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Introducing…Ms. Abbie Halley
We would like to welcome Ms. Abbie Halley as the new 4-H agent for Lafourche Parish. Abbie is from Parshall, Colorado and grew up raising livestock and being an active member in 4-H, where she was a state 4-H officer and had many projects. She showed pigs, sheep, cattle, and goats and did breeding for all four species. She recently graduated from Iowa State University with her bachelor’s degree in animal science and was on the meat judging team; before that, she attended Northeastern Junior College, where she achieved her associate degree in animal science and competed on the livestock judging and horse judging teams. She is excited to learn about how 4-H is different from where she grew up and being able to give back to an organization that has made her who she is today.
According to a recent study of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 950 million people in the world need eyeglasses, but can’t afford them or don’t have an accessible optician. In an effort to help those less fortunate, 4-H teams up with our local Lions Club to provide glasses to those in need by collecting used glasses that are then distributed to those who need them. Please turn in used eyeglasses, lenses, and frames to your school 4-H Club. Agents will pick up the donations at the March club meetings.
If you are interested in showing horses for 4-H, please call the 4-H Office by March 21, 2025, to get on the mailing list to receive information about the Horse Shows. Just remember you need to have your horses in your possession by April 1, 2025, to be able to show this year. The Southeast District Horse Show will be held at the Florida Parishes Arena June 24-25, 2025.
The February Junior Leader meeting was held at the Ag Building in Raceland on February 27th.Members discussed 4-H University and upcoming leadership opportunities for service learning. They collected gently worn shoes for Soles4Souls.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Building in Raceland. Lafourche Junior Leaders bleed green, so wear green and bring a delicious green dessert for competition, as well as a bag candy (no chocolate) that can be used to fill the eggs for our “Egg Your Yard” fundraiser.
Ready for an egg hunt in your yard? Let Lafourche Parish 4-H work with the Easter Bunny to make that happen! We’ll make sure the Easter Bunny hides the candy-stuffed eggs in your yard so the family can enjoy the hunt! The cost is as follows: 25 eggs-$15; 45 eggs-$25; 100 eggs-$50; or 150 eggs-$70. Funds collected will be used to support the Lafourche 4-H Youth Development Program and activities. Call the 4-H Office by April 14th at 985-446-1316 or email us at vsmith@agcenter.lsu.edu to schedule!
Achievement Day will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Central Lafourche High School. This year’s theme will be “Beyond Ready.” The morning program for Achievement Day will begin at 8:30 a.m. Please remind all 4-H’ers to bring pencils to Achievement Day since there will be none available for taking tests. After the morning program, members can participate in various contests such as demonstrations, insect identification, plant science, horticulture crop judging, good grooming (personal development), public speaking, and various tests from project book completion. Make sure to sign up with your leader if you want to participate in Achievement Day contests. The afternoon ceremony includes a fashion show and a talent show for your entertainment. After the conclusion of the talent show, our parish awards program begins. Awards that are presented are Top Junior Leaders and Awards of Excellence. School awards will be presented, and they include Activity Awards, School Display, and Achievement Day Awards. Please try to attend and cheer on your school club. Do not forget to wear your 4-H shirt if you have one. While students compete, there will be a silent auction for adults to participate. Donations are now being accepted for items for the auction. Proceeds will be used to support the Lafourche Parish 4-H Youth Development Program through the Lafourche 4-H Foundation.
Record keeping is an important part of every 4-H educational project. Records show what you have done and learned during your 4-H club work. The 4-H Portfolio form is designed to help you keep your records and other supporting materials in an orderly manner. The portfolios that are completed and turned into the 4-H Office will be judged, and recognition/awards will be given for these books at Achievement Day. The portfolios for grades 4-12 that are turned into the 4-H Office will be judged. The members in each division with the Top 10 portfolios will be recognized with Awards of Excellence at Achievement Day. The top 10 portfolios will be submitted to the State contest in July. You should be keeping this record from year to year and adding to it. You may include up to three years of 4-H work in your portfolio. Many awards, educational trips, and college scholarships are given to club members on the basis of their portfolios. Portfolios are due to the 4-H Office before April 14th. Portfolios will be picked up at the April club meetings if your scheduled club meeting is held before April 14th. If your April meeting is scheduled for after April 14th, your school’s portfolios will be picked up the week of April 14th. Portfolios can also be dropped off at the 4-H Office Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM before April 14th. The instructions for completing your portfolio are on the lsuagcenter.com website and have been sent through 4HOnline via email. The 4-H Member Record Book template was updated last year and posted to the LSU AgCenter website at the following link: 4-H Portfolio (lsuagcenter.com) All entries for the State Record Book Contest must use this revised publication, so please follow the updated guidelines for our parish contest. Please feel free to call the 4-H office with any questions.
4th graders who have completed their Discovering the World of 4-H and 5th graders who have completed Exploring the World of 4-H who turn these project books in at their assigned club meetings (April club meetings if your meeting is held prior to April 14th.If after April 14th, they will be picked up the week of April 14th to qualify to take the tests at Achievement Day. 6th-12th graders that have completed and turned in their project booklets will earn certificates and points for their clubs for completing their projects. No project book tests will be given for 6th – 12th graders. These are separate from Portfolios and cannot be included in the portfolios. ALL 4-Hers can participate in the identification contests and demonstrations at Achievement Day.
This contest is for teams of two or three members in the Middle and Senior High Divisions (both divisions will compete together).Contestants will present 5–7-minute presentation using PowerPoint format or audio visuals of choice on the topic of safe driving. Safe Driving topics include but are not limited to distracted driving (texting), drinking; reckless; sleepy; road rage. The emphasis will be on young drivers influencing other young drivers. Cash prizes will be awarded—$300.00 will be presented to the 1st place team, $200.00 to the 2nd place team and $100.00 to the 3rd place team! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!
These items will be picked up with portfolios at your April club meeting if your club meeting is before April 14th. For schools with scheduled club meetings after April 14th, these items will be picked up the week of April 14th. Items can also be brought to the 4-H office before April 14th.The items will be displayed at Achievement Day on April 26th at Central Lafourche High School. Items are to be picked up by attendees or leaders at the conclusion of Achievement Day. More detailed information can be found on our website at www.lsuagcenter.com. Click on Parish Offices, Lafourche, and 4-H. Feel free to call the office at 985-446-1316 with any questions.
Submit a fresh mounted collection of leaves of Louisiana Trees according to the following specifications:
All Elementary, Middle, and Senior High clothing contestants will model their garments to be judged for appearance and construction in the morning at Achievement Day and may participate in the Fashion Review in the afternoon.
We are conducting a club skit contest during the afternoon ceremony. The theme for Achievement Day will be “Beyond Ready”, so we would like you to incorporate this theme into your skit. A party will be given to the winning club at their May meeting!!If your club would like to participate, please call the 4-H Office by April 14th so we can put you on the schedule. 4-H’ers that would like the opportunity to perform at Achievement Day should send in a DVD/CD of your performance to your 4-H club leader. These will be viewed by the judges, and the top acts will be selected to perform at Achievement Day. There is no limit on the amount of acts a club can submit, but the acts cannot exceed 10 minutes. These are due to the 4-H Office by April 14th.
All demonstrations have a maximum time limit of 15 minutes. Note: All demonstrations can be individual or team demonstrations. A limited number of demonstrations will be allowed per club. Make sure your leader knows you want to participate. The following is a description of each demonstration contest:
Agriculture Demonstration - on any agricultural practice or practice relating to agriculture which includes the following areas: livestock & crop production, conservation of natural resources, wildlife management, marine science, poultry science, agricultural engineering, forestry, & horticulture. Ex. How to Groom an Animal, How to Clean a Crab, How to Pot a Plant, etc. (Elementary & Middle)
Breads - Can be demonstrations, illustrated lectures, or presentations on breads. Ex. How to Make Pretzels, How to Make a Sandwich or How to Make Muffins (Elementary & Middle)
Dairy Foods - Can be demonstrations, illustrated lectures or presentations and must be related to Dairy Foods or Dairy Products. Ex. How to Make a Milkshake, How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or How to Make Pudding.(Elem. & Middle).
FCS Demonstration - Must be a method (how to) demonstration, not an illustrated lecture, on any home economics practice relating to Home Economics. Areas include clothing, family life, family resource management, health and safety, and housing and house furnishings. (Elementary & Middle)
General Demonstration - For Senior High members only. Can be demonstrations on Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science, Horticulture, or LA Agriculture Products.
Horticulture Demos. - Must be on the production, sale, or marketing of a horticultural product or use of fruit or vegetable grown in our area. Can be an artistic arrangement with fresh or dried plant materials or plants used in the landscape.(Middle School)
Louisiana Ag. Products Demonstration - A demonstration on Louisiana Agriculture products (should include Rice, Beef, Sugar, Seafood, etc.).No Horticulture products. (Elementary & Middle)
Tiger Tank Entrepreneurship Challenge – An opportunity for individuals or a team of two to create or propose a product or service-based business. They may have a business idea that they want to design and explore. Present a demonstration on your business idea.(Middle and Senior) Examples: making and selling dog treats, friendship bracelets, vinyl mugs, etc. Contact the 4-H Office for more details.
Civic Engagement/Leadership Illustrated Talk – This contest allows youth to present an illustrated talk on an area within citizenship, leadership, theater arts, communication, and personal development. Elementary Division (4-5) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Middle School Division (6-8) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Senior High Division (9-12) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint, (b) presents a 5-minute explanation of poster subject, or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge.
Civic Engagement/Leadership Method Demonstration – Youth will present a method demonstration in Citizenship. Topic areas can include citizenship, leadership, theater arts, communication, and personal development. The method demonstration should NOT include cooking/preparing food.
Consumer Decision Making – Contestants will judge six classes of consumer products or services. In addition, each participant will use the criteria outlined in the situation statement to give oral reasons for one of the classes. Classes may include financial products or services, repeat purchases, big-ticket items, or contractual services.
Consumer Foods Judging - The contest is open to all 4-H members in Elementary (4-5 grades), Middle (6-8 grades), and Senior (9-12 grades) Divisions. The contest consists of at least 4 separate classes. The objective of this contest is to teach 4-H members the importance of healthy food choices. At least 4 classes will be set up with 4 choices in each class. Middle and Senior Division 4-H members will be required to give reasons on one of the classes. Types of information to be found in each of the classes include:
*Healthy breakfast foods
*Proper beverage choices
*Healthy cereal choices
4-H members should look for items low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and sodium. They should select items high in dietary fiber, low in calories and high in nutrition value.
Fish Identification Contest—Participants will identify saltwater and freshwater fish by their common names as listed in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. A word bank will be provided. Participants will also be asked to select if the fish is a freshwater or saltwater species. Information can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov (go to Fishing, Recreational Fishing and then Regulations Brochure—pictures are in the Regulations Brochure).
Good Grooming/Personal Development - For Elementary Division, two 4-H’ers from each grade (4th & 5th) may enter from each school. Boys and girls compete together and should come dressed for an afternoon party (church dress) to be interviewed by judges. For Middle School Division (6th—8th) any club member may compete.4-H’ers should be dressed appropriately. For Senior High (9th—12th), any member may participate. Boys and girls should come dressed for a job interview for which they are presently eligible. A resume of the job they are applying for is required. Check with your leader to sign up.
Healthy Living Illustrated Talk - Elementary Division (4-5) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Middle School Division (6-8) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Senior High Division (9-12) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 5-minute explanation of poster subject, or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge.
Horticulture Crop Judging - Any number of 4-H’ers per club can participate. The contest will consist of Judging Classes, Information (true and false test on horticultural topics) and Identification of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.
Insect Identification & Study - Any number of 4-H’ers per club can participate. A test will consist of identifying as to common name insects of economic importance to the parish. Resources: Golden Nature Book or Insects.org
Public Speaking - Four 4-H'ers from each club may participate. Speech must be 3 to 5 minutes on any subject. Contestants may refer to notes; but cannot read the speech and must submit copy of speech to judge on Achievement Day.
Every time a 4-H club member participates in an activity or contest along with their ribbon or certificate they will earn a Lucky Clover ticket (these will be sent to them through their leaders).These tickets will be used to take a chance at some nice prizes. This drawing will take place at Achievement Day (look for the drawing box).4-H’ers must be present for the drawing at Achievement Day to be eligible to win.
Lafourche Parish 4-H program will conduct a 4-H Garden Contest again this year! This is easy and fun way to learn more about growing some of your own food! All you have to do is:
1.Select a site for your garden. Garden can be rows or square foot garden.
2.Plan what crops you will grow.(This contest is not for ornamental gardens.)
3.Prepare your soil.
4.Plant.
5.Keep records.
6.Call the 4-H Office at 985-446-1316 for more information and scorecard.
7.Return the scorecard by May 9, 2025. Good luck!
Each year, 4-H members from across the state who are in the 8th-12th grade as of August 1, 2024, are eligible to participate in 4-H University to demonstrate their skills in more than 40 competitive events. It is the culmination of a 4-H member’s year of hard work and dedication. Events range from Agricultural Use Demonstration, Automotive Care, Fishing Sports, Public Speaking, Fashion Revue, and more! Through competing, youth demonstrate life skills in teamwork, decision making, problem solving, resiliency, and many more. Each competitive event allows youth an opportunity for personal growth, skill mastery, and other life skills vital to functioning members of society. The official dates for the 2024 Louisiana 4-H University are June 17-20, 2025, on the campus of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. This is an excellent opportunity for our teenage members to experience and preview the campus of our flagship university. If you are interested in participating in 4-H University, please contact Mrs. Suzanne or Ms. Abbie at the 4-H Office.
On January 18th, the parish livestock was held in Raceland. Congratulations to the following 4-H’ers who won awards:
Congratulations to the winners of the Ground Beef Cookery, Beef Illustrated Talk, Rice Cookery and Sweet Potato Cookery. There were 148 Ground Beef, 133 Rice, and 140 Sweet Potato dishes for a total of 421 dishes along with 15 Beef Illustrated Talks. They are as follows:
Phone Etiquette
Cell phones are a normal part of our everyday life. More children have cell phones, and at an earlier age, than ever before. According to statistics, 32% of all 9-year-olds in the United States have a cell phone. That number increases to 91% for 14-year-olds and 97% for 17 year olds. Teaching proper cell phone etiquette to young people has become more important throughout the years.
For more information on any of the activities listed, please contact Suzanne Troxclair at stroxclair@agcenter.lsu.edu or Abbie Halley at ahalley@agcenter.lsu.edu or at 985-446-1316.
