Record Book Workshop Tomorrow

Walk Across Texas Newletter

Got Your Dairy?

What is the truth about dairy products?  It seems a lot of people have concerns about dairy. Although it’s possible to have a healthful diet without dairy, consuming dairy products makes it much easier to get critical nutrients. So, the blanket statement that “dairy is bad for you” should be met with skepticism.

Arguments from the “anti-dairy” side are numerous. Some people are concerned about the saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates and even protein in dairy. Others are troubled about hormones, which occur naturally in milk from cows regardless of whether they are treated with synthetic growth hormones to boost milk production.

Some people do have dairy-related health issues. A small number are allergic — they must stay away from milk and dairy to avoid a reaction. More are lactose intolerant. Their intestines don’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down natural milk sugar, which can cause gas pain and bloating if they’re not careful.

Still others are anxious about other issues — weight gain or even acne. But talk to a registered dietitian, and you’ll hear a different story. Dairy foods provide many important nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin D and, of course, calcium. Most people, particularly adolescents, don’t get enough calcium in their diet. Dairy products are an easy, convenient way to get the calcium you need. A few of the best choices include those that are low-fat: milk; puddings; yogurt; and cheese; as well as calcium fortified soymilk.

Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D during our younger years helps strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and related bone fractures later in life. And as we age, we still need to consume enough to prevent the body from robbing calcium from our bones for other uses, such as the proper functioning of nerves and blood vessels. Recommended calcium intakes range from 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams a day from age 4 through adulthood. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends three servings of non-fat or low-fat dairy a day to help people meet those goals.

It is vitally important for people who choose not to consume dairy products to make sure they’re getting the calcium they need. Non-dairy sources include orange juice, soy beverages, tofu and breakfast cereals that are fortified with calcium; bok choy, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, collards, kale and other leafy greens; and some beans including black, Great Northern, navy and white beans.

For more information concerning consumption of a healthy diet, contact the Extension office at 940/627-3341.

Record Book Workshop

Record keepingis a very valuable skill taught to members by keeping project records. The primary purposes of completing a record book are for a young person to develop the skills necessary to set goals, work toward achieving those goals, reflect on his/her experiences, and set new and higher goals for themselves. A secondary benefit is to prepare young people for the process of completing quality academic scholarship applications. Record Books are reviewed annually during the summer months. **It is never to late to start, record books come in hand for seniors filling out scholarships**

There are new changes for 2014 – come to get the latest updates! 

Please let us know you are coming by March 28th so we have enough copies prepared! 

SIDE NOTE:

Are Record Books Required?

Our Answer:
Required no. Highly suggested yes.

To apply for our County Awards youth must complete a record book. These awards are given at our Annual 4-H Banquet in August.

For some clubs they are required to serve in leadership positions. As youth enter into high school and prepare for college they become invaluable as they begin to fill out scholarship applications and apply to different universities.

The earlier you start the easier it is to keep up with. Thankfully now they are in a format appropriate for each age (which means the 4-H member should be able to complete most on their own or with guidance from an adult).

Walk Across Texas Newsletter

Pasture Management Workshop

            Pasture management through fertilization and weed control proves to be economical when trying to produce forage.  I know the costs of fertilizer continues to be an issue; but, without proper nutrition and management, forage production and hay yields will continue to go down.  This coupled with the long range forecasts they are projecting doesn’t look promising for wet spring and summer. This increases the need for effective and affordable weed control, which will be key to realizing the full potential of today’s pastures and rangeland. Managing weeds maximizes grass yield and quality, which ultimately leads to more cattle weight gain per acre.

            The Wise County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Livestock & Forage Committee will host a Pasture Management Workshop in Boyd, Texas on April 2^nd at the Boyd Community Center. Registration at 10:30am, program begins at 11:00am and will conclude at 2:00 pm.  Cost for the workshop is $15 for pre-registration and $20 at the door. Participants will receive 2 hours of General CEU’s for pesticide applicator license holders.  The meeting will include lunch which is sponsored by Boyd Feed Store and DOW Chemical.

            The workshop will cover topics such as: Pasture & Rangeland Health and Weed Management in Pastures.  Speakers for the workshop will be Dr. Larry Redmon, Professor and State Extension Forage Specialist and Dr. Todd Baughman, Program Support Leader

Oklahoma State University, Institute for Agricultural Biosciences.

            For more information about the Pasture Management Workshop or to pre-register, please call the Wise County Extension office at 940-627-3341. 

Scholarship Workshop this Thursday

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office is hosting a Scholarships 101 meeting at the Weatherford College Campus – Wise County on March 20^th at 6pm. We will cover scholarships, FASFA, SAT/ACT testing, plus how to make your application rise to the top of the pile!      

            Join us for refreshments, door prizes and a question and answer session at the end. The Scholarship 101 program is FREE!  To register for the Scholarships 101, call the Texas A&M AgriLife Wise County Extension office at 940-627-3341.

Save the Date: Wise County Health Fair

As you mark your calendars for the many activities taking place this spring, I would like to encourage you to make plans to attend the Wise County Health Fair scheduled for Saturday, April 5 from 8:30 am to 12:00pm at the Decatur Civic Center. The Health Fair is sponsored by United Way and is promoting a healthier Wise County through community awareness and education.

One of the key features will be the family fun run/walk beginning at 10:30 am. This event is free. All participants who complete the approximate one mile course will be eligible for door prizes.  There are many other free opportunities as well.  To date several free health screenings have been confirmed: blood pressure checks; vision and hearing; blood glucose checks; PSA for men over 40; heart rate; and hemoglobin A1C.

Several popular activities are returning such as: Texas Lifestar Helicopter; Fire Truck and Ambulance and face painting. New this year is MARGE- Mobile Awareness Resource Gastrointestinal Exhibit, which is an inflatable walk through colon.

Participants will also be able to take part in plant pals offered by Wise County 4-H; and the Carter Blood Care unit returns.

Entry forms for booths/displays/activities space are available via the United Way website at www.wisecountyunitedway.org/healthforum.html. You may also contact the Extension office at 940/627-3341 for additional information.