March 2nd-Deadline to apply for the CTFC scholarship, 4pm March 2nd-Deadline to apply for the TFB scholarship March 3rd-“Pathways to Mastering Scholarships” Program, 6pm at Howard Payne University March 9th- “Pathways to Mastering Scholarships” Program, 6pm at TSTC Brownwood
MAJOR STOCK SHOW PASSES
The following major stock show passes have arrived at the Extension Office:
Ft. Worth Stock Show
San Angelo Stock Show
Houston Stock Show
San Antonio
If you have signed up for any of these shows and are NOT going to be participating or have any other questions, please contact Nick Gonzales.
BCYF BUYERS LIST
Don’t forget to write thank you notes to your buyers from BCYF! We have the list of buyers and their mailing addresses here at the extension office. Each exhibitor who sold in the premium sale received a receipt that has a bidder number that corresponds with the list. If the receipt has a number followed by a letter, the exhibitor needs to send thank-you letters to everyone in that letter block.You will not be permitted to pick up your premium checks until you have written them. Please contact Rachel at 325-646-0386 or email at rachel.howell@ag.tamu.edu for questions/help pertaining to the thank you notes.
The2026-27 HTYA Applicationis now open! Looking for a new way to engage high school youth in health education, nutrition and health projects, and leadership? If so, consider becoming a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador! Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors assist County Extension agents in providing valuable health education to youth and adults within the community. Working alongside their agent, they can become a valuable part of the local Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas 4-H Youth Development team! Reminder: Returning Ambassadors must reapply. APPLY NOW: https://healthytexas.tamu.edu/resources/youth-ambassadors/
2026 TEXAS 4-H CONGRESS
Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members going into 9th grade –through those who just graduated 12th Grade (at the time of the event). During this time, 4-H members assume the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and press corps to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works. Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H
members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth. These bills are assigned to the appropriate committee, debated in committee meetings, and then on the floor of the House or Senate. If a bill is successful in negotiation and the legislative debate in all three stages, it is delivered to the
Governor of Texas 4-H Congress for his or her signature or veto. Copies of all the bills that are signed into law during Texas 4-H Congress are provided to the Office of the Governor for review.
Nomination Form Due: March 23, 2026 by noon
Event Start Date: July 19, 2026 (Austin, Tx)
Event End Date: July 22, 2026 (Austin, Tx)
If you know of someone that is interested in this amazing opportunity, please contact the Extension Office and we will get you set up with a District 7 nomination form. Please note that the D7 nomination forms are dueMarch 23, 2026 by noonto our office. We can also answer any other questions regarding cost/travel/etc that you may have for this.
CENTRAL TEXAS FARM CREDIT 2026 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMCentral Texas Farm Credit is excited to announce that applications for our 2026 Scholarship Program are now open!
Key details:
Application Deadline: March 2, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors in our service area planning on attending a two-year, four-year or trade school and participate in FFA or 4-H
2025-2026 Scholarship Central Texas Master Gardeners Association Scholarship
The Central Texas Master Gardeners Association is offering 1 scholarship of $1,000.00. Applicants must be a 2026 graduate of a High School in a county represented by CTMGA (Brown, Coleman, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Mills) and the student must be entering a program of higher education in an agriculture related field.
The deadline for application is April 10, 2026
Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested and Rachel will get you an application.
325-646-0386 or email at rachel.howell@ag.tamu.edu
Applications open – June 15, 2026 & Applications close – August 17, 2026Applications close – August 17, 2026
Funds to be awarded no later than November 2026
SOFA Challenge
Location – HOT Fair & Rodeo in Waco
Registration details to come
Tentative event dates: October 3-4, 2026
MAJOR STOCK SHOW ANIMAL HEALTH REGULATIONS
FT. WORTH STOCK SHOW
If you are participating in the Ft. Worth Stock Show all species of livestock MUST HAVE HEALTH PAPERS FROM A VETERINARIAN WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE SHOW.
SAN ANGELO
All breeding animals such as: heifers, breeding sheep, breeding goats, and breeding swine must have health papers from a veterinarian within 30 days of show. Breeding Gilts:
All certificates must be issued on or after December 18, 2025 with the following information:
A. Leptospirosis vaccination is required on breeding swine within 60 days prior to date of the
sale (on or after December 18, 2025) with vaccine containing the following strains: Canicola,
Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona. Vaccination date must appear.
on the health certificate.
B. A statement must appear that says the animal has not been fed garbage, has not been
exposed to hog cholera or pseudorabies, does not originate from a quarantined herd, nor
has the herd of origin had PRV within the last six months, nor have the entries themselves.
been vaccinated for PRV.
C. Gilt identification must be included on health certificate in form of validation number and
ear notches.
D. ALL gilts must have tested negative for Brucellosis and Pseudorabies. Blood test must have
been conducted within 30 days prior to the show. Results should be listed on health.
certificate.
Market animals DO NOT require health papers.
SAN ANTONIO
All breeding animals such as: heifers, breeding sheep, breeding goats, and breeding swine must have health papers from a veterinarian within 30 days of show. BREEDING SHEEP (INCLUDING WETHER DAM)
1. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days.
2. Scrapie Premise Identification Ear Tag is required for sheep to be exhibited.
Market animals DO NOT require health papers.
HOUSTON
All breeding animals such as: heifers, breeding sheep, breeding goats, and breeding swine must have health papers from a veterinarian within 30 days of show.
Market animals DO NOT require health papers.
RODEO AUSTIN
All breeding heifers must have health papers from a veterinarian within 30 days of show.
Market animals DO NOT require health papers.
Quality Counts Enrollment Instructions
Quality Counts is open and ready for any youth who need to take the course for the first time or renew their verification.
Quick Reminder: Exhibitors only need to complete the course once per grade division:
Junior: Grades 3–5
Intermediate: Grades 6–8
Senior: Grades 9–12
Don’t Forget
Quality Counts is required for all major livestock show entries.
Exhibitors must complete the course before entry deadlines.
Many county/local shows also require it — check your local rules.
If you would like help with this process or if you would prefer an instructional video to be sent to your email, reach out to Rachel at 325-646-0386 or atrachel.howell@ag.tamu.edu
The enrollment process for the 2025-2026 4-H year begins August 15, 2025. All 4-H families, new and returning, are encouraged to log in and enroll to become an official 4-H member.
As you begin your enrollment for the year, here are some tips in using 4-H ONLINE:
If you already have a profile DO NOT create another one!
If you lost your email and password call the county office so we can reset, it for you.
An active membership will not be granted until the $30.00 participation fee is paid on 4-H Connect!
You cannot register or participate in an event until your profile is ACTIVE.
When you are doing your re-enrollment for the 2025-2026 4-H Year please make sure you update your address, phone number, and e-mail address.
For any youth who is joining 4-H in 2025-2026 for the first time as a 3rd/4th grader we ask for you NOT TO ENROLL until September 1st. September 1st is actual first day of the new 4-H year and what is used to calculate grade/age. If a 2nd grader moving into 3rd grade enrolls before September 1st it will “tag” them as a Clover Kid, not charge an enrollment fee and lock them in as a Clover Kid for the year.
The Texas 4-H fee schedule is below:
$25.00 – Club Member Enrollment Discounted Fee: August 15 – October 31
$30.00 – Club Member Enrollment Regular Fee: November 1 to the completion of 4-H year
$10.00 – Clover Kid Enrollment Regular Fee
$10.00 – Adult Volunteer Application Fee
Don’t wait until the last minute to enroll because after October 31st the cost increases to $30!!
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE ON ENROLLING PLEASE CONTACT THE EXTENSION OFFICE AT325-646-0386OR BY EMAILING RACHEL ATrachel.howell@ag.tamu.edu
San Antonio Stock Show 2026
Market Lambs – Steve Sturtz
Market Goats – Barrett Carlisle
Market Steers – Dr. Blake Bloombers, Associate Judge: Kyndal Reitzenstein
Market Barrows – Chad Day & Nick Hofschulte
Rodeo Austin 2026
Market Lambs – Dan Willoughby
Market Goats – Jimmy Davis
Market Steers – Dr. Scott Greiner
Market Barrows – Justin Rodibaugh
