Announcements


Updated: UConn 4-H COVID-19 Guidelines

Effective Friday, March 4, masks will be “recommended” in nearly all settings rather than “required.” 

Masking will continue to be required for all on UConn campus instructional settings, including classes, labs, studios, rehearsal rooms, and clinics, through at least April 1, 2022, when the University will reevaluate this.
 

If meeting in person for 4-H activities a safety plan is still required:
A safety plan MUST be submitted to the 4-H office for approval prior to in-person 4-H activities. Post activity, a complete list of attendees (speakers, youth, volunteers, adults, family members) must be emailed to the 4-H Office promptly to aid in any contact tracing. 4-H Volunteers need to be willing to assist in contact tracing as requested by 4-H Office.  All local, state and UConn guidelines must be adhered to.

REMINDER: Prior to ALL in-person 4-H activities, signed safety plans MUST be emailed to the 4-H Office for review. 
UConn Extension has developed a safety plan. This document references various aspects of planning that you need to be cognizant of as you re-engage in face to face programming. Where the plan asks for a faculty or staff member, you as a registered 4-H volunteer may list your name. You are encouraged to work with 4-Hers to complete the form. 

A completed copy of this form needs to be submitted to the 4-H Office and kept on file with each club/4-H group in case there is a positive. Please note it is critical that a list of all individuals present are recorded on an attendance sheet. This includes speakers, family members, volunteers, etc. 
ACCESS THE FORM.docx.docx

Please email Maryann Fusco-Rollins or the 4-H Office prior to planning activities to obtain updates on current restrictions. 

Click on Flyer below to go to
Tolland County 4-H webpage 
Scroll to the Tolland County 4-H Fair tab for sponsorship forms

 Opportunities 

2022 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees is pleased to announce the topic for its 2022 4-H Essay Contest Transportation: Minimizing Stress on Bees While Getting Them Where They Need to Be Details for the contest can be found at this link: Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees Essay Contest

4‑H Youth in Action Awards

The 4‑H Youth in Action Program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in our core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM.

Each year, Pillar Winners will experience an exciting year of telling their 4‑H story and celebrating their leadership. Winners receive:

2023 
Application
 

Farm Credit Scholarship due April 1 at 5pm Application
CT Association of CT Fairs Scholarship due to Tolland County 4-H Office by May 15th Application

Get your @4-H Rewards Card today! Stop by a local @JOANN store now to sign up for free and receive 15% off your purchases. It’s a great way to shop with purpose & give back to 4-H! JOANN stores are supporting 4-H now through April 30th. Show your support by visiting a store and supporting the JOANN campaign. 
joann.com/4-H/ 

 Other Information 


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
 

UConn students:  Intern with us this summer! 
We have positions open statewide in agriculture, climate, food, health, sustainable landscapes and 4-H youth.  Apply by March 25th.  Full details: https//s.uconn.edu/interns

4-H Education Center at Auerfarm
Director of Education 

FoodCorps
FoodCorps Service Member

Complete your UConn 4-H record book in ZSuite


2022 is here! Now is a great time to set your 4-H goals for the year. 
A video on how to complete a UConn 4-H Record Book can be found at
s.uconn.edu/4-hrecord

New 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 
 

March 13: UConn 4-H Nutrition & Food Show.pdf at the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm. 

March 16: Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer Connections: Expanding possibilities for youth at 6:30- 8:00 pm

March 26: State Public Speaking Contest

April 2: 4-H Goat Day 8:00 am - 4:30 pm held at UConn Storrs Campus Register by March 9th.  Registration will close once capacity is reached.

April 13: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)

April 20: UConn 4-H Jr. STEM Day (open to all youth 7-12 years old)

April 23: Tolland County 4-H Fair Sponsorship Campaign Turn in Spaghetti Dinner (Tolland County Extension Center) more information to come!

May 1:

• Verification forms due for Dairy Cattle, Beef Heifers for ESE consideration and Horse and Beef for 4-H Fair Showing
• Application for ESE New England 4-H Horse Show Due
• Application for ESE New England 4-H Dairy Program Due

May 7: New England 4-H Dog Clinic - Tolland Agricultural Center

May 11: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)

May 12: 2022 Connecticut 4-H Expressive Arts Day 9:00am- 2:30pm Young Building, Uconn Storrs 

May 20: Award applications for Dairy Conference and Congress are due

May 14: UConn 4-H Equine Activities Day

June 1st: 

• Recognition Forms due for consideration for National 4-H Dairy Conference and National 4-H Congress
• Verification forms due for dog, rabbit, cavies, small animals, goat, swine, working steer, llama, alpaca, poultry and sheep for 4-H fair showing

June 8: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)

July 13: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)

July 27: Tolland County 4-H Fairboard Meeting at 6:45 pm (Tolland County Extension Center)

August 12-14: Tolland County 4-H Fair