community development, drama and creative expression, economics, agricultural policy, leadership, and careers. In addition, advanced training sessions are scheduled to provide in-depth concentration on one topical area such as community development, heritage, economics, politics, environment and ecology, human relations, communications, family life and dating, advanced citizenship-seminar policy, and others of current interest.”

Communications Events at the Indiana State Fair

purdue.ag/4hcommunications

• Demonstration
• Informative 4-H presentation
• Professional persuasive presentation
• Public speaking
• Youth participate at the county level as a 4-H Member in an effort to qualify for these events at The Indiana State Fair

National 4-H Dairy Conference

https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/national-programs/national-4-h-dairy-conference.html

• Sunday October 1^st- Thursday October 5^th
• University of Wisconsin- Madison
• Grades 9^th-12^th completed
• Registration deadline July 15

2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR – FRIDAY, JULY 7 TO TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

2023 INDIANA STATE FAIR – JULY 28 – AUGUST 20, 2023 Closed Monday & Tuesdays.

ACCESS TO ANIMAL MEDICATIONS: Plan Ahead for Changes Coming this Summer

By Debbie Boyd, DVM; Indiana State Board of Animal Health

Changes are coming to the way certain antibiotics will be available to animal owners by June 11, 2023.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been taking steps to improve the judicious use of antibiotics in humans and animals.  For animal owners, the next step is outlined in Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263.  This document requires drug companies to change the labels on over-the-counter medically important antibiotics (MIA) to prescription status.  The FDA has been working toward the goal of having all medically important antibiotics for animals fall under the oversight of veterinarians.  In 2017, FDA required MIAs in feed to have a veterinary feed directive (VFD) and all antibiotics administered via water have prescription labels.

Not all drugs and not even all antibiotics will be affected by this rule change—only MIAs.  Medically important antibiotics are those classes of antibiotics that are important for treating human disease.  However, the most common over-the-counter antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracyclines, and sulfas fall in the medically important category and will no longer be available without a prescription.  GFI #263 affects MIAs for livestock, equine, and small animals. 

Dewormers, some coccidiostats, and some less common and non-MIA antibiotics will not have a label change.  

Antibiotics you have on-hand after they are no longer available to buy without a prescription may be used legally.  However, stocking up on these products is not recommended they may expire before they can be used.  The best idea is to work with your veterinarian and have a plan in place for when animals may need antibiotics.  If you don’t currently have a regular veterinarian, now is a good time to reach out to one before an emergency occurs.  Veterinarians are not obligated to write prescriptions or see animals, particularly after hours, if they are not regular clients. A valid veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) is required for veterinarians to write prescriptions.  To establish a valid VCPR, be prepared to have an annual visit from the veterinarian in order to have access to emergency visits and prescriptions.  This federal rule change does not mean a veterinarian needs to see every animal every time it is sick.  However, how you and your veterinarian will handle sick animals, prescriptions, and emergency situations is a conversation that should be completed in advance.

PURDUE FAST START FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

One way to earn admission into Purdue University is through Fast Start. Indiana Students can take the Modern States online courses for free.  Those who pass a minimum of five corresponding College Board CLEP exams and meet Purdue’s standard admission requirements are assured admission to Purdue and designated Klinsky Scholars. CLEP testing centers are now open along with online options. The Purdue Extension Martin County Office staff are available to help local students access this opportunity! 

PURDUE UNIVERSITY NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Purdue University Nutrition Education Program is helping to build a healthier Indiana.

All over Indiana, we’re working to improve community wellness and health equity for all Hoosiers, especially those of us who have the least, through two major offerings: direct education and community wellness initiatives. We partner with local advocates, community organizations, and government agencies to make food and exercise accessible in Indiana.

One focus is on helping us all be active. Being active can be easier than you think.  It can even be as easy as a walk around the block. By logging into Purdue Eat Gather Go Website, you can check out tips to get you off your seat and on your feet!  These four sessions focus on

-Lower Body Strength

-Upper Body Strength

-Walk Your Way to Fitness

- Flexibility

Log in on the following website: (https://www.eatgathergo.org/) and check out How to get Started. You will also have the opportunity to sign up for FREE Virtual Lessons offering nutrition education that you can view from your own home.  When you sign up a Purdue University Extension Nutrition staff member will contact you so that you can get started right away.  You will also be able to get healthy and strong with the FREE Quick Tip Sheets that contain simple steps and helpful photos showing anything from how to warm up & cool down to how to take your pulse. You might also be interested in the FREE Monthly Newsletter and receive Recipes, Shopping Tips, Fun Activities to share with the family, great ideas to keep you and your family healthy and on a budget and information on FREE lessons and programs all offered to you through the above Purdue Extension Website. 

Start today! Log on to: https://www.eatgathergo.org/

EATING HEALTHY ON A BUDGET

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Use these tips to make healthy choices while staying within your budget. Check out these simple tips below and learn more at MyPlate.

Create a Grocery Game Plan

• Before heading to the grocery store, get organized. Look in your freezer, cabinets and refrigerator. See what items you already have and save money by using them.
• Use a worksheet, such as the Create a Grocery Game Plan, to plan your meals and figure out what you need to buy.
• Write down the meals you want to make during the week. Think about ideas for healthy and low-cost meals based on foods your family enjoys and foods that are good buys.
• Make a grocery list. Try to buy enough for the whole week and save yourself a shopping trip.
• Think about your schedule. Choose meals you can make easily on your busiest days. Save recipes that take longer for your days off.
  

Shop Smart to Fill Your Cart

• If you have the freezer space, buy frozen vegetables without added sauces or butter. They’re as good for you as fresh and may cost less.
• Use canned and frozen fruits and vegetables. They last much longer than fresh and are a quick way to add fruits and vegetables to your meal.
• Buy “in season” fruits and veggies if you can. They usually cost less and are at their peak flavor. Buy only what you can use before it spoils.
• Learn to read labels. Especially check the Nutrition Facts label to see the amount of fat, sodium and added sugars in the foods and beverages you choose.
• To lower meat costs, buy the family-sized or value pack, and freeze what you don’t use. Choose lean meats like chicken or turkey. When choosing ground beef, make sure it’s lean (92% lean/8% fat) ground beef.
• Don’t forget about eggs! They’re a great low-cost option that’s easy to prepare.
• Always check the sell by date to make sure you’re buying the freshest dairy products.
• Choose rice and pasta for budget-friendly grain options.
• Read the PDF available online on friendly foods to keep on hand.

  PDF of budget friendly foods to keep on hand (Spanish Version).

• Drink water instead of buying sodas or other sugary drinks. Tap water is easy on your wallet and has zero calories.
• Choose the checkout lane without the candy, especially if you have kids with you.

Think smarter. Use these timesaver tips to cut your time in the kitchen. By taking the stress and hassle out of cooking, you’ll have more time to enjoy it and to spend with your loved ones.

• Organize your kitchen. Keep frequently used items such as cooking oils/sprays, spatulas, cutting boards and spices within easy reach. This will save you from having to search for them later.
• Clear the clutter. Before you start cooking, clear off your counters. This allows more room for prep space.
• Clean as you go. Fill up the sink with soapy water and wash the dishes as you cook. It’ll make clean up go much smoother!
• Save some for later. Freeze leftover soups, sauces or gravies in small reusable containers.

Keep it simple. Healthy and creative meals don’t have to be complicated. The simpler your menu, the less money and stress it will cost you in the end.

Visit: https://www.eatgathergo.org/eat/planning/eating-healthy-on-a-budget/    For great information weekly menus, grocery spending guide, and a budget calendar that gives you a pattern to follow and a blank calendar for you to adapt to your own budget and much, much more.  This is a very informative website that gives easy to follow directions and ideas on many things that helps the home run smooth in todays fast paced world.