Announcements         

Verification Form Deadline

Late forms are due June 15th!

FINAL Postmark deadline is June 15th
Late forms can be submitted up to 14 days after the deadline with $10 late fee per animal. 

The 4-H office needs the original hard copy of each form. 

All forms must contain the wet signatures of all parties. Individuals wishing to apply for Eastern States 4-H Activities at The Big E must turn in forms on-time

Animal Project Verification Form Guidelines
Animal Verification Form - Large Animals
Animal Verification Form - Small Animals
Contract for Lease of 4-H Project Animals
Policy on Late Animal Verification Forms
UConn 4-H Verification & Lease Form Checklist

Please contact Maryann if you have any questions

 

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4-H Fair Poultry Shows

On May 18, 2022 the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (poultry) in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

In light of this and other detections nationwide, UConn Extension has determined that there will be no poultry shows at 4-H Fairs this summer.  Best practices indicate co-mingling birds from small flocks around the state is not advised at this time due to the incidence of AI found in wild birds.
Our 4-H fairs will be working to create other poultry related experiences at their fairs instead of having regular competitions. 

Be sure to still get your poultry verification forms in by 6/1 for virtual poultry opportunities and submission of record books. 

If you wish to track 2022 confirmations of HPAI, please visit this site

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           Opportunities           

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UConn Dining Services Culinary Camps for Children Ages 11-13
June 20-21, 2022 & June 23-24, 2022

Participants will have an opportunity in both camps to work with award-winning UConn chefs and learn the basics related to cooking.

For more information visit: https://dining.uconn.edu/ucann-cook-camps/

UConn Extension
Educational Program Assistant 1, Hartford County Extension
4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy- Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension Educator
Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in Soil Health
Program Assistant Position (Public Service Technician)
Program Coordinator (Public Service Technician)
Educational Program Assistant 1 Fairfield County

 Accepting UConn 4-H Hall of Fame and Rising Star Award Nominations for 2022

UConn 4-H Hall of Fame Nominations Wanted! 

UConn 4-H is establishing our very own 4-H Hall of Fame to recognize the accomplishments of volunteers and supporters of the UConn 4-H program.
Nominations are currently being sought of nominees for the inaugural UConn 4-H Hall of Fame class.
Nominations are due to your county 4-H Office by July 1, 2022.
Application available at: 

s.uconn.edu/4-Hhof

UConn 4-H Rising Star Nominations Wanted! 

UConn 4-H volunteers within their first 10 years who have demonstrated significant dedication and achievement as a UConn 4-H Volunteer will be recognized as UConn 4-H Rising Star award winners.
Nominations are due to your county 4-H office by July 1, 2022.
Application available at s.uconn.edu/4-hrisingstar 

 Questions regarding the nomination process can be directed to
Nancy Wilhelm, State 4-H Program Coordinator at nancy.wilhelm@uconn.edu.  

         Other Information       

2022 State of CT Fair & Show Requirements
Please review the requirements and use as reference in the upcoming show season

UConn 4-H COVID-19 Guidelines as of 5/10/22
 
With the updated UConn guidelines, masking is strongly encouraged on campus in instructional settings, workspaces, and indoor events, but no longer required. UConn 4-H activities that are hosted in spaces other than UConn property should follow the guidelines of the host facility.  Any 4-H activities occurring on UConn property or in a UConn office must adhere to current UConn guidelines. 

Please remember that masking is still recommended.  We also strongly encourage each member of the UConn community to continue to be flexible and courteous when it comes to masking.  Members of the community will be at varying stages of comfort with mask wearing and we want to be respectful of others.

Please note that the requirement for safety plans has been removed.  If this should change in the future, an announcement will be made in future newsletters.  

HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN BIRDS

Owners of birds should avoid visiting other farms, homes or facilities that also have birds. Please keeps this in mind when planning 4-H club activities. USDA has confirmed Avian Influenza in Connecticut. 
USDA APHIS has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the country. Anyone involved with poultry – commercial or backyard flocks alike – should review their biosecurity plan and enhance their biosecurity practices to assure the health of their birds.

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl. As part of our efforts to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza into Connecticut poultry, the department conducts surveillance testing of birds throughout the state. Commercial and non-commercial flock owners are participating in our surveillance program. We have partnered with the Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Connecticut to do low or no cost testing of birds for the Avian Influenza virus. We also have strict importation restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus in our state.

Bird owners need to be aware and report anything out of the ordinary. Anyone who may suspect a poultry on their farm may have died from unknown causes should call the State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or email ctstate.vet@ct.gov. Signs of Avian Influenza include depression, decreased feed and water consumption, decreased egg production, soft or misshapen eggs, and respiratory signs (coughing and sneezing). You can also find out more by visiting the Connecticut Department of Public Health's pandemic flu webpage or visit the USDA’s Bird Flu website.

Additional resources:
CT Avian Influenza Information
CT Avian Influenza FAQ
Defend the Flock

Complete your UConn 4-H record book in ZSuite


Now is a great time to start working on your record book!
A video on how to complete a UConn 4-H Record Book can be found at
s.uconn.edu/4-hrecord

4-H Websites
You can find forms, upcoming event information and other details at:
Tolland County 4-H: https://4-h.extension.uconn.edu/tolland-county/
UCONN 4-H Program: s.uconn.edu/4-H