What to Expect from the 4-H Program By Mario Villarino
Feb15

What to Expect from the 4-H Program By Mario Villarino

I often get asked when new families join 4-H what to expect of the program. It is usually the word of 4-Hers and their families that provides the answer correctly. For many, it is the livestock projects, for others the very many other activities in 4-H.  According to Marty Vahlenkamp (www. https://texasyouthlivestock.com) the answer for sure it is different for every 4-H’er depending on their goals and personal situation. The typical...

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2019 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show Starts February 21st
Feb05

2019 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show Starts February 21st

by Mario Villarino The hands of youth livestock exhibitors do more than raise livestock projects that are an example of the highest quality animals in our food chain. Those hands also work to learn, lead, mentor, and serve. Thousands of 4-H and FFA youth, both young and old, use their hands day in and day out to succeed with livestock projects and build a better future for themselves and those around them. Hopkins County celebrates...

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Hopkins County 4-H & Youth Program By Johanna Hicks
Jan04

Hopkins County 4-H & Youth Program By Johanna Hicks

           Several of my previous columns featured major programs that are offered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Hopkins County.  One of the major branches under the large umbrella of Extension is the 4-H & Youth program, so I wanted to focus on some of the accomplishments of our youth.                Hopkins County boasts nearly 150 4-H...

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Agrilife: Hopkins County 4-H Members Featured; Master Wellness Volunteer Training; Jalapeno Cornbread
Nov13

Agrilife: Hopkins County 4-H Members Featured; Master Wellness Volunteer Training; Jalapeno Cornbread

Hopkins County 4-H Members Featured                In the next few weeks, you’ll be reading about the variety of programs, series, workshops, field days, and other events offered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County.  We recently held our annual Extension Leadership Banquet to honor our committees, Master Volunteers, 4-H leaders,...

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4-H Swine Validation By Mario Villarino
Nov09

4-H Swine Validation By Mario Villarino

4-H Swine Validation- November 19, 2018 4:00 to 5:00 PM – Extension Office Swine is a generic word used to describe pigs.  For 4-H, the swine project includes the selection, care and showing of a commercial pig.  For the majority of our 4-H members, the NETLA junior market show is the livestock show where those projects will terminate but some also intent to show at major livestock shows. The swine project starts with making the...

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Junior Livestock Show Validations By Mario Villarino
Oct05

Junior Livestock Show Validations By Mario Villarino

Junior Livestock Show Validations: Steers and Heifers, October 11, 2018, Goats and Lambs Oct 18, 2018. Texas has the largest number of 4-H and FFA livestock projects in the nation. Additionally, Texas has the most exhibitors, scholarships awarded. Young people have the opportunity to participate at the county, district, regional and state level. The tremendous support and dedication of livestock show officials, donors and industry...

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4-H Grows Here By Johanna Hicks
Aug10

4-H Grows Here By Johanna Hicks

4-H Grows Here!                Every August, registration for 4-H membership begins.  The 4-H year coincides with the school year, so that makes it easy to get in from the very beginning!  For families who are new to the 4-H experience, allow me to start at the beginning. What is 4-H?  4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop...

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2018 Hopkins County Junior Livestock Market Show By Mario Villarino
Feb16

2018 Hopkins County Junior Livestock Market Show By Mario Villarino

As we get closer to our NETLA Junior Market Livestock Show (Feb 22,23 and 24) I wanted to share with you a little bit about the event. The North East Texas Livestock Association  (NETLA) is a non-for-profit association created with the purpose of promoting youth development and is composed of volunteers, FFA advisors, 4-H leaders and myself, the Hopkins County Extension Agent. As an organization, we promote youth development during...

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National 4-H Week, By Johanna Hicks
Sep27

National 4-H Week, By Johanna Hicks

National 4-H Week For the 75th consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will be celebrating National 4-H Week during the first full week of October.  Hopkins County 4-H will leverage National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people , and will highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on...

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Livestock Shows By Mario Villarino
Sep22

Livestock Shows By Mario Villarino

Livestock Show Season Raising and exhibiting a livestock project is not only  instructional, concerning raising livestock for show, but also serves as an excellent teaching tool to illustrate livestock production techniques and  animal science principles. Participating in a livestock project promotes sound  livestock production practices. To be successful, families need to start by learning the essentials. Some of the major areas...

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