Howard County

The Maryland 4-H State Horse Judging Contest tests the 4-Her's knowledge of horse conformation and way of going. The contest has a mixture of halter and under-saddle (or in-harness) classes with 4 horses to judge in each class. After placing the classes and enjoying a short lunch, contestants must defend their placings for classes by giving "oral reasons" to the judges. Awards are granted in the senior, intermediate, and junior divisions to the top County 10 teams, top 10 overall individuals, and top 10 individuals in reasons. In addition, the top 10 senior individuals compete for one of the four spots on the Maryland State Horse Judging Team that competes at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.

Contest Procedures
1. The Examination Phase of the contest will include the following:
a. A Written Exam
b. Projected slides may be used to have contestants identify items (see topics below) if appropriate facilities are available.
2. The Stations Phase will consist of a series of stations or tables where contestants will respond to the requirements of the stations.

Closing date for registration is June 2, 2025 at 11:59 pm

Are you dreading slogging through the mud and muck that spring often brings? Join us for a Pasture Walk on Best Management Practices to learn how to manage water to improve your pasture and loafing areas and make mud a memory! 🌾💧
🔹 TWO opportunities at different locations
May 27 - Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Street, MD
June 12 - CMREC Equine Rotational Grazing Site, Ellicott City, MD
🔹 6-8pm
🔹 FREE to attend but please register https://bit.ly/MakeMudAMemory
✅ Learn practical solutions for managing mud, water runoff, and pasture health.
✅ Discover ways to prevent erosion, improve drainage, and keep your horses comfortable.
✅ Hear from experts and connect with fellow horse owners who share your concerns.
Whether you're new to managing your horse farm or looking to improve your practices, this event is for YOU! 🐎💚

Join us at lunchtime (on your cell phone or computer) as Paul Goeringer discusses current legal issues farmers on Delmarva are facing, including, the Open Fields Doctrine. Paul will also be giving updates on other legal hot topics as well and taking any questions you may have.

Discover how to turn any green space-- big or small-- into a thriving haven for pollinators! Join entomologist and University of Maryland Extension Faculty Specialist Madeline Potter to explore the fascinating world of Maryland's local pollinators and the critical role native plants play in supporting them. From container gardens on your balcony to expansive pollinator gardens, you'll learn practical, climate-resilient strategies to provide year-round support for these essential animals. Get inspired to make a difference and help sustain our local ecosystems. Let's work together to create vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscapes!

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar development by Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

This is a contest in which teams compete. Youth and coaches who wish to participate should contact the county/city 4-H office for information about team selection. Team members selected for statewide competition must be registered using the 4HOnline system and approved by their county/city 4-H office. Entries are due by November 17th. For more information on the structure of teams, please refer to the section entitled, “Teams”. 

The contest will feature Junior, Intermediate, and Senior age divisions. Registration for the event will open soon in 4-H Online and will be due by November 17, 2024.

The rules and regulations for the 2024 contest are posted on the Maryland 4-H webpage at: Dog Bowl Rules and Information

Contact Ashley Travis at ashley90@umd.edu or Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu if you have questions

Join us for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum in Ocean City, MD! 

This event is open to all 4-H volunteers, teen youth, and 4-H faculty/staff members. The Forum provides time to network and connect with others from around the state and learn more about the 4-H program's wonders. It is an excellent opportunity for 4-H teens and adults to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in their local 4-H programs and Grow and Grow. 

The Forum can also be a fun 4-H Family Getaway to Ocean City! It offers something for the whole family, from fun drop-in activities to free time on the beach or boardwalk to workshops for adults and Teens and classes for younger 4-Hers and Cloverbuds where they can learn and have fun while their parents attend activities for adults. 

The Forum provides professional development workshops, connection sessions during the day on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and fun, hands-on drop-in activities on Saturday evenings. Professional development workshops are designed for adults and teens aged 13 and older. Youth classes will also be offered on Saturdays to engage and educate.

Completed registration is due by November 21, 2024.
Hurry while space lasts.

If you require accommodation, please check that box when registering and indicate the reasonable accommodation. 

HoCo Bee City Presents Madeline Potter, University of Maryland Extension Faculty Specialist for Entomology and Integrated Pest Management, for an interactive workshop on extending life in your green spaces by conserving beneficial insects and other wildlife through the cold winter months.

Not all animals migrate to warmer areas once the temperatures drop, some animals seek shelter in leaves and plant debris like bumble bee queens and luna moth pupae. For a biodiverse spring, learn how to create and protect overwintering habitat within your own spaces, no matter how big or small your green space might be (container and potted gardens included)!

Participants are encouraged to bring a sketch/map of their green space, including different plant species/types, structures, etc. for an opportunity to think through overwintering habitat that fits their own spaces.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this workshop, please contact Madeline Potter by email: mpotter@umd.edu or phone: (301) 226-7615 by Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Schedule

8:15 Leave Chester Park & Ride (Under the west side of the Kent Narrows Bridge)

9:00 Arrive Davidsonville Park & Ride (Davidsonville Road, at Rt. 50/301 Exit 16)

9:30 Leave Davidsonville Park & Ride

9:55 Stop 1: Arrive Greenstreet Gardens (95 minutes) - 391 W Bay Front Road, Lothian 20711. For more information visit https://greenstreetgardens.com/

11:30 Leave Greenstreet Gardens

12:00 Stop 3: Arrive Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards (110 minutes) – 15800 Croom Road, Brandywine 20613

Lunch Location - https://www.robinhillfarmandvineyards.com/

1:50 Leave Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards

2:15 Stop 4: Arrive Montpelier Farms (75 minutes) – 1720 Robert S. Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro 20774. For more information visit https://www.montpelierfarms.com/

3:30 Leave Montpelier Farms

3:45 Arrive Davidsonville Park & Ride

4:00 Leave Davidsonville Park & Ride

4:30 Arrive Chester Park & Ride

Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RFJKEUMYMWwtncfD7

Notice of Filming and Photography - When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending this event, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction.

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Kate Welch at the Talbot County Extension Office at 410-822-1244 by September 19, 2024.