The News Spreader June 2014
LEADERSHIP FOR TOMORROW THROUGH LEARNING TODAY
The News Spreader QUEBEC 4-H 21,111 Lakeshore Road Macdonald College Harrison House 3-04 Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 Phone: 514-398-8738 Fax: 514-398-8652 www.quebec4-h.com
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1– Ormstown 4-H Square Dance Competition (page 4) Photo credits: Caitlin MacDougall 2– 4-H’ers prepare for show season (page 6) 3– Laura Stephens –Dagg and the Canadian Delegates at the US national members conference 4-William Orr of the Howick 4-H club with his garden project
In this Issue: PRESIDENT Sarah Enright senright94@hotmail.com VICE-PRESIDENT Andrea Soesbergen farmergurl_12 @hotmail.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lorelei Muller executivedirector @quebec4-h.com AGRICULTURAL LIAISON Chelsea Daniel agliaison@quebec4-h.com OFFICE & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Norma Tolhurst office@quebec4-h.com PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Bailey Kay program.assistant. quebec4h@hotmail.com PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT
Jessica Goodsell prquebec4h@hotmail.com
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Office News/This Year’s Summer Students 36th Annual Ormstown Square Dance Competition/ Hatley Prep Day Club News: Garden Projects Provincial Rally/ 4-H’ers Clipping and Prepping towards Show Success! US National Conference/ Shout out for Ag/ Junior Camp Upcoming Events and Opportunities Ontario 4-H’s AGM National Citizenship Seminar Richmond 4-H President Receives National Scholarship/Proud to Bee a 4-H’er/Ontario 4-H AGM, Continued Nouvelle de l’association des jeunes ruraux du Quebec/Online Auction Junior Junction Feature: My Agriventure in New Zealand Part 2 (continued on back cover)
I Pledge My Head to clearer thinking My Heart to greater loyalty My Hands to larger service My Health to better living For my club, my community and my country.
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
Quebec 4-H Motto: Leadership tomorrow through learning today. Canadian 4-H Motto: Learn to do by doing.
June 2014
Office News It’s that time of year again when we welcome our summer students to the 4-H office. Thanks to funding from Service Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs Program we are able to hire a Program Assistant to help with Provincial Rally and Junior Camp, as well as a Public Relations Assistant to promote our association at local fairs while touching base with members and leaders. This spring, we are also pleased to announce that our Office and Communications Assistant Norma Tolhurst, who has been in the office on a part-time basis since September 2013, will now take on a full-time permanent role working Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 to 4:30. Thanks to Norma’s efforts we have undertaken a publication agreement with Canada Post which will result in substantial savings for the News Spreader and we are launching our own t-shirt design contest through 99 Designs who have generously provided their services free of charge through their 99nonprofits program. Congratulations to Norma for completing her DEC in Business Administration. Agricultural Liaison Chelsea Daniel is busy preparing for Rally while also planning ahead to October for a special tour of the Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre. Please let Chelsea know if your club would appreciate a helping hand at Achievement Day or if you need any project resources. Looking forward to a great summer with a great team, Lorelei
This Year’s Summer Students Program Assistant Bailey Kay Bailey is a third year student of Political Science at McGill University who has just returned from a 9 month student exchange to France. Bailey has visited with and assisted elderly members of the community through her volunteer work with The Yellow Door in Montreal, and has past experience organizing large-scale events for the McGill Debating Union. “Hi everyone, I am very excited to be the new Program Assistant for this summer! I am originally from a small city in Northern Ontario, and so I am familiar with living in a rural area. However, I don’t know all that much about agriculture, so I can’t wait to learn as much as I can this summer. My main goal though is to help make the Provincial Rally and Junior Camp amazing experiences for all involved. I am sure that this summer will be a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to meeting you!”
PR Assistant Jessica Goodsell “This summer, I will be representing 4-H at the local fairs as the Public Relations Assistant and it sounds like it's going to be an absolute blast! As a former Hatley 4-H'er and a suburban lover of all farm-type critters from silkie chickens to simmental cattle, it will be great to see some familiar faces and of course new ones too! Stop by the 4-H booth and come say hi, I'd love to answer your questions or hear your comments!”
June 2014
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Club News 36th Annual Ormstown 4-H Square Dancing Competition: A Wonderful Success!
who, at evening’s end, led the crowd to a few hand clapping, feet stomping rounds of the Virginia Reel! The 4-H Club held a half and half raffle and raised 366$ for the MS Society of Canada. Also, a wonderful Ella Bryson, Ormstown 4-H reporter late evening buffet was served for all the visitors including homemade sandwiches, cheese, vegetables, On April 12th, 2014, Ormstown 4-H organized and juice and coffee. hosted the 36th Annual Ormstown 4-H Square Dancing I personally loved the atmosphere of the evening full Competition at the Recreation Center on Roy Street. of singing and dancing, great friends and wonderful Among the full house of guests from neighboring areas near and far were 7 Junior and 6 Senior teams who memories. A special thank you goes out to all of the parents and members of the 4-H Club who took the danced for the sold out crowd. There was Lachute, Shawville, Howick, Ormstown, Mac JAC, The Vank- time to help out and make this evening a wonderful leek Hill Barn Swingers and Richmond. The evening success! was filled with music played by the Neil Mackay Band. Neil Mackay was honored with a trophy (made by Roy Templeton) for his 35 years of entertaining and music at the annual competition. Winners of the competition included Lachute Plaid for the Junior Dancing Team, with second and third won by Howick and Richmond, respectively. Richmond placed first for the Senior Dancing Team followed by Howick and MAC JAC taking second and third. Andrea Soesbergen won best caller with her singing rendition of “Marching Through Georgia”, a real show stopper with musicians John Wilson & Connie McClintock! Second and third place were won by Julie Neal and Jessica Rouleau, respectively. The Master Caller for the evening was Ralph Templeton
Hatley 4-H Prep Day Hannah Veilleux
On Monday May 17th, the Hatley 4-H Club had their Prep-day at the Ayers Cliff fair grounds. The day started at 9am with everyone meeting in the dairy barn. Members brought animals to do the demonstrations. The following animals were brought: Chicken, rabbit, dairy, goat, horse and beef. Fellow 4-H members or parents took the time to explain what was required to get your animal ready for showing. It was also explained when you should start working with your animal, what to wear when showing and how to show your animal in conformation and showmanship classes. All the 4-H members were given the chance to show the animals. Once all the animals were demonstrated a BBQ lunch was served to the members. Thank you to everyone who organized and brought animals!
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Why not grab a few friends and a frisbee and spend some time outside! Be sure to pick one up at one of your local fairs, Rally or contact the office at: 514-398-8738 or office@quebec4-h.com Quebec 4-H News Spreader
June 2014
Club News
Garden Project
Each month a different 4-H project is featured on our website as the Project Spotlight. As many clubs have been preparing their gardens for summer, it only seemed fitting to focus on this project in the months of May and June. For more information on the garden project, and how your club can participate, visit www.quebec4-h.com or contact Ag Liaison Chelsea:agliaison@quebec4-h.com
Shawville 4-H Members Find Their Green Thumbs Lindsay Howard, Shawville 4-H President
On Saturday May 18th, the Shawville 4-H Club visited the local greenhouse; Kelly’s Green Thumb. Kelly gave us a wonderful tour of the facilities, explaining the strategies behind planting flowers as well as vegetables. We also learned about watering plants and sunlight that are crucial to the plant’s growth. Darryl, the master behind all the planting at Kelly’s told us about the strict schedule he has when he starts planting in February. Then members had the chance to plant flowers that are edible as well as transplanting a cherry tomato or a flower to take home that day. Members of all ages attended the meeting, enjoying the chance to learn how to care for their gardens and play in the dirt!
Experiments Anyone? The Howick 4-H Garden Project started working on their “green thumbs” even when the weather wasn’t cooperative. Look at how these carrots in a bottle have grown since March and the big challenge is “how many pounds of potatoes” will we get from potatoes in a pail?
Ormstown 4-H’ers planted Window boxes of flowers, hanging baskets with flowers and strawberry plants, and seeds for rainbow carrots, beans, peas, and beets were handed out during their May meeting. June 2014
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
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The 39th Annual
Provincial News
Provincial
Rally July 17-20, 2014
Contact the Provincial office for more details: Tel:514-398-8738 E-mail:office@quebec4-h.com
Hosted by : The Chateauguay Valley 4-H clubs at The Ormstown Fairgrounds Open to youth Aged 12 – 25 Plus younger members of the host clubs.
Are you attending Provincial Rally? Here are a few reminders to consider when preparing for the weekend:
Clubs that are bringing sheep or goat project animals are asked to provide their own pens Clubs should provide their own water buckets for their livestock While all meals will be provided to participants and one official chaperone per club, there will be a canteen on site Thursday, Friday & Saturday serving hotdogs, snacks & drinks. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own cooler for drinks and snacks.
Ever heard of 99 designs? If your group or business is ever looking to refresh their “look”, this online platform allows you to launch a design contest where you pick the best one! Quebec 4-H has launched a design contest for a new t-shirt! Be sure to watch your email and news feed on Facebook for a chance to vote for your favorite!
4-H’ers Clipping and Prepping towards Show Success! Ella Bryson, Ormstown 4-H Reporter
On April 18th, 2014, over 50 4-H members and their parents, from Howick, Huntingdon and Ormstown Clubs, gathered their Page 6
show boxes, warm clothes and clip boards and headed off to Bryhill Farm for a 4-H clipping and preparation clinic. The day was organized by the COOP des Frontières, Ste-Martine. The day went from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and even though the day started out a little cold, it certainly warmed up to be a wonderful fun-filled day. The topics of the day included: how to choose your show calf , presented by Simon Pierre Loiselle, and caring for and feeding your show calf , presented by Amanda Lukassen. We were all very lucky to have Guillaume Gervais teach us so much about how to clip our animals and give many pointers about clipping techniques. The snacks, drinks and a pizza lunch were provided by the COOP and Bryhill Farm provided cheese, fruit and coffee. One of my favorite parts of the day was the clipping; we learned some little tricks to help us become better clippers. Overall it was such a fun day both Junior and Senior showmen went home having learned something new. Thank you so much to Simon Pierre Loiselle, Amanda Lukassen and Guillaume Gervais for teaching us so much, and coaching us on how to be confident and successful showmen. I’d also like to thank the COOP and Bryhill for organizing and hosting the day.
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
June 2014
National News I was also given the chance to chime in with Canadian perspective on my roundtable discussion, as did my respective delegates Laura Stephens-Dagg in their roundtables. Being given this opportunity felt like being given a voice that was much louder than simply having one Early in April this year I got the chance to attend U.S. National 4- within a small community club. Being part of a roundtable was H Conference in Washington D.C. During my time at the confer- like being part of a world changing event that can only truly be ence I was given the opportunity to meet with delegates from described by experience. Canada, the United States, and Puerto Rico. Like any 4-H memOne small detail I will always carry with me is how our mottos ber, having the chance to meet new people and learn about the connect to each other. The 4-H motto of the United States is “To differences between their clubs and mine was enough, but like any 4-H event, U.S National Conference was so much more than Make the Best Better” where ours is “Learn to do by Doing” It was only on the plane ride home that I managed to connect the just that. dots and how those tiny dots can influence our world and the Going to Washington with the Canadian delegation was an exworld around us. By learning to do by doing, we can make the perience that I will never forget. By representing Quebec 4-H, I made 9 brand new friends and rekindled a friendship I made with best better! Tyler Crowe from Manitoba last year at CitSem. Not only did our entire delegation get some pretty sweet 4-H swag but we got the (See photo on front cover) chance to make 4-H Canada stand out to everyone in attendance.
U.S. National 4-H Conference
Shout out for Ag! Thank you to all the clubs who participated in the 2014 edition of Shout out for Ag, sponsored by FCC. A total of 39 video were submitted from across the country, 4 of which were from Quebec. Over 19,835 votes were cast and the winners were as follows:
Congratulations to the National Winners in each category:
Quebec Winners: We joined 4-H because... MAC JAC 4-H Club We want to pursue a career in Agriculture because… MAC JAC 4-H Club The Hatley and Richmond 4-H were also recognized for their videos in the “We joined 4-H because…” category. All 3 clubs received cash prizes.
We joined 4-H Because: Horsefly 4-H Photography Club (BC) We want to pursue a career in Agriculture because: Summerside 4-H Rockets (NL) What is the future of science and technology in Agriculture? Comox Valley Calf Club (BC) What can every Canadian do to sustain feeding the planet?: I.Sullivan Memorial 4-H Club (NL)
The Ormstown 4-H Club was also privileged to receive a grant from FCC to go towards their Achievement Day. Watch for opportunities in the future about grants from FCC and others like them to benefit your club, on our website, facebook page and of course, in the upcoming events and opportunities section of the News Spreader!
Summer Junior Camp August 10-13, 2014 Voyageur Provincial Park Theme: Out of this World Fee: $70 Deadline to register: July 15th June 2014
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
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Upcoming Events... Quebec Junior Beef Show July 4-6, 2014 Brome Fairgrounds Lots of activities including Showmanship, conformation, grooming, judging, photography, etc. For more information contact Laurie Noiseux: 450-230-4134 Agricultural Liaison, Chelsea Daniel, is looking to attend club Achievement days this summer, contact her at
agliaison@quebec4-h.com to let her know the date of your club's Achievement day and whether or not you would like a staff member to help out the day of your event.
National 4-H Members Conference
Show Season is right around the corner! Dates to remember:
November 5-9, 2014
Ormstown
June 12-15
Lachute
July 10-13
Provincial Rally
July 17-20
Coaticook
August 7-10
Huntingdon
August 8-10
Bedford
August 7-10
Cookshire
August 14-17
Ayer’s Cliff
August 21-24
Shawville
August 28- Sept 1
Brome
August 29-31
Merial box back
Richmond
September 4-7
The IVOMEC & EPRINEX 4-H BoxBack Program makes earning money for your club easy. Just collect box labels from IVOMEC and EPRINEX Pour-On purchased this season. For each eligible box label you send in, Merial will donate $10 to your 4-H club. For more details: http://www.ivomec-4h.com/en/boxback
Havelock
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Participate in workshops, site tours and visits to points of interest in the Toronto area. 16 - 21 years. Participate in agricultural focused sessions where you’ll share your own 4-H experiences and learn from other 4-H’ers across Canada. Apply to Quebec 4-H Deadline August 6
Canadian Western Agribition National Judging Competition Regina Saskatchewan November 24-29th Compete against 4-H members from all over the country! Contact agliaison@quebec4-h.com for details
Valley Flower Show
July 25 at the Ormstown Curling club, 7 Chateauguay Street, Ormstown. Proceeds go to benefit the Barrie Memorial Hospital. The theme is “Out of this World”
CHAPERONES WANTED Summer Junior Camp August 10-13 “Out of this World” fun awaits you at this year’s Junior Camp. Male and Female chaperones: 16+ Lifeguard also required
No Fee for Chaperones Page 8
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
June 2014
...and Opportunities! CYSA
Farm to School
STEP-UP Mentoring Program
a project based at the Macdonald Campus of the McGill University where their goal is to offer education about the environment and agronomy to young students from the island of Montreal and the surrounding areas,
Jointly sponsored by AgriAn on-farm mentor-ship program cultre and Agri-Food Canfor those interested in learning ada and 4-H Canada, the Farm Business Management Canadian Young Speakers Skills in a hands-on setting. www.farmtoschoolmacdonald.com/ for Agriculture (CYSA) comBecome a Mentor or a Mentee : petition is held annually in www.fmc-gac.com/step-up November at the Royal AgriRAWF Poster Competition cultural Winter Fair in ToAs it prepares for its 92nd year celebrating “Farm Photo Contest ronto. It is fresh Fun”, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is a fantastic opportunity to Capture the essence of local farming, holding a contest to find original artwork that can be develop your public speak- food and rural life! This contest is open used in a commemorative poster that reflects the The ing skills and acts as a foto amateur and professional photograRoyal today. rum to express community phers alike; images must have been Artists may use any medium in their submissions — concerns. captured within 250 km of Mariposa including photographs, drawings, paintings and Farm at 6468 Country road 17, Plan- sculptures — provided the pieces are submitted in a For more information and to tagenet, Ontario. Photo entries should digital format. Poster submissions must be 18 inches sign up, please visit by 24 inches at final size with a resolution of 300 be emailed to www.cysa-joca.ca DPI in either PDF, JPG or EPS formats. iwalker@mariposaduck.on.ca Details at www.royalpostercompetition.org/ Deadline: September 30
Deadline: September 30
Scholarships and Awards CIBC 4-H Post Secondary Scholarship Through the generosity of CIBC, 8 - $1,000 scholarships are available across Canada to 4-H members in good standing who plan to pursue a post-secondary education in the field of engineering, arts, science, business or health in the Fall of 2014. To apply: apply.4-h-canada.ca/
Deadline: June 15, 2014 4-H AgriVenture Scholarship Opportunity
John Deere Canada 4-H Scholarship Through the generosity of John Deere Canada, 15 - $1,000 scholarships are available across Canada to 4-H members in good standing who plan to pursue a post-secondary education at a Canadian college or university in the field of engineering, agricultural/mechanical trades, science, business or health in the Fall of 2014. To apply: apply.4-h-canada.ca/
Deadline: June 15, 2014
Sarah Beth Therien Memorial Scholarship
Sponsored by AgriVenture Global and the International The Canada Safety Council has Agricultural Exchange Association launched a 2,500$ scholarships for (IAEA), 4-H Canada is pleased to ana student who has undertaken an nounce a $3,000 scholarship will be initiative with demonstrated results awarded to one student nationally, to be to improve safety in their commuused toward an AgriVenture travel and nity or at home, school, or work. work program. Open to graduating high school Applicants can choose a placement in students entering their first year of Denmark, France, Germany, Nethercollege. Current undergraduate lands, Norway, Sweden, United King- and college students are also eligidom, Australia, New Zealand or Japan. ble. To learn more and apply, www.canadasafetycouncil.org/ Visit: www.agriventure.com news/new-scholarship-recognizeSubmit application to your province by : safety-initiatives
November 1, 2014
June 2014
Deadline: June 15, 2014. Quebec 4-H News Spreader
Does your club hold an Achievement Day with more than 6 dairy heifers? Agropur awards a 300 $ grant each year to each 4-H club on its territory that plans to hold a local dairy heifer exhibition. This is Agropur’s way of supporting 4-H clubs with their training and education efforts. Grants are presented at the various Agropur regional assemblies, and a representative from each club is invited to attend. See form in May e-mail update to apply.
Deadline: September 1
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National News different clubs come together to share and plan. Lorelei Muller, Executive Director The Monsanto 4-H Ontario Volunteer Recognition Lunch celebrated volunteers From March 21 to 23, I had the pleasure with 20, 25, 30, and 35+ years of volunof attending the 4-H Ontario Volunteer teering with 4-H. Those present were Conference and Annual Meeting (CAM) recognized with corsages, slide shows, in Waterloo along with more than 200 certificates from the provincial governvolunteers, staff, and guests. It was a ment, and gifts. Sheep project leader Jim great opportunity to meet the people who Coombes received an engraved painting make the program possible and learn more of sheep and shared memories of his 55 about their practices. Though held in a years as a volunteer. central location determined by the counIn the afternoon, delegates had their cil, each year a different region assumes choice of workshops: Mock Meeting – Be CAM hosting responsibilities. During the Member, Working with Children with their annual general meeting on Friday Autism, Planning for 100th Anniversary, evening, I saw their resolutions process in and Spotlight on Projects – Fresh Ideas action which provides a vehicle for local which is what I attended. I was grateful to Associations to make recommendations to receive one of the resources box provided the Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors. Kim McCaw was elected President of the Ontario 4-H Council and former Quebec 4-H Program Coordinator Tammy Oswick -Kearney was elected Vicepresident.
Ontario 4-H’s AGM
Saturday morning all delegates gathered together to learn about 4-H Ontario’s partnership with the St. Thomas Parish in Jamaica where the 4-H program is integrated into the educational system. There are over 77,500 members aged 5 – 25 in the country where parishes approximate our provinces. The two organizations share programming and operational knowledge. 4H Ontario representatives presented a slide show of their 2013 trip to Jamaica. Jamaican staff member Dwain Moodie and volunteer Devon Blake provided a glimpse into their program where members are known as clubites.
to each association. Along with Trash to Treasure and Our Heritage projects as well as a variety of other reference material, it included a Judging Project binder with activities and ideas for 6 meetings, covering the basics, crops, livestock, and home craft. We also heard from a leader about successes with the Cloverbud program. 4-H Ontario is putting together a three year program of activities for this youngest membership age. Year 1 was launched in 2013. Thanks to provincial sharing, Quebec 4-H provided that first Later, volunteers broke into Regional Jam Cloverbud CD to all our clubs at our own Sessions facilitated by their Coordinator AGM last fall. We hope it will assist you of Volunteer Support. I sat in on the Re- in your work with your 6 to 8 year olds. gion 2 (Eastern Ontario) discussion and If you haven’t seen your CD then please encouraged them to join us for Provincial let us know. Rally. It was great to see leaders from Page 10
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
Next, it was my turn to the microphone for the 4-H Outside Ontario session where I provided insight to our governance (we’re the only provincial 4-H association with a board entirely made up of members), funding (our largest source of revenue comes from the Department of Canadian Heritage to help us serve an official language minority but we are the only 4-H association to receive no provincial funding from our ministry of agriculture), and provincial activities (we may not have as many members as some other provinces but those members sure are busy). Dwain Moodie reintroduced himself as Parish Development Officer, “a fancy name for lots of work for a little bit of pay”, and provided deeper understanding in follow-up of the morning’s Jamaican presentation. Carrie Whetter indicated that Manitoba is working to develop codes of conducts for members, volunteers, and parents. Alberta representatives Mark Sayers and Yvonne Yaremcio outlined their provincial selections weekend where members present their yearly diary to become eligible for national conference and other opportunities. Nova Scotia president Eva Cook described a certificate of achievement presented to members each year with different stickers to recognize completed requirements such as communications, service, etc. 4-H in Ontario: 5901 members and 1791 leaders were registered in 2013. The annual membership fee is $75 and entitles members to participate in as many clubs as they would like. Clubs are focussed on specific projects with a 6 meeting format. 4-H Ontario has approximately 20 staff members to support the needs of its membership and the work of the Ontario 4-H Council Board of Directors and Ontario 4H Foundation. (Continued on page 12).
June 2014
National News National 4-H Citizenship Seminar Laura Bryson, 2014 delegate
This past month I had the privilege of attending the National 4-HCitizenship Seminar, and it was an amazing journey! Quebec this year sent Rebeca Gabriel of Huntingdon 4-H, Andrew Boersen of Richmond 4-H, myself Laura Bryson of Ormstown 4-H as well as our chaperone Charles Gascon. This year’s theme was “How far we've come” and this event was held for the first time in Prince Edward Island! There were kids from all over Canada who participated. The goal of this event is to unite delegates from all across Canada. It’s also here to explore issues related to civic engagement, governance, parliamentary procedures, citizenship and politics. During my week I also was able to develop new leadership and public speaking skills as well as new knowledge and pride for Canada. Everything wouldn't be possible if it weren't for Sue Wood, Erin Smith, Val Stone, Arin Douglas and Cindy Jaton. After months of planning and hard work they made a week full of memories and friends that will last a life time! From April 11th to the 17th we had our week filled! The first day we were there we met everyone, had supper, and played some “get to know you games”. During the first night we also had our first committee meetings, I was put into the 'Speakers and Sponsors' committee. Basically we had to thank all June 2014
of the guest speakers and write thank you letters throughout the week. The second day we were there we had a GPS walking tour of PEI, where we had to follow the clues, answer questions and then fill out a paper. Later at night we had an Island style comedy show staring PEI's very own Patrick Ledwell, and for me, to really start the week off I volunteered to thank him. Sunday the 13th we explored PEI's roots, after a rocky start of our bus breaking down we were on our way to the Mi'kmaq cultural presentation of Drumming and making our very own medicine bag. Then we made our way to Miscouche and had a tour of the Acadian museum, then we continued our day with the woodsman portion of Evangeline 4-H and Delegates from across Canada competed to cut a log the fastest, needless to say, the Evangeline 4-H members were pretty good! Monday the fourth day was the most stressful, but it was also my favorite! We started the day by going to the University of Prince Edward Island and having a scavenger hunt. For lunch we went to Cows Creamery as well as Boom Burger. PEI's Cows Creamery is the biggest there is in Canada since the company started there. We saw ice cream and their funny tshirts being made. At Boom Burger I ate one of the best hamburgers I have ever had! After lunch we then went to PEI's Province house and had a debate. “Be it resolved that an equal representation of both men and women should exist among Government leaders.” As a part of the government we were for this motion. We had to convince the opposition as well as the Third Party that it was a good idea. After 20 minutes of a debate, we won! The 15th we had a guided bus tour to Anne's Island! We then proceeded to Cavendish Beach, where we were still able to see ice-bergs on the water, as well we were surrounded by the beaches beautiful sand dunes. At night we changed into business clothes and had a photo session, and at dinner we finally learned the table etiquette that we all needed! Wednesday the 16th we had an open space technology where we had one big idea, that we had to separate into 6 smaller ideas. 3 ideas were discussed over 20 minutes at different locations. Later in the day we had a presentation from “Apathy is Boring.” It was then proceeded with the Quebec 4-H News Spreader
making of our personal pledges. At the end of this day we had our final Banquet and dance. Thursday we departed having met so many great people and making so making so many truly amazing memories! Thank you everyone who was a part of making this week possible! And if you missed out this time then you should try and go next year, OR to a different national event. You won’t regret it!
Andrew Boersen (left) competes in the woodsman competition.
Laura Bryson, Rebeca Gabriel (and a photo bomber!) at Cow’s Cremery. Page 11
National News Richmond 4-H President Emily Enright Receives National Scholarship Norma Tolhurst, Office and Communications Assistant In recognition of 4-H Canada’s 100th anniversary in 2013, the Chrysler Foundation offered 100 scholarships, valued at $1000 each, to 4-H members from across Canada who will be attending a Canadian college or university in September 2014. An active member for the past four years, and 2014 Richmond 4-H president, Emily Enright was chosen as the only Quebec recipient for this prestigious award. Enright credits her 4-H involvement to her neighbour, Lisa Mason, who had encouraged her to show one of their jersey calves at the local fair with the Richmond 4-H club. Since then, she discovered that 4-H is about so much more than showing. Since 2010, Enright has embodied to 4-H slogan of “Learn to do by doing” by taking on a number of projects including dairy, goat, public speaking and square dancing. Having a keen interest in animal sciences and agriculture, this fall Emily will be attending Macdonald College in the Farm Management and Technology program. While her future career goals are still uncertain, she looks forward to the next step, and thanks to 4-H, she is now well on her way.
Congratulations Emily! Have you won a scholarship or award that you heard about through the News Spreader? Contact Chelsea at agliaison@quebec4-h.com With the warmer weather now upon us, don’t forget to plant your “Proud to Bee a 4-H’er” seeds! Each little action helps to support the Bee population, and planting the seeds will give you beautiful flowers throughout all the summer months! Need more packets or know someone who wants some? Quebec 4-H will have additional packages for sale at their fair booths throughout the summer. Be sure to send us photos and stories about how your club used their seeds! (Ontario 4-H AGM continued from page 10)
The final workshop session provided a chance for project specific networking. While sitting with the dairy leaders, I learned of a club with 50 dairy members which has realized that next year it will need to cap the group at 40 and heard about another club’s bus trip to Madison’s World Dairy Expo where 30 members and 12 leaders enjoyed four days at a cost of $340 each. Consensus seemed to be that the hardest skill to teach is clipping and topline; some leaders have younger members start practicing their skills on the sides only. One leader spoke of staggering meetings so that juniors were busy from 6 to 7:30pm with seniors occupied from 7 to 9pm and assigning each senior a topic to teach. Page 12
The Syngenta 4-H Arbor Award Banquet also recognized volunteers, this time individuals nominated by their associations for the amazing work they do in their clubs and beyond. This was followed by a live fundraising auction then an evening of square dancing. The silent and live auctions raised $5,311.50 plus an additional $5,000 donated by the Scotiabank Team Community program. Funds help with overall costs for CAM.
I would like to thank 4-H Ontario for generously sharing resources, covering my registration fee and a portion of my travel expenses, and for making me feel so welcome. Best wishes to our neighbours as they plan for their provincial centennial in 2015.
Sunday morning’s keynote speaker Joe Richards, Executive Director of Pearce Williams Christian Center, Iona, Ontario reminded us to “Be yourself, everyone else is taken. You might be a different person at school than at 4-H. Choose the best person and be that.” Quebec 4-H News Spreader
June 2014
La Jeunesse Rurale du Québec
Online *Please Note* Auction start date has changed to September 2nd due to labour day.
Auction Items have begun to stream in and believe us, you won’t be disappointed! If your club hasn’t sent their items in yet don’t delay, send them before June 15th in order to be included in our promotional materials!
Auction
June 2014
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
Some Confirmed Contributions! Hockey Tickets Fair Passes 2 night stay at a B&B Craft Books And so much more!
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Hey Junior Members!
Check out www.quebec4-h.com/junior-junction for more ideas!
Junior Camp is happening once again this summer and if you have never been before, there is no better time! We will be exploring outer space with a theme of “Out of this World”, but that’s not all! Don’t miss the games, crafts, and other outdoor activities. If you are a Junior Member from the Chateauguay Valley, you have the awesome opportunity to attend Rally this year! If you’re not, don’t worry, every year different clubs take turns hosting it. If you are participating in Life skills at rally, you will be challenged to make an origami sculpture at the event. Origami is a fun craft where you fold paper to create cool shapes. The possibilities of what you can make are endless! Tying in the theme of summer camp, this edition’s Junior Junction challenge is to create a star box. If you take on the challenge, send us pictures of your creations and we can feature you on our webpage or in the next Junior Junction!
Quebec 4-H
We want to hear from you!
Macdonald College, Harrison House 3-04 21,111 Lakeshore Road Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9
3 easy ways to contact us!
Phone: 514-398-8738 Fax: 514-398-8652
office@quebec4-h.com
E-mail Page 14
Fax Quebec 4-H News Spreader
June 2014
My Agriventure in New Zealand Part 2
training just a little bit shorter.
Shauna McKenna, Gatineau Valley 4-H After 23 hours on a plane I arrived in Christchurch airport at 9:30am on January 3rd. I was met but my host Matt Casey dressed as any farmer would be when they have to “go out” a plaid shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots and a John Deere cap. I was tired but was determined to stay awake as long as I could and after a 2 hour drive from the airport admiring the New Zealand country side I was much more awake. It was middle of summer here in New Zealand so I was boiling in my long sleeves and jeans, and after 23 hours on a plane I felt a shower was needed. Matt drove me to my new home here in New Zealand, a cute 3 bedroom house surrounded by the black currents.
Photo: Me in the TM140 during my first week in NZ, carting barley. Photo taken by Matt Casey.
Photo: My little home in New Zealand! After changing out of my jeans and into a tank top and shorts, I was picked up by Matt again but this time he was in rugby shorts, a light button up shirt, work boots with these odd cover things over them, (which I found out are gators, and they keep grain or seed out of your boots) and a different ball cap. We were off to see the farm then which Matt flew through by different lanes and drives that cover the farm. The entire farm is around 1400 acres with rented land as well. McFarlane Agriculture is owned by Hamish McFarlane and managed by Matt and his team which I became a part of. McFarlane Ag is extremely diverse and has many different crops and livestock at all times of the year. They grow barley, corn, kale, beets, kohlrabi, three types of grass for seed; rye, fescue and brown top, potatoes, carrots and a grass mix for baleage. Not to mention 220 acres of blackcurrants to harvest as well! And that is just the arable crops! They also have up to 3000 trading lambs which they purchase to fatten on grass. Many arable farms in New Zealand do dairy support the McFarlane’s included and the neighbours 400 heifers graze during the summer months on the farm. When the 1700 head dry off for the winter they also move across the road to McFarlane’s for winter grazing. The first day off the plane I was sitting in the ‘header’ with Matt combining barley, as we chatted about various things and explaining some of my Canadian words. By the third day I was in the New Holland TM140 hauling trailers full of barley back and forth from the field to the yard. I think I had a slight advantage as the TM140 is nearly the exact same as our TM120 at home, so having come from a New Holland farm to another made the June 2014
As our farm is not as large or diverse as McFarlane Ag I have gotten to learn about all types of equipment that I had no idea how to drive before. Having never seen carrots being harvested to participating in it! I have gotten to master the art of crowning the carrot tops before they are actually harvested and taken to the wash station. I am one of two main drivers on the ‘spud’ windrower that goes ahead of the digger and combines rows of potatoes into rows of 4 or 6. I have planted paddocks of Kale, hauled grass seed, spread fertilizer, moved heifers, drenched and vaccinated hundreds of lambs, and gotten really good at electric fencing, as the pivot and lateral irrigators sometimes have a mind of their own!
Photo: My view from the cab of the tractor of the windrower in action doing a row of 6 spuds. I have experienced so much in such a short amount of time it is a little overwhelming thinking about all of it. However I have been inspired to take things that I have learned here in NZ and try different methods at home. (Continued on back)
Quebec 4-H News Spreader
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U N I V E R S E B A U M T
M O H O E S P I L C E G R
E I T T A R G U A R P A G
T T R U B D B A C N T N A
E A A L I E B U K S E E L
O L E P N O R W H B M P A
R L P X B Y T T O I N T X
M E T S Y S R A L O S U Y
R T T N R O O K E A R N T
C S E I N M Y M T E A E M
L N N O P W N U S L M L M
See if YOU can solve the word puzzle below! If you’re a Junior member coming to camp, be sure to bring your completed puzzle for a N O chance to win a prize! O C O S M Y A E BIG DIPPER METEOR MILKY WAY U N BLACK HOLE COMET MOON R J CONSTELLATION NEBULA T U COSMOS NEPTUNE EARTH NORTH STAR O C PLUTO O A ECLIPSE GALAXY SATURN O C JUPITER SOLAR SYSTEM SUN T H MARS UNIVERSE U A MERCURY
(Continued from page 15) Including planting kale for sheep pasture, set up an entirely different handling system for our sheep, I need to invest in a good working dog, try growing different grains, and even though I tell Matt I still dislike fencing, he has motivated me to put up a 6 strand electric fence with a 3 board rail exterior to replace our old page and barb fence. However I think I will have someone else do the board and rail and leave the electric for me, because while my fencing abilities are much better I still cannot quite get a straight line! I still have a couple months left here in New Zealand and I have to say if I could afford a farm here, and I found a good supply of dill pickles and cheese curd, I would be here in a heartbeat! The people are very friendly, and fun very much like us Canadians. The landscapes are breathtaking and anywhere you go you have to bring a camera! I am so glad I bit the bullet and decided to go across the world to New Zealand and with the help of Agriventure I have found my second home, new friends, and honorary Photo: One of the pivot irrigators at the farm. Photo taken by family members, who have not seen the last of me! Matt Casey.
June 2014