(Distributed 09/29/08) Louisiana 4-H’ers will join others across the country in the celebration of National 4-H Week Oct. 5-11. The main focus of the week is to celebrate the accomplishments of the young people, volunteer leaders and parents involved in 4-H Clubs – as well as to encourage others to become involved in the unique youth development program.

Eighteen LSU AgCenter faculty members were part of a team recognized with a national award for the Overnight Chaperone Program to make sure extension agents and volunteers know proper procedures for ensuring the safety and well-being of 4-H members entrusted to their care.

Registration is now open for the world's largest rocket contest challenging participants to compete for $60,000 in prizes and scholarships and a trip to next year's international air show in Paris.

The National Council for Science and the Environment is hosting a video contest open to inviduals ages 12 to 25 to submit a video on how today's youth are and will be addressing the challenges that threaten biodiversity.

Clover Connections is a newsletter with information from the State 4-H Staff. New editions will be available each quarter.

Louisiana 4-H had the spotlight in the pre-game ceremonies before the LSU vs. North Texas game on Sept. 13 in Tiger Stadium.

Documents for the 2008 Beef and Sheep Educational Award Trip to the NAILE in Louisville, Kentucky in November, 2008 and the 2009 Goat Educational Award Trip to the SW US in July or August, 2009These documents contain the Rules and Regulations (eligibility requirements for exhibitor and animals) and the specific information on the selection process and the detailed information on these trips. The Entry forms for the trips are also attached. The entry form for the Beef and Sheep trip is sepa

The 4-H tailgate party is cancelled, but the 4-H football game and special presentation will still occur. Additional information regarding game activities and the centennial raffle are posted here.

All 4-H members are invited to participate in the upcoming 4-H Honey Bee Essay Contest sponsored by the Louisiana Beekeepers Association and the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc.

The Louisiana Pelican Parle is the quarterly newsletter for the Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents (LAE 4-HA). The newsletter is the responsibility of the Association Reporter and is distributed to all association members and 4-H Agents across the state of Louisiana.

On October 8, 2008 the 4-H Youth Development Program is launching the first annual 4-H National Youth Science Day to help build America's future science, engineering, and technology workforce. The National Science Experiment, the designated science activity of 4-H National Youth Science Day, will focus on the environment and will use science principles to teach youth across the country about the importance of water conservation.

(Distributed 08/20/08) Students attending the camp at the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center had the chance to take classes in science – learning about rockets, robots and other high-tech subjects.

(Distributed 08/26/08) 4–H and FFA goat exhibitors from across Louisiana took part in the second 4-H goat educational trip in Louisiana and Mississippi Aug. 3-8.

LSU AgCenter Master Gardeners and Kids Hope volunteers have helped transform a once dull courtyard at University Terrace Elementary school into a flowering oasis.

4-H’ers team up to help promote the 2008 Louisiana State Fair.

(Distributed 08/14/08) Participating in Marsh Maneuvers was like “boot camp” for 16-year-old Austin Mouton, a 4-H student from Erath High School, who said the activities meshed with his career plans in wildlife management.

What’s a good theme for 4-H Summer Camp? Send us your most creative ideas for a slogan -- in 7 words or less.

Two 4-H'ers from Sulphur are National Campions in the 2009 Hunting Contest.

(Distributed 08/18/08) Louisiana’s oldest living 4-H’er, Elaine Marchand Edmonston, and the Louisiana 4-H organization have some notable things in common.

(Distributed 07/30/08) Even in our summer of financial discontent, many teenagers are still concerned with concerts, cosmetics and who’s kissing whom, but things were different when 70 students from the University of New Orleans’ Classic Upward Bound program recently participated in LSU AgCenter’s “Welcome to the Real World” program.

(Distributed 08/04/08) The 4-H team representing Louisiana at the national Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program walked away from the event with two pieces of good news – they placed second out of 18 state teams, and their state will host the event in 2009.

(Distributed 08/01/08) Fourteen Bienville Parish 4-H’ers learned about the world of work in professional jobs this summer in a new program that’s a joint venture between the LSU AgCenter and the Bienville Parish Police Jury. Called Jurors Empowering Teens, or JET, the six-week program was an experiment to see if investing in young people would pay off.

Daisy and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are hosting a contest for youth ages 10-18 to produce a video, telling them about how being a safe and ethical hunter or shooter, being in the outdoors and conserving or appreciating wild game and nature has made a big impact on your life.

(distributed 07/30/08) Three Louisiana 4-H members were among competitors from 14 states who participated in the 29th Annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational July 20-24 at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center.

(Distributed 07/22/08) A 13-year-old Jackson Parish 4-H’er has his own line of daylilies, has already won sweepstakes awards in flower shows, written an article for an international publication and won the best in agriculture award in the state science fair junior division. Nick Walker, an honor roll student and Student of the Year at Quitman High School, also hopes his daylily experimentation may make him a million dollars some day.

(Distributed 07/11/2008) Kylie Ann Averett of Tangipahoa Parish was named the 2008 Premier Exhibitor at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 10.

(Distributed 7/10/08)Results from the second day of competition (July 9) at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been released.

(Distributed 07/15/08) Results from the final two days of competition at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been announced.

Come out and join the fun for the Chancellor’s 4-H Centennial Health Walk. Help us celebrate the past 100 years of 4-H in Louisiana while focusing on healthy lifestyles as we move into the next 100 years.

Bring your goat(s) and your grooming equipment and come have fun with us and learn the latest trends and techniques in management, grooming, exercise and showmanship for goats.

Calling all volunteers! Join 4-H volunteer leaders from 13 Southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including Louisiana, at the 4-H Rock Eagle Center in Eatonton, Georgia, October 2-5, 2008 at the annual Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum.

The Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2008 as part of the 4-H Centennial Celebration. The first 100 inductees are volunteers, supporters, staff and pioneers who made lasting contributions to Louisiana 4-H. Their dedication and support have inspired countless youth.

(Distributed 7/9/08) WEST MONROE – Results from the first day of competition at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been released.

EMI Music is partnering with National 4-H Council to create this first-of-its kind music compilation of hits from country’s biggest stars who all got their start in 4-H. It includes Grammy-winning songwriter Hillary Lindsey’s “The Clown,” exclusively recorded for the album, and a song by Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, who performed at the 2007 NAE4-HA Conference in Atlanta, Ga.

The Rovin' Clover is a quarterly newsletter written and produced by 4-H members from across Louisiana. Articles are truly engaging and are written by youth for youth.

Do you have a special 4-H story you’d like to share? An editorial team is collecting stories for a book from the entire 4-H family including members, volunteers, agents, state staff, donors, family members and others.

(Distributed 06/19/08) Louisiana youth took home honors as state contest winners and alternates as the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H U concluded Thursday night (June 19) on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 06/19/08) Ten adults were recognized for their contributions to the Louisiana 4-H program during an awards banquet and other ceremonies this week as part of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University program on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The honorees included four 4-H alumni who continue to show active support of the youth development program, two school superintendents, two professors on the LSU AgCenter faculty and two secretaries from LSU AgCenter offices.

(Distributed 06/19/08) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is seeking items for its collection to show the history of 4-H – the state’s largest and long-running youth development program. The museum is calling for photos, ribbons, certificates, trophies, documents, handcrafted projects, demonstration materials, record books and more to be used in exhibits, traveling displays, presentations and archives.

(Distributed 06/19/08) Winners of 4-H scholarships were among those honored during ceremonies at the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University July 17-20. The young adults from across Louisiana were credited with excelling in project work and recordkeeping, serving as club officers or otherwise distinguishing themselves during their years in 4-H.

(Distributed 05/23/08) More than 1,500 young people from across the state will gather on the LSU campus June 17-20 for the 94th annual 4-H University. There will be an array of educational activities including competition for scholarships, educational trips, saving bonds and other prizes.

(Distributed 05/19/08) A Louisiana native and former 4-H member, Kent Desormeaux and his horse Big Brown scored impressive victories at the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

(Distributed 05/28/08) You can find interesting stories almost anywhere you look, but Louisiana 4-H has produced some gems since its inception in 1908.

4-H Day at the Capitol Video

More than 1,600 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders from Louisiana's 64 parishes will converge on the LSU campus to participate in competitive activities and learning experiences June 17-20, 2008. This marks the 94th year of 4-H University but the 100th year of 4-H in Louisiana.

(Distributed 06/10/08) Young people from across Louisiana will compete in the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 8-12 in West Monroe.

Calling all past and present Louisiana 4-Hers, leaders, parents, volunteers, agents, and staff!! Help us fill the Louisiana 4-H Museum collection with your memories.

Directions to LSU Campus AgCenter 4-H Facilities. Map included for reference. Directions for eastbound and westbound travelers on I-10 are provided. Directions for 4-H Camp Grant Walker are also listed.

(Distributed 05/19/08) More than 350 Louisiana 4-H regional shooting sports winners participated in the state competition held May 2-3 in Southeast Louisiana.

The Louisiana 4-H Camp Grant Walker Web site has recently undergone a complete redesign. The site has a better look, easier navigation and a lot more content for 4-H members and other users.

More than 75 4-H club members and volunteers participated in the annual 4-H Food & Fitness Camp held Feb. 23 & 24 at Camp Grant Walker. The theme for the camp was “Birthday Bash of the Century,” and camp participants were treated to hands-on educational experiences focused on the 100th birthday of 4-H, reports Lois Brister, Rapides Parish 4-H agent.

An 18-year-old 4-H’er from Ouachita Parish, Lauren Ogles, was invited to do a guest interview in New York City for celebrity chef Rachael Ray’s Web site.

4 H’ers plant irises and pitcher plants in low-lying areas of the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La. as a project for Youth Wetlands Week, March 31-April 4.

The New Orleans Hornets invited Louisiana 4-H members to participate in the sixth annual 4-H/New Orleans Hornets game Friday, February 22nd.

The 4-H centennial marketing fund received a $1,300 donation March 15 in a unique location -- on the ice, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team ice. ReAzalia Allen, state 4-H secretary-treasurer, presented the check to Renee Castro, centennial coordinator, at 4-H Day at the Mudbugs.

4-H members had the opportunity to be on court, participate in group photos, meet players, and also assist with celebrating the 100th anniversary during the New Orleans Hornets game against the Houston Rockets.

National 4-H Conference is a working conference and requires youth and adults who are focused and committed to preparing themselves for the conference, working during the conference, and applying newly acquired skills back in their communities. For more information about the conference, contact an Extension agent in your parish and visit the conference Web site at: http://4hconf.4-h.org/

(Distributed 03/05/08) The Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents touted accomplishments and expressed appreciation to those in attendance at the annual Louisiana School Boards Association Board of Directors and Superintendents’ Breakfast during LSBA’s 71st convention Feb. 29.

Blue Bell Creameries' new flavor - Centennial Cupcake - is now being sold throughout stores in Louisiana. Pick up a carton today and support 4-H Youth Development.

“Fun for a week – Memories for a lifetime!” That’s the theme of the summer 2008 4-H camping experience at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La. The fun starts with the first of 10 weeklong camps, May 26-30. But the preparations and sign-ups are going on now.

(Distributed 01/25/08) More than 2,200 first and fourth graders along with 200 teachers and school personnel from eight northeast Louisiana parishes participated in the fourth annual Ag Alley as part of the Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center in West Monroe Jan. 17-19.

(Distributed 01/29/08) Thirteen people from Northeast Louisiana were the first group to be inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame. The 4-H Hall of Fame has been established as part of the celebration of 100 years of 4-H in Louisiana, according to Dwight Landreneau, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor.

Images of Claiborne Parish 4-H'ers Christopher Burch and Shelby Harper being shot for an "Iron Chef America" segment featuring them cooking alligator dishes. The local segment was shot at Calvary Baptist Church in Homer on Feb. 4, 2006 and aired on the Food Network on Feb. 28.

2008 4-H Commodity Ambassador Contest

Twenty-six teens represented Louisiana at the 86th annual National 4-H Congress, along with more than 1,000 other delegates from throughout the United States and its territories, in Atlanta during the Thanksgiving weekend.

4-H’ers from 22 parishes attended the LSU AgCenter 4-H Food and Fitness Camp January 24-25 at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock. This year’s theme was "The Wonderful World of 4-H," borrowing from Walt Disney movies and characters, according to LSU AgCenter nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu, advisor to the 4-H State Food and Fitness Board.

LSU AgCenter coastal resources agent Mark Shirley had hoped to bring a group of students back to a plot near Holly Beach where they had planted marsh grass during the 4-H Marsh Maneuvers program in July. But, after driving for several miles on La. 82 between Holly Beach and Johnson’s Bayou last weekend, Shirley gave up on his hope to find the transplanted grass, which apparently fell victim to Hurricane Rita’s wrath.

(Distributed 02/10/06) Two members of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program will show America they can be "Iron Chefs” when a show featuring the teens cooking alligator dishes airs on the Food Network Feb. 28. Claiborne Parish 4-H'ers Christopher Burch and Shelby Harper, students at Haynesville High School, were taped Saturday (Feb. 4) and said they enjoy everything about being in 4-H, including learning beneficial life skills.