Scramble animal program and YQCA changes

One program that many may not be aware of is that 4-Hers who want to experience an animal project in sheep, goat, swine, or dairy steer may try out this project by receiving a scramble (donated) animal for that particular species. This is typically a youth who is in grade 3, 4 or 5 who wants to try the particular species animal project. Certain criteria apply like having the necessary facility to care for the animal and one may only have one scramble animal in any given year. The intent is to help build interest in youth to show a particular species and learn from the project experience. Contact the Extension office (info below) if you would like to know more or sign up and we will let the respective species superintendent know of your interest.

4-Hers exhibiting any beef, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine must complete the Youth Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) to exhibit these species of livestock. The YQCA is a quality assurance program similar to Junior Pork Quality Assurance (JPQA) program that swine members had completed for many years in order to be allowed to sell swine.

What is the YQCA? It is a one-hour program that must be taught by a certified Extension, FFA Advisor, or veterinarian or it may be completed online. Face to face advisor meetings will cost $3 while the online programs will cost $12. The fees are completely handled online with the YQCA registration website via credit card. The local Extension office has obtained a few coupon codes for those who do not have access to a credit or debit card for payment.

Emails/texts are being sent to all livestock members to provide details of an unfortunate disruption that state and county 4-H staff have recently learned of that will be occurring with the program later in March. The March YQCA program for Putnam County is being cancelled due to this disruption as well. The YQCA web platform is changing and the result is that info on previous platform will not carry over to the new platform.

For those who have already completed the program this year, by March 21, please print your certificate to have with you when you attend shows. This can be as simple as having an electronic screen shot on your phone or other device. If you have signed up for a program, you will need to cancel your signup and be refunded your $3 fee by March 21. Later individuals will signup with the new platform. The following outlines the cancelation process:

Indiana 4-H like many other states have adopted this program to help ensure food safety and proper animal care educational awareness. One may also complete the certification in another county. The certification is not species specific, meaning you only need to complete it once annually despite the fact one may exhibit multiple species.

One can still sign up for 4-H using https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in to enroll. Except at this point, horse & pony, archery and dog are closed. If you have questions about Putnam County 4-H, contact Mark Evans, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, Kim Beadles, Education Program Coordinator or Kristy Straziscar, Office Manager for help.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events

March 12 – Putnam County Ag Day (Breakfast and Mini Farm Fest) Fairgrounds, 8 am.

March 31 – Exploring 4-H (mini 4-H Grade 2) program, Fairgrounds, 6 pm.

April 5 – Medicare and Diabetes, 3pm, Extension Office, free, register by April 1st at 765-653-8411

April 14 – Spring Flowers, 2pm, Extension Office, virtual option available upon request, free, register by April 8th at 765-653-8411

April 20-June 8 – A Matter of Balance (Fall Prevention), 8-Wednesdays, 1-3:00pm, Roachdale Community & Senior Center, free, limited spots, register at 765-653-8411