County Extension Agent

October 27, 2017 - The Shelby County A&M AgriLife Extension Office is hosting a Beef & Forage Seminar Thursday, November 2, 2017. The program will be held in the Extension Office Gym (Old Elementary School Gym) at 266 Nacogdoches Street, Center, TX.

Pre-Registration is $15 per person and registration at the door is $20. Click here to see/print Registration form.

The program will be held from 6:00-9:00PM, meal served at 5:30PM sponsored by Crop Production Services.

Speakers and topics include Vanessa Corriher-Olsen, Ph.D., a Texas A&M AgriLife Forage Extension Specialist and John Roach, Crop Production Services. Corriher-Olson will speak about getting the most out of your spray equipment, calibration, GPS and nozzles as well as speak about use of dry, liquid, and organic fertilizers. Roach will give a chemical update.

The program will also provide 3 C.E.U. credits with 2 general and 1 IPM. Please RSVP by October 30th, 2017 with payment.

Return registration form and fee to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Beef & Forage Seminar, 200 San Augustine Street #7, Center, Texas 75935.

The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. Anyone needing special assistance at an Extension Program should contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office of Shelby County (936) 598-7744 at least two weeks prior to the program or event.

Submitted by Lane Dunn

October 10, 2017 - The 2017 East Texas Poultry Festival broiler sale brought over $120,700 with the grand champion pen of broilers selling for $9,000.00.

Eighty-three Shelby County 4-H and FFA youth exhibited at this year's show, with 45 pens of broilers making the sale. We would like to give special thanks to the Judge Jacob Price for taking the time to come judge the show. Mr. Price spoke to several of the exhibitors and gave them several tips of how to grow an outstanding Broiler.

The Results of the show are as follows:

Camille Greer of Shelby County 4-H sold her grand champion pen of broilers to East Texas Poultry, Ace Hardware of East Texas and 4-C Electric for $9,000.00.

Cale Hall of Center FFA won reserve champion honors with his pen of broilers, which sold to Farmer’s State Bank for $5,500.

Other Shelby County 4-H and FFA members selling their pens and buyers were:

3. Klayton LaRock, Center FFA; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Hunter Buildings, Nacogdoches Bottling Company; $3,000.00
4. Zoie Eberenz, Center FFA; First Financial Bank; $2,750.00
5. Addison Lloyd, Shelby County 4-H; 4-L Logging; $2,500.00
6. Wesley Wages, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Hunter Buildings, Nacogdoches Bottling Company; $2,500.00
7. Corey Smelley, Timpson FFA; Austin Bank; $2,500.00
8. Mason Perry, Center FFA; Chris Paddie State Representative; $2,800.00
9. Grant Gregory, Center FFA; Tyson-Carthage; $2,500.00
10. Collin Lloyd, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Hunter Buildings, Nacogdoches Bottling Company; $2,600.00
11. Emilee Elliott, Center FFA; Borders Poultry Supply, $2,600.00
12. Stormie Meyers, Joaquin FFA; R&D Distributing, Fish & Still Equipment, Heritage Land Bank; $2,250.00
13. Logan Holloway, Center FFA; McAdams Propane; $3,000.00
14. Logan Speedy, Center FFA; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Hunter Buildings, Nacogdoches Bottling Company; $2,600.00
15. Colby Lout, Shelby County 4-H; Roughrider Tire; $2,600.00
16. Laura Ann Scull, Shelby County 4-H; Bird Forestry; $2,500.00
17. Camryn Crouch, Shelby County 4-H; Rydaco Investments, Rapid Payday and Title Loans, Title Pro., Insurance Bureau Group, and Pine Creek Farms; $3,200.00
18. Megan Dunn, Shelby County 4-H; Deep East Texas Electric Co-op; $2,600.00
19. Lance Holloway, Center FFA; McAdams Propane; $2,900.00
20. Trista Britt, Center FFA; Shelby County Farm Bureau; $2,400.00
21. Hollie Hamilton, Joaquin FFA; Tyson-Carthage; $2,000.00
22. Seth Shamblin, Center FFA; Pilgrim’s Pride; $2,900.00
23. David Barton Jr., Shelby County 4-H; Pilgrim’s Pride; $2,200.00
24. Brayden Britt, Center FFA; Sabine State Bank, Shelby Veterinary Associates, 96 Equipment Inc; $2,100.00
25. Chandler Pritchett, Joaquin FFA; Tyson-Carthage; $2,400.00
26. Alec Dykes, Shelby County 4-H; Tyson-Nacogdoches; $2,300.00
27. Kaden LaRock, Center FFA; Hawkeye Hunting Club; $2,100.00
28. Rylan Barbee, Shelby County 4-H; Chris Paddie, State Representative; $2,100.00
29. Carsen Vickers, Center FFA; East Texas Surveying and Mapping; $2,400.00
30. Hannah Wages, Shelby County 4-H; Borders Poultry, Heritage Land Bank; $2,400.00
31. Samuel Richey, Shelby County 4-H; Citizens Bank, Keith Oswalt Logging, and Matthews Real Estate; $2,100.00
32. Anna Holland, Tenaha FFA; Chris Paddie, State Representative; $2,200.00
33. Evan O'Rear, Shelby County 4-H; M&M Construction; $2,400.00
34. Mason Hughes, Joaquin FFA; Tyson-Carthage; $1,800.00
35. Faith Alford, Joaquin FFA; Silva-Tech.; $1,900.00
36. Maddox Hutchins, Joaquin FFA; Roughrider Tire; $2,100.00
37. Lane Webb, Joaquin FFA; Bird Forestry; $3,000.00
38. Eli Lout, Shelby County 4-H; Roughrider Tire; $2,700.00
39. Abi Hooper, Joaquin FFA; Link Charolais; $2,700.00
40. Carter Tomlin, Shelby County 4-H; High Roller Wells, and Center Welding; $3,000.00
41. Britain Tyler, Shelby County 4-H; McAdams Propane and Weldon Boles; 1,600.00
42. Autum Andrusick, Shelby County 4-H; Spartan Structures; $1,900.00
43. Wade Collard, Shelby County 4-H; Tyson-Carthage; $1,600.00
44. Aspen Pritchett, Joaquin FFA; Texas State Bank; $2,800.00
45. Julie Bird, Shelby County 4-H; Shelby Savings Bank, General Shelters, Hunter Buildings and Nacogdoches Bottling Company; $3,400.00

Cale Hall, a senior at Center High School, will be awarded a $500 scholarship from Shelby Savings Bank for being the highest placing senior with his pen of broilers and Center’s awards ceremony.

Thanks go to Boles Feed for the purchase of the wing band and the wing-banding for the broilers.

Also contributing to the sale were: East Texas Poultry, Ace Hardware of East Texas, 4-C Electric, Farmers State Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, Hunter Buildings, General Shelters, Nacogdoches Bottling Co., First Financial Bank, 4-L Logging, Austin Bank of Timpson, Chris Paddie, State Representative, Tyson-Carthage, Borders Poultry, R&D Distributing, Fish & Still Equipment, Heritage Land Bank, McAdams Propane, Roughrider Tire, Bird Forestry, Rydaco Investments, Rapid Payday and Title Loans, Title Pro., Insurance Bureau Group, Pine Creek Farms, Deep East Texas Electric Co-op., Cobb Vantress, Shelby County Farm Bureau, Pilgrim’s Pride, Sabine State Bank, Shelby Veterinary Associates, 96 Equipment Inc., Tyson-Nacogdoches, Hawkeye Hunting Club, East Texas Surveying and Mapping, Citizens Bank, Keith Oswalt Logging, Matthews Real Estate, M&M Construction, Silva-Tech, Link Charolais, High Roller Wells, Center Welding, Weldon Boles, Texas State Bank, Lease Operating Services, Double “O” Operating, Trails End, Ms. Odessa Link, Few Ready Mix, Mettauer Law Firm, Wheeler Law Office, Judge Charles Mitchell, Smith Sawmill Services, Dairy Queen, Ihlo Sales & Imports, Elliott & Waldron Title Co., Spartan Construction, Center Tire Company, Atwood (Buddy) & Paula Kay, Bounds Insurance, Fairchild Law Office, Dance Furniture, Shelbyville Grocery, Dean’s Hardware, Ward Animal Clinic, Judge LeeAnn Rafferty, Boles Feed, JBA Financial Services, Worsham’s Grocery, Steel Building Supply, Light & Champion Newspaper, County Judge Allison Harbison, Wayne Christian Financial, Payne’s Rentals, Payne’s Community News, Mack O’Rear Real Estate, Shoop Insurance, Shoop Financial, Action Credit, Monco Motor Company

We would like to take this time to say “thank you” from the Shelby County 4-H and FFA members, and the Broiler Show Committee to Contributors for their generous contributions and to the many volunteers that help make the annual “Broiler Show and Auction” the great event that it is every year!

September 26, 2017 - Shelby County 4-H was well represented at the East Texas State Fair with members winning several divisions in the livestock show. The heifer show started Friday with Hannah Wages winning Reserve Champion Hereford and being selected for the junior showmanship contest.

Hannah Wages

Camille Greer began Saturday by winning Reserve Champion Charolais and she was also selected to show in the junior showmanship contest. Camille then went on to win junior showmanship.

Wesley Wages exhibited the Champion Limousin.

Wesley Wages

When the heifers were finished showing the swine and steers moved in and showed the next day. Seth Shamblin’s Hampshire barrow was selected as Reserve Champion and he also placed first in class with three other hogs.

Megan Dunn’s steer was selected as Champion Charolais. Please take time to congratulate these exhibitors for their efforts and making Shelby County proud!

Camille GreerMegan Dunn

Submitted by Lane Dunn

September 20, 2017 - (Flyer: Espanol) - Diabetes is a growing issue in America that is affecting more and more people every day.  Living as a diabetic can be challenging and confusing. Trying to figure out what you can and cannot eat can present a challenge when you are not sure of the true facts regarding diabetes. To help educate the Shelby County community this topic, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in conjunction with sponsor Nacogdoches Medical Center will present Cooking Well with Diabetes classes.

This class will be presented October 13, 2107 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Templo Principe de paz, 398 State Hwy 7 West, Center, Texas. The program will be presented in Spanish and English.  Topics will include recognizing carbohydrates in recipes and using sweeteners effectively, making recipes with fat better, reducing sodium and increasing fiber, and special event recipes that are healthy and delicious. These interactive classes will include research based information, delicious diabetes friendly recipes demonstrations and tastings, lunch, and drawings for various door prizes.  

For more information or to RSVP for the class, contact the Shelby County Extension office at 936-598-7744 or email Jheri-Lynn McSwain, CEA-FCS at jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu. For information in Spanish, contact Marlene Hernandez at 936-488-9443.  Registration in advance is required to participate in these informative class.

 

September 8, 2017 (Registration Form) - Shelby County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office is hosting a Beef Cattle Seminar, Monday, September 25th, 2017 starting at 6:00PM.

As we leave summer and enter fall producers often ask, “What’s the best breed of bull?” Dr. Jason Cleere, Beef Cattle Specialist, from Texas A&M will be the featured speaker. Dr. Cleere will be discussing bull selection utilizing different methods to make the best choice for your operation including EPD’s, terminal vs. maternal, phenotype (the way the bull looks) and cost. He will also discuss how blending these selection criteria can aid you in your purchasing process.

Feeding our cows is also a hot topic going into winter. We have been blessed with moisture most of the summer and our cows are in great shape. Dr. Cleere will be discussing feeding strategies and how to provide the proper nutrition for your cattle and keep it as cost effective as possible. The program will provide 1.5 Beef Quality Assurance CEU hours and will be held at the new Shelby County Extension office located at 266 Nacogdoches St., Center, TX 75935.

Link Charolais will be sponsoring the program, meal and providing some excellent door prizes. The pre-registration cost is $10.00 and registration at the door is $20.00. You can go to our facebook page by searching for Shelby Extension Agriculture Natural Resources to receive information regarding this program, agriculture news and other upcoming programs.

Please RSVP with payment by September 20th, 2017 to our office.

The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. Please notify the Shelby County Extension office at 936-598-7744 by September 11, 2017 if you plan to attend this program and need specialized services.

September 20, 2017 - The “Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)” was recently revised and updated in 2015. A major change in the revision now requires all food employees to complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment, effective September 2016.  

A food handlers course accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services is being offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Shelby County. Food Safety: It’s In Your Hands is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, 2017 starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Extension office meeting room, 266 Nacogdoches Street, Center, Texas 75935.  

This 2-hour course will now be required for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe food. The certificate is good for 2 years and is valid anywhere in the State of Texas. The course is a basic overview of food safety practices that are necessary to ensure that safe food is served at your establishment. Practices discussed include good personal hygiene, cross contamination, and time and temperature abuse.

To register for the course, call the Extension office at 936-598-7744. Registration can also be done in-person the day of the course. The cost is $25 per person and must be paid in full before the course begins. If you have any questions regarding this course, please contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Sciences at 936-598-7744 or jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu.

August 29, 2017 - Below is a list of Shelby County 4-H upcoming events and project kick-off schedule:

  • August 29 - Food at 5:30pm, Textiles at 6pm, Robotics at 6:30pm
  • September 1 - Enrollment opens online - https://www.4honline.com/
  • September 3 - Last day to order 'One Day 4-H' shirts
  • September 11 - Shelby County 4-H Club meeting at 6pm
  • September 18 - Shooting sports and archery at 6pm
  • September 23 - One Day 4-H at Historic Courthouse at 8am
  • September 25 - Taxidermy at 6pm

Events will be held at the new AgriLife Extension office location at 266 Nacogdoches Street, Center, Texas unless otherwise notified.

Shelby County Fit – AgriLife Extension and Chamber of Commerce Health and Fitness Committee to Kick Off Worksite Wellness and Team and Individual Challenge

September 5, 2017 - On Tuesday, September 5th, The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Shelby County office and Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health and Fitness Committee will kick-off registration for individual and team worksite wellness challenge for the county. The eight-week challenge itself begins on Monday, September 25th.

Entering this challenge is easy – just dust off those walking shoes and join in as we “Walk Across Texas” by recruiting a team of up to eight people or sign up as a solo walker and compete with other teams and individuals to see who can walk the most miles over eight weeks from September 25 – November 17, 2017. The goal is to walk at least 900 miles either as a team or individual (the distance from Center to El Paso) in eight weeks. You can walk around the park, your neighborhood, at the gym, wherever your feet will take you to meet the goal. That’s only a little over 16 miles per week or 2.5 miles per day per eight-member team!

Entry fee is a minimum of five cans or other non-perishable food per person to be given to the Shelby County Outreach Ministries food pantry. The event is open to the public, both adult and youth.

To register your team or as an individual walker stop by the Extension office, 266 Nacogdoches Street, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to pick-up your enrollment packet or contact us to have the packet emailed. Deadline to register is Friday, September 22nd. So, form a team of 8, choose your team captain, register your team beginning September 5th, and let’s walk on, Shelby County!

Participants will be able to check how their team is doing compared to other teams on the Walk Across Texas website. To be eligible for prizes, participants must submit verification of physical activity or miles walked on a weekly basis through use of a tracking device or smart phone activity app. Points can be earned by each participant for the following: submitting weekly physical activity data, completing the challenge (all 8-weeks), and post survey. The points can then be redeemed after the challenge for healthy cooking and fitness incentive items.

Start logging your miles beginning Monday, September 25th. The Don’t Give Up Now event is scheduled on Saturday, October 7th in conjunction with the East Texas Poultry Festival CrossFit 5K Chicken Fun Run/Walk. We will wrap up the 8-week program on Friday, November 17th. All winners will be announced on December 1, 2017. Prizes will be given for the top team walkers, top individual walker, and most unusual team name.

This year we will be featuring a Yoga for Lunch fitness component, in addition to a Taste the Rainbow vegetable and fruit food tasting each Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15 – 12:45 pm at the Extension gym building during the 8-week challenge.

Shelby County Fit Walk Across Texas, sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is a fun, flexible, and FREE way to encourage people to exercise. For more information, call Jheri-Lynn McSwain, CEA-FCH at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Shelby County at 936-598-7744 or email at jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu.

Submitted by Jheri-Lynn McSwain

September 5, 2017 - When you think of 4-H most think of a youth organization that provides opportunities with the livestock, horses, food, textiles, photography, shooting sports, and leadership, just to name a few.  These projects are some of the banner programs that are offered but 4-H is more than that.  This year, Shelby County 4-H has kicked-off two new projects, Robotics and Archery.  In addition, Shelby County 4-H Club now has a permanent monthly meeting place at the new Extension office located at 266 Nacogdoches Street in Center.

September 4-H Club Meeting

The monthly club meeting will be held on Monday, September 11th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office. This is a fun time for youth and parents to learn more about the different 4-H projects, participate in a learning experience based upon the monthly theme, have exciting recreation activities, and do a make and take art, craft or cooking activity. 

The club theme this month is “all about chickens.” Parents will be provided information on enrolling in 4-H, a new enrollment incentive program for the youth, scholarship opportunities, and learn about the East Texas Poultry Festival broiler show and creative arts show and how their child can participate in this event. Youth will meet at the gym building and participate in several fun races, including an egg toss and will make a personalized 4-H clover handprint painting. They will also learn the 4-H pledge and motto and enjoy making new friends.

Upcoming Project Meetings

The Food project will meet on Saturday, September 9th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Extension office.  At this project meeting, the youth will be learning how to can jams and jellies.  Each child will make a jar of jam to take home.  The Textiles project will meet on the same date from 12:00 to 1:30 pm.  We will be learning to use a sewing machine to create a 4-H throw pillow and how to develop a storyboard to show creative expression.  So, bring a sack lunch and stay for both food and textiles on Saturday, September 9th. 

The Robotics project will meet on Sunday, September 10th from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at the Extension gym building. Come out and learn about constructing a robot from Legos and developing software to make the robot function.

Other projects kicking off this month on September 18th include and Livestock (beef, goat, lamb, rabbit) at 5:00 p.m. and Shotgun at 6:00 p.m., both at the Extension office. Taxidermy will kick-off on Monday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the McGown Farm (call for directions). Archery, photography, horse, will kick-off in October.

Please RSVP by phone to 598-7744 or by email to daphnellovell@ag.tamu.edu if your child will be participating in any of these three project meetings so that we can ensure adequate supplies are available.

What is 4-H?

Did you know that 4-H is the nation’s largest youth organization? Worldwide, there are over 6 million youth who participate. 4-H is in all 254 Texas counties, in all 50 states and in more than 80 countries. Over 591,000 of Texas young people are involved in 4-H. All you have to do is look at your local level to find young people taking the lead in addressing today’s challenges. In Texas, 4-H is a part of The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, a part of the Texas A&M University System. 4-H takes research-based information from the nation’s land-grant universities to youth in urban, small-town and rural communities. In Texas, 4-H is headquartered on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station.

Using the four-leaf clover for its emblem, each leaf carries an H. The four H's on the four-leaf clover stand for head, heart, hands and health. 4-H follows the philosophy of learning by doing. Youth develop life skills through hands-on projects that range from citizenship to expressive arts, communication to foods and nutrition, and leadership to science and technology. 4-H is for youth in grades 3 through 12. Youth can belong to 4-H individually or as members of clubs and groups. They can make new friends, visit new places, go on trips, attend workshops and conferences, host meetings and help their communities. 4-H is where young people explore, learn and discover in a safe environment. In 4-H, youth find their true passions, gain confidence and give back to their community.

A National Positive Youth Development study shows that 4-Hers are nearly 5 times more likely to graduate from college, 4 times more likely to actively contribute to their community. 4-H members are also 3 times more likely to be physically active than non-4-H members and 2 times more likely to pursue a career in science, engineering or computers. The 4-H program in Texas also is led by 29,996 volunteer 4-H leaders that serve and devote their time and talents to the youth of Texas!  

Need more information?

For more information on the Texas 4-H program and how you can become involved at the local level, call the Shelby County Extension office at 936-598-7744.  Youth enrolled in 4-H by September 20th will receive a free Shelby County 4-H t-shirt.

August 27, 2017 - (Album) - Despite pending rain a full house attended the Shelby County 4-H kickoff event held Sunday, August 27, 2017 in the gym next to their new facility located at 266 Nacogdoches Street in Center.

AgriLife Extension agents and team members welcomed all. Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent, Family Community Health Agent, "Welcome to Shelby County 4-H. I'm glad that you came out today in spite of [Tropical Storm] Harvey. And I'm glad Harvey hasn't produced as much rain as we anticipated, yet. So, thank you for coming out on this Sunday afternoon."

For those new to 4-H, McSwain addressed, "We're glad that you are here to explore the opportunity that 4-H can offer you." She spoke about what 4-H is about, "It is an organization that has been in existence for over 100 years, so it's well grounded." Texas has more than 550,000 youth who are involved in 4-H experiences. Projects include record book and leadership, food and nutrition, photography, textiles and fashion, robotics, taxidermy, shooting sports, archery, virtual fishing, livestock (beef, goats, rabbits, poultry), and horse project.

Megan Dunn, Shelby County 4-H president, introduced herself, "This year I was announced District 5 4-H President, elected, so now I'm on the Texas 4-H State Council and I'm really excited to be able to explore those adventures with the other state council members and come back to y'all and tell y'all the new experiences that we have to offer here in Shelby County. Our club is a little bit different this year; now we are countywide. And as y'all can see, y'all are all going to be together throughout the year. So, its going to be a lot of fun."

Dunn continued to explain that she is the Texas 4-H Livestock ambassador. She said as she mentioned different projects around the room, "The livestock project is my passion but that doesn't mean for y'all that it has to be yours. That's what I am here to promote as the Livestock Ambassador program, but I'm also here for the food, the fashion, and photography which is an awesome part of 4-H. Another thing is just get out there and try to find your passion, that's what I'm all about, is go out there and figure out which project is yours, go explore, try everything you can, and then we will go from there."

Lane Dunn, County Extension Agent for Agri Natural Resources then began presentation of awards. The 'I Dare You' Award was presented to Lance Holloway who started 4-H in the 3rd grade and is now in the 8th grade. He has competed in State indoor archery events and State outdoor archery games in San Antonio. He won People's Choice award as a junior contestant in photography at the East Texas Poultry Festival. He has competed many times in virtual fishing and has won three times in the countywide tournament. In 2016, Holloway competed in the Outdoor Challenge and he and his partner placed 1st in the state. In shotgun he has won numerous high point belt buckles in county shoots and the District 5 high overall three in the last five years and placed 2nd at the State Whiz-bang this year.

A second 'I Dare You' Award winner was Wesley Wages. He has been in 4-H since 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. He started off with goats and poultry projects along with many others. Wages passion is the Heifer project. Along with maintaining all of his livestock projects, he maintains good grades and is always willing to come out and serve including working with Ag Ed Day. Community service is important to him.

A Gold Star Award was presented to Lauren Vandrovec. She began in 4-H at the age of 5 as a clover coming to meetings along with her older brother. She started as a member of the Shelbyville 4-H and has been a member for more than 8 years. She is currently a junior at Shelbyville High School. Her first project was raising a pen of rabbits. The project nearest to her heart has always been the horse project and includes drill, barrels, poles, stakes, team penning, ranch sporting, trail and western riding. She has been successful in horse judging and quiz bowl. Vandrovec has also participated in poultry, food, fashion, and photography. She has held various club officer positions for her club.

Another Gold Star Award was presented to Blake Griffin. He has been involved in 4-H for many years as well. He has been involved in poultry project, livestock project showing steers, shooting sports, and the horse project. His passion is also horses and has competed on the District and State level. He won Paul Harvey's Top Hand Award. This year in Abilene at the State Horse Show he placed 1st in cutting, 1st in breakaway roping, 2nd in team roping, and 2nd in tie down calf roping making him the high point roper at the State show.

The 'Friend of 4-H' Award was presented to Hawkeye Hunting Club and its owners Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brueggeman and their son Kevin. Fairly new to Shelby County, they started off by helping the shooting sports project allowing 4-H to utilize their facility. They participated in the livestock show and sale.

Dunn said speaking about the Brueggemans, "[The kids] can't do this without people coming in and giving their support to go and then, that support allows these kiddos to go on and go to college and do some things that they have dreams on and I think [the Brueggemans] realize how important our youth are and we greatly appreciate that."

The Shelby County 4-H Club will meet the 1st Monday of each month at 6pm in the County Extension Office which is now located at 266 Nacogdoches Street in Center. The club will not meet on September 4th due to it being a holiday and will meet on September 11, 2017 at 6pm.

Upcoming events and project kick-off schedule:

  • August 29 - Food at 5:30pm, Textiles at 6pm, Robotics at 6:30pm
  • September 1 - Enrollment opens
  • September 3 - Last day to order 'One Day 4-H' shirts
  • September 11 - 4-H Club meeting at 6pm
  • September 18 - Shooting sports and archery at 6pm
  • September 23 - One Day 4-H at Historic Courthouse at 8am
  • September 25 - Taxidermy at 6pm

The AgriLife team is Lane Dunn, County Extension Agent, Agri Natural Resources Agent; Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent, Family Community Health Agent; Feleshia Thompson, Better Living for Texans Extension Assistant; and Daphne Lovell staff secretary. Dunn said, "Please don't hesitate to contact us as you may have some questions over today or any other things."

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