Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Just a couple of points as we wind down for the year.

• Banquet Tickets
• 2023-24 Cattle Exhibitors
• 2023-24 Barn Contracts

Banquet Tickets

The annual awards banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16^th at 6:00 pm at the Nessler Center in Texas City. The link to purchase banquet tickets and tables can be found at:

https://dickinson-isd.revtrak.net/dhs/cte/dhs-cte-ffa/#/list

2023-24 Cattle Exhibitors

Monday, 8 May 2023

We apologize for the short notice, but we will need any and all available cattle exhibitors to report to the barn after school this coming Monday, 8 May. We need assistance in splitting the remaining double pens in the back and setting up new cattle pens in the arena. If you are available, come to the barn after classes. It will not take very long to meet our objectives, and the more people that we have attend, the quicker we can finish. Additional information and instructions will be announced during this time.

Tack

There are a few pens in the current cattle aisle which are already starting to be filled with tack, feed, and supplies. These items must be stored in a locker, or at home. Due to construction constraints,  no storage stalls will be permitted henceforth. Remove these items / store them elsewhere by Monday. We are aware that this is not a convenient situation, but this is the only way forward until the new barn is completed and we are all having to cope with adjustments.

Incoming Heifers

***Reminder***

Any incoming heifers are required to have their Brucellosis Vaccine, along with all required proof (tattoos, ear tags, paperwork). Any incoming heifers without a Bangs Vaccine will NOT be permitted within the facility. It is suggested that you inform your breeder of this requirement as this should be one of their responsibilities prior to your picking up of the animal.  

We know that there are many questions and concerns as to who, how, where, when and why for incoming cattle and the end of June validation. Please continue to be patient. We will be addressing these concerns in due course once the district finalizes our guidelines going forward.

2023-24 Barn Contracts

Contracts for the 2023-24 school year are at administration and going through the process for final approval. There will be some slight adjustments, (Which we will inform you of as soon as possible). Just to make clear, here are the requirements and steps for everyone going forward:

1. Incoming exhibitors / animals will be required to complete an application.

1. Pending that application’s approval, parents / exhibitors will be required to make all necessary payments via RevTrack for stall/barn fees after approval. Any lapsed parental background checks / contracted breeder checks will be required to be updated. [Remember, this is a free of charge protocol, and usually only takes 24 hours to update.]

(Meaning, your contract meeting will not be set or take place until all payments and background checks are updated and fees paid in full.)

1. After steps 1 & 2 are completed, a barn contract meeting will be scheduled with a parent / guardian & exhibitor. (The exhibitor & at least one parent / guardian must attend.)

1. At the barn contract meeting, the exhibitor / parent will be required to make their barn deposit. Livestock Entrance to the Facility & Barn Keys WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED OR RELEASED until the barn deposit is received. This must be in the form of an Undated Personal Check.

1. Once steps 1-4 are completed and all requirements are met, your species advisor & the barn manager will assign you a pen and authorize you/your animals entrance.

We know and understand that this is a very stressful and problematic time of year, especially with validation for major animals of all species looming closer with each passing day. We want to assure everyone all that can be done about answering important questions pertaining to these matters is being done. Everyone from DISD Administration down to our department staff are working toward being able to accommodate everyone’s needs going forward. We appreciate your patience and your candor on these matters. We will be making announcements of any additional information available as soon as we are given authorization to do so.

There will be a considerable amount of demolition and construction going on within the barn going forward. With this will come a certain amount of adjustment and inconvenience. Be prepared and be flexible to the changes that are going to be required. Yes, we will be enduring an amount of hardship going forward, but the reward of our new facility and all of the benefits that will come from its creation will far outweigh the adaptations we will have to make to adjust.

Since we are down to only a handful of exhibitors within the barn, we need everyone’s vigilance and participation:

1. Help us ensure that all barn doors are closed every night. As you all know, our gates have been faulty in the past. With the amount of construction traffic in and out of the facility, we do not want to take the chance of livestock getting loose.

1. After a busy and thorough barn clean up last weekend, we need those present in the barn to maintain all of the progress that we made. Police your aisles and help in keeping the common areas of the barn tidy.

1. Report all faulty equipment to me immediately via e-mail as soon as it is noticed. We want to deal with these situations as quickly and effectively as possible.

1. Limit your parking at the facility. Do not leave the premises while leaving your vehicle here. Our parking situation will be shrinking significantly going forward, eventually requiring everyone to park in the lot across the street. No personal trailers will be allowed to the be kept at the barn going forward.

We know this is a lot of information, we apologize for the length and time. Everyone needs to be aware of the changes that we have on the horizon. We thank you for your time and attention. Please let us know of any concerns or questions.

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Hard to believe its almost over. Here are our updates for the week:

• Barn Clean-Up
• Ear Tag Order
• Banquet Tickets
• Good Luck!

Barn Clean-Up

Tomorrow out Barn Clean-Up will begin at 8 am with the loading of all commitment animals for return to the fairgrounds. A few quick reminders:

• To be eligible for return of your deposit, both of your keys must be turned into Mrs. Schoen tomorrow morning at 10.
• If you have not already done so, clean out your pens, lockers, and storage stalls. Pens that are still housing animals cannot be cleaned out until tomorrow morning, but please make every effort to remove all of your tack and supplies. This will help speed everything up during the clean up tomorrow.
• Tomorrow is going to be dirty. Be prepared (clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty / wet, etc.), we will be pressure washing in the barn and all trailers.
• We need everyone to stay as active as possible. The faster we can complete tasks, the faster that we can finish.

Several parents and students have made contact concerning incoming summer steers and heifers. We will be reaching out with more information, new applications and contracts as soon as we can. Everyone within the district as well as our construction contractors are aware of our requirements and time constraints. They are working toward finalizing a solution, but we are in a holding pattern until further notice.

Ear Tag Order

Do not forget that ear tag orders are open.

THIS INCLUDES STUDENTS WHO CAUGHT AT HLSR CALF SCRAMBLE

ORDER HERE

Late Deadline for all species: May 21 @ 11:30 p.m.

Heifer/Steer Validation: June 12

Sheep/Goat/Swine Validation: plan for June 14, 15, or 16

Sheep/Goat:

***NEW: Sheep/goats validated during June 2023 WILL BE ELIGIBLE for 2024 Spring Major Shows. Market sheep/goats validated for the 2023 State Fair will carryover for 2024 Spring Major Shows. The validated animal MUST stay in the care of the exhibitor who validated it. If the exhibitor chooses to sell the project to a new exhibitor, the new exhibitor MUST REVALIDATE the project within the next validation period (October 2023).***

· Fall 2023 Major Show market sheep/goat, registered breeding sheep/goat, and wether/commercial dams/does MUST order and validate in June; Optional for Spring 2024 Major Show sheep/goat.

· Previously Major Show validated breeding animals (registered, wether/commercial) do NOT need to be validated again UNLESS ownership has changed.

Steer:

· Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Major Show steers MUST order and validate in June. There are NO other options for Major Show steer validation.

Heifer:

 ***NEW: All Major Show heifers will now be tagged. Previously validated heifers will NOT be required to get tagged unless they have changed ownership or breed.***

· Fall 2023 Major Show heifers MUST order and validate this summer; Optional for Spring 2024 Major Show heifers

Swine:

· Fall 2023 Major Show market swine, registered breeding gilts, and crossbred breeding gilts MUST order and validate in June. There will be a validation in November for Spring 2024 Major Swine.

https://galveston.agrilife.org/4h/major-show/

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Banquet Tickets

The Dickinson FFA Annual Awards Banquet is set for Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Nessler Center in Texas City. Tickets can be purchased at the following link:

https://dickinson-isd.revtrak.net/dhs/cte/dhs-cte-ffa/#/list

Good Luck!

Our Livestock Judging, Ag Sales, and Farm Business Management teams will all be competing in the Texas FFA State Contests over the weekend. Good Luck to all of our team members and congratulations on your hard work and the victories you have already attained to make it to this level!!!

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your time and attention. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Evening Gator Nation!!!

Again, with a shorter week comes and earlier newsletter. Here is our updates for the week:

• Barn Cleanliness
• Barn Construction / 2023-24 Contracts / Etc.
• Major Steer / Heifer for State Fair and Heart of Texas Lamb/Goat/Swine Eartag Orders
• Fair Reminders
• Hauling Out Times

Activity Calendar

Barn Cleanliness

We are about to be in fair week, but that is not an excuse to let things in our barn slip.

• Continue being responsible for your areas
• If you clip within the barn, YOU are responsible for cleaning up afterward. If you move the cattle trim chute inside, YOU are responsible to return it to its storage area
• Keep an eye on the trash cans. Once trash is above the rim, they need to be taken to the dumpster. The more that gets added, the more that gets scattered around the barn when the wind blows through

Barn Construction / 2023-24 Contracts / Etc.

Just a brief reiteration of what Mr. Menotti said at the meeting last night:

• We have no time frame with the district or the construction company as of yet
• Both the district and the construction company are aware of the severity of getting 2023-24 steers/heifers into the barn prior to validation.
• We will be working with both of them to get the ball rolling on this. When we have more information, we will relay that out to you.

I was supposed to have a meeting with administration this week about barn construction, but it had to be rescheduled. Again, when we have more information, we will relay it.

As far as 2023-24 contracts go, we will be updating changes to it and submitting for approval by the district as soon as fair/haul-back/& barn clean-up are completed. Once the new application and contracts are active, we will get that information out to everyone as many are wanting to claim pen space early.

Barn Clean-Up

The Saturday after the conclusion of the fair has occurred (4/29) will be the day that we haul all non-auctioned/commitment formed livestock back to the fairgrounds for distribution to processing, and holding our mandatory barn clean-up.

In order to be refunded your barn deposit you MUST:

1. Attend and satisfactorily complete the barn clean-up
2. Turn in both of the barn key cards that you were issued (each card’s number will be verified)
3. Remove all personal items from your locker, storage areas, and the barn as a whole.

*** The District WILL ONLY refund deposits @ Barn Clean-Up. If you forget one/all keys, etc. the district will no refund you on a later date. Ensure that you return all keys and be in compliance with the remainder of the barn clean-up requirements to collect your refund.***

********The district will no longer be rolling over any deposit from one year to the next. For cattle people that will be moving in first, we recommend that you retain your undated deposit check at home and we will be giving you further instruction on when we can collect that, etc. once the application / contract updates are made.********

Major Steer / Heifer for State Fair and Heart of Texas Lamb/Goat/Swine Eartag Orders

The Early Tag Order window has now closed. If you plan on showing cattle at any Texas Major (THIS IS TO INCLUDE ANY CALF SCRAMBLE COMPETITORS THAT CAUGHT), or State Fair of Texas/Heart of Texas Lambs, Goats, and Hogs, please follow the instructions below to order your tags:

ORDER HERE

Late Deadline for all species: May 21 @ 11:30 p.m.

Heifer/Steer Validation: June 12

Sheep/Goat/Swine Validation: plan for June 14, 15, or 16

Sheep/Goat:

***NEW: Sheep/goats validated during June 2023 WILL BE ELIGIBLE for 2024 Spring Major Shows. Market sheep/goats validated for the 2023 State Fair will carryover for 2024 Spring Major Shows. The validated animal MUST stay in the care of the exhibitor who validated it. If the exhibitor chooses to sell the project to a new exhibitor, the new exhibitor MUST REVALIDATE the project within the next validation period (October 2023).***

· Fall 2023 Major Show market sheep/goat, registered breeding sheep/goat, and wether/commercial dams/does MUST order and validate in June; Optional for Spring 2024 Major Show sheep/goat.

· Previously Major Show validated breeding animals (registered, wether/commercial) do NOT need to be validated again UNLESS ownership has changed.

Steer:

· Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Major Show steers MUST order and validate in June. There are NO other options for Major Show steer validation.

Heifer:

 ***NEW: All Major Show heifers will now be tagged. Previously validated heifers will NOT be required to get tagged unless they have changed ownership or breed.***

· Fall 2023 Major Show heifers MUST order and validate this summer; Optional for Spring 2024 Major Show heifers

Swine:

· Fall 2023 Major Show market swine, registered breeding gilts, and crossbred breeding gilts MUST order and validate in June. There will be a validation in November for Spring 2024 Major Swine.

Our orders as of Monday at 10:30 am were:

Fair Reminders

Dickinson FFA

Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Information

• The student is responsible for the daily care of their animal project(s) and stall(s) during the fair. 
• All students are excused from school the day of their show and the day after. However, it is up to the parents if their child comes to the fairgrounds or goes to school. Please notify an Ag Teacher if your student will be attending school. You still must arrange for your animal to be cared for. If a student is excused they must check in with an Ag Teacher on duty by 8:30 AM for attendance. If a student is excused and not present, the school will be notified of the truancy. 
• There will be 2 or more Ag Teachers on duty at the fairgrounds during school hours. Students are NOT allowed to leave the fairgrounds during school hours unless permitted by an Ag Teacher or with their parent/guardian.
• If a market animal exhibitor makes auction or their animal places high enough and their animal must stay on the grounds, that student will be excused for the rest of the week.
• The student is responsible for getting to and from the fairgrounds daily. 
• Students will need to bring their own feed and supplies needed to care for their animal. It is suggested to keep items in a lockable showbox. 
• Show boxes will be brought to the fairgrounds on Thursday, April 13th. If you would like for us to take your showbox, please have it in the middle drive of the barn with your last name and designated area marked on your box. You are responsible for picking up your box and any other personal items from the fairgrounds by Sunday April 23rd. 
• The FFA has purchased Tractor Supply Shavings for use while at the fairgrounds. These will be on site in our box trailer if you wish to use them. 
• Students while there with their projects are representatives of Dickinson FFA and should dress and behave appropriately while on the fairgrounds. All DHS Student Code of Conduct rules apply.
• All animals returning to the barn still must be properly cared for until their departure date on or before Saturday April 29th.
• Non-Auction animals will return to the Ag Barn. You are responsible for seeking a buyer or commitment for your animal. All animals (except for breeding heifers) must leave the Ag Barn by 9:00 AM on April 29th. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Commitment animals will be hauled back to the fairgrounds at 7:00 AM on 4/29.
• Mandatory Barn Clean Out! Saturday April 29th 9:00 AM. Bring ALL barn keys with you. Only upon completion of a satisfactory barn clean up and returning your keys, your barn deposit will be returned to you. Barn deposits will only be returned on Barn Clean Up Day and can not be rolled over to next year. 
• If keys are not returned on or before 4/29, your deposit will be forfeited. 
• Barn Keys will be reassigned for those requiring barn access after the barn clean up day (officers, breeding heifer exhibitors, etc.)

Hauling Out Times

As discussed last night, Breeding Beef Heifers are the first specie to be brought into the fair, and they will not depart the barn until 4:30 on Thursday. I will be taking all of the tack up to drop off, leaving the barn at 9:00 am on Thursday morning. If you have a showbox, or other materials that you need hauled to the fairgrounds, have them in the barn breezeway by Wednesday night so that we can get them loaded. Reminder, you will be responsible for transporting your own showbox home after the completion of the fair.

I will send an additional e-mail next week with departure times for other species.

Breeding Beef students, when we return to the barn on Saturday, you will need to help spot clean the trailer and move in the hog dividers for swine move-in. Along with that, Swine exhibitors, you we also need to spot clean the trailer and remove hog dividers for the steers, etc.

…More to come.

Let us know if you have any questions. HAPPY EASTER!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Hard to believe that we are only a few weeks from showtime. Graduation and the close of the school year will be here before we know it.

GRADES! GRADES! GRADES! GRADES!

The last thing that we want to do is prohibit someone from showing, but the rules are clear. You must take care of your academic responsibilities to maintain that privilege. The next few weeks are going to be understandably hectic. Here are our updates for the week.

• Barn Bathrooms
• Mandatory Barn Clean-Up
• GCF&R Commercial Heifers
• Cattle Aisles 1 & 2
• Barn Construction
• Hoof Trimming
• Volunteer opportunity at Galveston County Fair

Activity Calendar

Arena Schedule

Barn Bathrooms

Someone thought it wise to try to flush paper towels down the toilet in the barn Men’s Room. This will not be tolerated. If things of this nature continue to occur the matter will be dealt with swiftly and with consequences.

Mandatory Barn Clean-Up

As we have done in previous years, we will be holding an all hands on deck mandatory Barn Clean-Up after the completion of the Galveston County Fair.  For those of you who have not seen how this works, the following will occur:

1. Fair will take place

2. All non-auction placing animals will return to the barn after released from the fair

3. The Saturday after fair (29 April) all non-auctioned animals with a commitments will be trailered back to the fairground for dispersal to packing houses / Barn Clean-Up will take place

The only animals allowed to be within the barn from this point will be Breeding Beef Heifers beginning their 2^nd year. With construction ongoing we will be relaying further information about 2023-24 Major Market Steers and 1^st Year Breeding Beef Heifers as soon as we can get it to you.

Take note of the following:

• The April 29^th Barn Clean-Up is Mandatory for all that raised animals in the barn over the course of the year, regardless of show
• If you miss the date, you will surrender your $100 barn deposit

GCF&R Commercial Heifers

Reminder that all Heifers entered into the GCF&R Commercial Heifer Show & Auction must have a palpation certificate upon entry to the fairgrounds.

Cattle Aisles 1 & 2

Just a reminder, upon completion of this years Galveston County Fair, our contractors will need to access and begin renovating the Cattle Aisles 1 & 2 area of the barn. With Fair only a few weeks away, it may be easiest for those of you with animals in these areas to start taking unneeded tack, supplies, and other materials home. As previously mentioned, our mandatory (to get your barn deposit back) Barn Clean-Up will take place on Saturday, 29 April 2023. All personal items must be removed by this day, all lockers in this area must be vacated.

Barn Construction

As everyone can certainly tell, construction is now in full swing. Earthmoving is taking place in both the front and rear of the barn, and the superintendent’s trailer has also moved onto the premises. A few quick notes:

1. The “Grassy Field” next to the parking lot is PERMIANTLY CLOSED. Up until the dirt work began, we were still catching exhibitors with animals out there. STAY OUT OF THIS AREA.

1. From this point forward, no personal trailers are to be stored at the barn. The construction trailer has taken the place of our trailer slip, and we simply do not have the parking space to store personal trailers, even over-night.

1. Keep ALL animals out of the front parking lot. Unless you are loading out or bringing back animals from vet/show/etc., there should be NO ANIMALS in the front parking lot whatsoever. With the amount of construction traffic as well as limited parking spaces and lots of movement, the last thing that we need are animals getting out.  

1. Keep an eye out of inconsistencies. With the construction comes change, and sometimes, unexpected hurdles. Yesterday, the contractors had to shrink the size of the cattle pasture, but in doing so some of the panels weren’t reattached in a secure way. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Diaz, they were able to fix the fenceline and resecure everything. If something looks wrong or out of order, let me or another ag teacher know as soon as possible.

Hoof Trimming

We will be having a final cattle hoof trimming before fair as quickly as possible. I need to get a firm count on the total number of how many we will have so that Mr. Dunn can schedule accordingly. Next to the sign-in book, I am leaving a sheet of paper under the clear plastic protector. Please sign up for the exhibitor and for the total number of head that you need trimmed. I know a couple of you are asking for outside people, if so please indicate their requests as well.

Mr. Dunn has a very tight schedule between all of Santa Fe’s calves, and everything else in the county. Depending on our total number and his availability, he will either be doing this late next week, or the following week.

Volunteer opportunity at Galveston County Fair

Howdy!

I am once again setting up an Agricultural Education Tent at the Galveston County Fair. I will have the tent open every day of the fair and could really use some help from your students! It's an easy volunteering job - helping the visitors plant a seed to take home, teaching about what plants need to grow and the by-products and growth cycle of different commodities such as cotton, corn and rice, showing the visitors the baby chick hatching station and discussing how that process works, showing them information about bees, etc. I have all the information available for them - they do not need to come with any prior knowledge - but hopefully they will leave with some new knowledge about agriculture and also have some fun!

I have attached the link to the SignUp Genius I created with all the shifts available. I made 2 hour shifts, but if I student would like to sign up for consecutive shifts or more than one day - I would welcome the help! It gets busy in the tent sometimes and I can definitely use the additional help!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B45AFAF22A7FC1-galveston1

If you or your students have any questions - please don't hesitate to shoot me an email or give me a call! Thank you in advance for all the help with this! I hope to see lots of you at the Fair!!

Deana Fuchs

Ag Program Coordinator

(979)248-9030 (mobile)

Unfortunately, I am leaving out a great deal of congratulations and good lucks to our teams and exhibitors from HLSR and abroad. Mrs. Richmon, Ms. Cook, & Ms. Rocha all have teams competing today as well as yesterday and even more dates on the horizon. We wish y’all luck and hope that you represent Gator Nation well. Congrats to all of our HLSR exhibitors and successful scramblers on their achievements!

I will be out next Thursday & Friday (3/30 -3/31). As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Very Respectfully,

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

My apologies for missing the newsletter last week. I had left for San Antonio without packing my laptop. Here are our updates for the week:

• Arena
• Barn Cleanliness
• GCF&R Market Steers
• HLSR Tours
• Major Tag Orders for Fall & Spring Market Steers & Heifers, and for Fall (State Fair/Heart of Texas) Lambs & Goats
• Summer 2023 Snapper Fishing Opportunity
• Constitution & By-Laws Committee
• New Officer Candidates
• Galveston County Fair & Rodeo
• Upcoming Dates

Activity Calendar

Arena Schedule

Temperatures

Colder weather again approaching at the end of next week. Continue to keep barn doors closed.

Arena

On the bleacher half of the pig arena you will notice a blue substance topdressing the arena dirt. Animals can walk through this, we ask you to simply try to keep everything out of this area until Saturday morning. We were able to find a version of Mag Flakes and are currently testing it out to see if it works. If this is successful, we will be working to acquire more to cover the entire arena, thus cutting down on the dust in the barn significantly.

Please try to keep animals out of this area until Saturday so we can gauge if this is working or not.

Barn Cleanliness

We deal with this each year and we understand it, but current conditions are unacceptable nevertheless. EVERYONE must do their part in picking up after themselves and behind their animals. The state of the barn is inexcusable. We know its Majors time and everyone is running ragged, but that does not change your responsibilities. The common areas of the barn were thoroughly cleaned a little over a week ago and are now totally unrecognizable.

Steers & Heifers

You have been warned once already about cleaning up hair. If you wish to continue to use the blowout area, you will clean up behind yourselves, otherwise alternative measures will have to be taken. Manure being left from cattle being tied out is not permitted. These areas need to be cleaned up by cattle exhibitors by Monday.

There is no excuse for this. There is no possibility that your calf did this and you did not notice. We urge all cattle exhibitors to do their part. We do not want to have to cut into your working/grooming time, but if these matters are not taken care of, we will be forced to set up a mandatory work-day, and make everyone come in to clean.

Again, while you are combing & blowing your heifers out, there is no way that you are not noticing the amount of hair that is working loose. This entire area needs to be cleaned, thoroughly.

Swine

Swine and ALL ANIMALS for that matter are to stay out of the grassy field from now on.  

Pigs are being walked out of the barn for tanning and exercise, which is fine, but we are having issues with manure being left behind. Same rules for cattle, sheep, goats, and everything; you are responsible for cleaning up after your animal both inside, and outside of its pen. This is to include the washracks and the scale as well!

GCF&R Market Steers

Steer Exhibitors, check your Houston bound calf and make sure that there is a LEGIBLE “084” tattooed in one of its ears. If there is not one, let me know IMMEDIATELY.

HLSR Tours

Members participating in Tours need to meet at the barn at 6:30 am on Monday 3/6 for travel to HLSR. You must also have completed an Indemnity Form. If you do not have one the morning of the contest, you will not be able to attend. You must also be in Official FFA Dress. This means, specifically:

-Black Pants

-Black closed toed shoes or boots (no mixed colors / no brown, etc.)

-FFA Tie or Scarf

-FFA Jacket

-White Collared shirt or blouse

We should be back to the barn around 3 pm. Contact Mr. Menotti or Mr. Robinson if you have any questions.

Major Tag Orders for Fall & Spring Market Steers & Heifers, and for Fall (State Fair/Heart of Texas) Lambs & Goats

Major show tag orders for Fall 2023 sheep/goat and heifer and Fall 2023/Spring 2024 steer are open on EventBrite. Please pass this information along to your students.

ORDER HERE

Early Deadline: April 5@ 11:30 p.m.

Late Deadline: May 21 @ 11:30 p.m.

Heifer/Steer Validation: June 12

Sheep/Goat/Swine Validation: plan for June 14, 15, or 16

Sheep/Goat:

***NEW: Sheep/goats validated during June 2023 WILL BE ELIGIBLE for 2024 Spring Major Shows. Market sheep/goats validated for the 2023 State Fair will carryover for 2024 Spring Major Shows. The validated animal MUST stay in the care of the exhibitor who validated it. If the exhibitor chooses to sell the project to a new exhibitor, the new exhibitor MUST REVALIDATE the project within the next validation period (October 2023).***

· Fall 2023 Major Show market sheep/goat, registered breeding sheep/goat, and wether/commercial dams/does MUST order and validate in June; Optional for Spring 2024 Major Show sheep/goat.

· Previously Major Show validated breeding animals (registered, wether/commercial) do NOT need to be validated again UNLESS ownership has changed.

Steer:

· Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Major Show steers MUST order and validate in June. There are NO  other options for Major Show steer validation.

Heifer:

 ***NEW: All Major Show heifers will now be tagged. Previously validated heifers will NOT be required to get tagged unless they have changed ownership or breed.***

· Fall 2023 Major Show heifers MUST order and validate this summer; Optional for Spring 2024 Major Show heifers

Swine:

More information coming soon 

https://galveston.agrilife.org/4h/major-show/

Summer 2023 Snapper Fishing Opportunity

The summer snapper slam is an upcoming offshore fishing trip. We need to bring in at least one sponsor in order to qualify for the event. So far Ms. Hastings is going to have the first two students to get us a sponsor will earn a for sure spot on the trip. She will also do an application process for the rest of the students who are interested. 

If students are interested in this event please see Ms. Hastings in P18 ( Portable 18) so She can give you the rest of the information about sponsor packages and info about the fishing event. 

Constitution & By-Laws Committee

• The Constitution & By-Laws Committee met on Thursday, Feb 23^rd and worked to put together our potential new documentation for our chapter. There was a lot of work done and discussions had about how to bring our chapter up to good standing with the state while also shaping our chapter for the future. 
• The committee is very pleased with the document that we will present for a vote at the next chapter meeting on April 5th. 
• All active FFA members are eligible to vote at this meeting to ratify our new Constitution and By-Laws. 

New Officer Candidates

• If you are interested in running for officer for the 2023-2024 school year, you must be in attendance, with a parent, for our meeting on Tuesday, March 21^st at 5:30pm. We will cover the election process as well as what will be expected of you as an FFA officer. 
• Candidates must be a current, active FFA member in good standing, in grades 9-11. Candidates must also be academically eligible and have no major disciplinary marks at the time of the meeting. 

Galveston County Fair & Rodeo

• That time of year is quickly approaching. Please make sure you are working closely with your Ag Teacher on your animal projects, so you are on the right path on animal weight. 
• Eligibility & Grades - Nine Weeks 3 (NW3) ends on Friday, March 10th. These grades will determine eligibility for GCFR, students must be passing ALL classes to be in academic good standing. If a student is ineligible, they must regain eligibility by passing ALL classes on Progress Report 7 (PR7) which ends on Thursday March 6th. If a student is ineligible and unable to exhibit their animal or project, it must be removed from the Ag Barn. 
• Exhibitor Packets - we are hoping to have exhibitor packets in hand to pass out at the FFA chapter meeting on April 5th. We will have a lot of information regarding fair at this meeting so please be in attendance. 

Upcoming Dates

• March 6           HLSR Tours
• March 10 End of Nine Weeks 3 (Eligibility for GCFR)
• 3/13-3/17  Spring Break (No School)
• March 21^st      @ 5:30 Mandatory Prospective Officer Meeting - (Parents Must Attend)
• April 5^th           @6pm FFA Chapter Meeting (Mandatory for GCFR Exhibitors & Officer Applicants)
• April 6^th              @3pm FFA Officer Interviews and Test
• April 7^th             Good Friday (No School)  

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, as usual, if there are issues with the facility, please let me know via e-mail. Thank you to those that have done so. Due to this protocol we have been able to get a great deal of issues resolved quickly, and I thank you. The Lamb & Goat Outdoor Walker is now lubed and also have a new electrical system. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Updates for San Antonio / Showdown Week:

• Winter Showdown
• Barn Doors

Activity Calendar

Arena Schedule

Temperatures

Winter Showdown

Mr. Menotti be there and have gates open about 5:30AM each day. 

Any one not showing is more than welcome to help

If anyone puts shavings down, they must be cleaned out before leaving. Dickinson FFA is responsible for cleaning the barn after the show is over. 

Remember it is $40 cash only per animal and $5 for shomanship. 

Barn Doors

We are continuing to have issues with Swine barn doors being left open. This will be our final warning. Keep these doors closed over-night, if doors are found open or reported being left open over-night we will have to review footage and assess accordingly. This also include interior doors (opposite the practice arena). Our heaters only work when the doors are kept closed.

Please pay close attention to the previous deadlines posted for Major cattle eartag order deadlines, all of which can be found on our chapter calendar at: https://dickinson.ffanow.org/AETcalendar.aspx?ID=72461. I will be out all of this week with steers to San Antonio. If you have any issues, please contact me via e-mail. For immediate emergencies, there will be an ag teacher at the barn in the afternoons as usual. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

By just glancing at the activity calendar you can easily see that things are starting to get extremely hectic. Please take note on when respective ag teachers will be out for San Antonio, etc. Here are our updates for the week:

• Grades and Eligibility
• San Antonio Schedule
• San Antonio Heifer Wave #1
• Major Show / Ag Teacher Schedule
• 2024 Major Steer & Heifer Update
• Major Lamb & Goat Validation (State Fair of Texas, Heart O’ Texas)
• GCFR Student Volunteer Meetings
• FFA By-Law Committee

Activity Calendar

Arena Calendar

*** Please disregard the “Haltered Showdown” listed on the 12^th, this is typo***

Temperatures

Weather looks to continue to remain on the colder side. Let’s continue to keep the barn buttoned up as best as possible and retain all of the heat that we can.

Grades and Eligibility

As we enter our busy season with spring shows and CDE team travel, we must remind both parents and students about grades. Current eligibility is determined by the students NW2 grade. If a student was failing any subject for NW2, they are currently ineligible and must pass ALL courses at either PR5 or PR6 to regain eligibility before spring break. Friday, March 10^th ends NW3 which will determine eligibility for the remainder of the school year, including GCFR. Students must be passing ALL courses to be eligible for county fair. If a student fails any course at NW3, they must pass ALL courses at PR7 to regain in order to show at fair. Be reminded we are a NO PASS, NO PLAY chapter. Please refer to Mr. Menotti with any questions regarding this subject. 

San Antonio Schedule

• Monday – 2/13 – Wave 1 Breeding Heifer Arrive

                                               Ty Gillespie – ARB

                                                AnnaBelle Johnson – ARB

                                                Corey Williams – Beefmaster

                                                Kailey Williams – Simbrah

• Tuesday – 2/14 – Wave 1 Breeding Heifers Show Day 1

                North: (Simbrah) Kailey

                             (ARB) Ty, AnnaBelle

                South: (Beefmaster) Corey

• Wednesday – 2/15 – Wave 1 Breeding Heifers Show Day 2

Simbrah/Simmental Super Bowl Kailey

Wave 1 Breeding Heifers Release

• Thursday – 2/16 – Wave 2 Breeding Heifers Arrive

Taylar Baker – Limousin

• Friday – 2/17 – Wave 2 Breeding Heifer Show – Taylar

          Wave 2 Breeding Heifer Release

           Wave 1 Market Barrows Arrive

               Lauren Maroul

                Alyia Burcl

• Saturday – 2/18 – Wave 1 Market Barrow Show Day 1

     Berkshire, Spot, Poland China, Hampshire

• Sunday – 2/19 – Wave 1 Market Barrow Day 2

Duroc, Dark Crossbred

• Monday – 2/20 – Wave 1 Market Steers Arrive

Riley Terry

Mark Fehring

• Tuesday – 2/21 – Wave 2 Market Barrows Arrive

Chester White, Yorkshire, Landrace, Crossbred

Wave 1 Market Steer Show – Riley, Mark

Wave 1 Market Steers Release

• Wednesday – 2/22 –  Wave 2 Market Barrows Arrive

          Wave 2 Market Steers Arrive

               Mackenzie Abbott

• Thursday – 2/23 – Wave 2 Market Barrows Show Day 2

     Wave 2 Market Steer Show Day 1

• Friday – 2/24 -   Wave 2 Market Steers Day 2

(Other Cross) Mackenzie

Wave 2 Market Steer Release

San Antonio Heifer Wave #1

Please review the following information carefully regarding details of our upcoming trip to San Antonio Livestock Show for Wave 1 of Breeding Beef Heifers. 

Friday, February 10th

Health Papers @ Dr. Knape. 

*Please see Mr. Robinson's email regarding health papers and money due

Monday, February 13th

We will depart from the Ag Barn @ 4:30 AM  (DO NOT BE LATE!)

Please have all tack and feed ready to be loaded. Make sure to bring enough feed/supply for 3 days. 

We will travel to San Antonio to the staging lot at Salado Creek. (SA Trailer Lot on Google Maps)

Once we are through staging, we will get set up and check-in. 

Show Schedule:

WAVE 1 SHOW SCHEDULE - 

(American – ARB, Beefmaster, Brahman, Brangus, Red Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, Simbrah; ONLY ORBs and Simmentals showing in the Simbrah/Simmental Superbowl) 

Barn unloading begins: Monday February 13 5 AM CB 

Exhibitor check-in: Monday February 13 8 AM – 2 PM CB (Heifers not checked-in by 2 PM are subject to disqualification) 

Arrival deadline: Monday February 13 9 AM SCP (Heifers not having arrived at SCP by 9 AM are subject to disqualification) (Exhibitors participating in the Simbrah/Simmental Superbowl must check-in by 6 PM with Superbowl Officials). 

Show: Tuesday February 14 7 AM CB North Ring: Simbrah, Red Brangus, Brangus, ARB South Ring: Brahman, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis 

Show: Wednesday February 15 7 AM Simbrah - Simmental Super Bowl

Release: After Conclusion of Super Bowl

Wednesday, February 15

Depart from SALE and return to Ag Barn

***Be Reminded I must have your original registration papers on hand for the health paper check and at the show

Don't forget your show halter and show stick!

If you have any questions or concerns reach out to Mr. Menotti

Major Show / Ag Teacher Schedule

With the upcoming litany of shows, it can get confusing who is going where and when. Here are a list of which teachers will be accompanying students wo which shows:

San Antonio:

Heifers Wave #1 (2/13-15)

(Menotti)

Corey Williams

AnnaBelle Johnson

Kailey Williams

Ty Gillespie

Heifers Wave #2 (2/16-17)

(Mrs. Richmon)

Taylar Baker

Swine

(Ms. Cook) (2/17-19)

Alyia Burcl

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #1 (2/20-21)

Robinson

Riley Terry

Steers Wave #2 (2/22-24)

Robinson

Mark Fehring

Mackenzie Abbott

Houston

Swine (3/2-3)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Lauren Maroul

Rabbits (3/4-8)

Ms. Hastings

Tours (3/6)

Menotti / Robinson

Heifers Wave #1 (3/6-8)

(Ms. Cook / Ms. Phillips)

AnnaBelle Johnson

Alfred Diaz III

Corey Williams

Kailey Williams

Jordan McKibben

Ty Gillespie

Broilers (3/9)

Ms. Hastings

Johnny Chavez

Karson Ford

Heifers Wave #2 (3/9-11)

Menotti

Emma McCollum

Taylar Baker

Mackenzie Abbott

Rabbits (3/10)

Ms. Hastings

Swine (3/11-13)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Kendall Link

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #1 (3/12-14)

Robinson

AnnaBelle Johnson

Mark Fehring

Aiden Remedis

Riley Terry

Mackenzie Abbott

Swine (3/14-16)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Kendall Link

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #2 (3/15-17)

Robinson

AnnaBelle Johnson

Mark Fehring

Aiden Remedis

Riley Terry

Mackenzie Abbott

2024 MAJOR Steer & Heifer Update

Cattle Validation Tag ordering will begin March 1, 2023. The deadline for tag ordering will be April 7, 2023. Recognizing this is a very busy time for each of you and a much earlier deadline, we wanted to make you aware of the ordering dates so you can begin contacting families in your county. 

**NEW** FOR 2023 all state validated heifers will be tagged similar to steers. This will bring our heifer validation program in line with breeding sheep, breeding goats, and breeding gilts. Please order tags accordingly. This is a change from the heifer UINs where you were charged based on animals validated, not ordered. COUNTY/CHAPTER WILL BE INVOICED AND CHARGED BASED ON NUMBER OF HEIFER TAGS ORDERED.

**NEW** FOR 2023 both steers and heifers will be charged at $25 per validation fee. This increase in cost is due to two factors we are facing this year. 1) In an effort to be in compliance with Texas Animal Health Commission, we are switching our previous EID frequency tags to 840 frequency EID tags. This will allow our state validated livestock to move in compliance with TAHC across state lines and be in compliance when issues a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health papers). This is a move in a positive direction, but does come at an increased cost. 2) Costs and fees have increased across the board, as well as expanding the services of the validation program to additional shows. That said, we must compensate accordingly to continue to provide educators, exhibitors, and their families the continued support, education, and consistency we have established. Please keep in mind the validation fee is not ONLY for the cost of the tag, but the entire validation SYSTEM that includes personnel, travel to livestock shows, a robust online database/maintenance, and our validation compliance team that helps ensure our rules and guidelines are enforced to ensure a fair and level playing field for Texas livestock exhibitors.

There will certainly be much more communication to come. Please be on the lookout for updated guidelines and Ethics Policy coming soon.

Ordering tags can be completed at: https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com. The deadline dates have been added for both regular and late tag order respectfully. Please visit & bookmark our chapter calendar for your future convenience: https://dickinson.ffanow.org/AETcalendar.aspx?ID=72461.

Major Lamb & Goat Validation (State Fair of Texas, Heart O’ Texas)

The 4-H/FFA Sheep and Goat Validation of Texas Program is requesting that validation orders be made for market lambs, market goats, commercial/wether dams, commercial/wether does, breeding sheep, and breeding goats. In preparation for sheep and goat validation, please note some very important reminders below.

State Fair Lamb and Goat Validation:

·        State Fair Market Lamb and Goat validation fee and ordering process can be found online at: https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com.

GCFR Student Volunteer Meetings

Special Day Volunteers must be in grades 5-12 and must attend one volunteer orientation meeting - 

        Tuesday, February 7 or Monday, February 27

        7:00 pm in the Paul Tibaldo Memorial Youth Building on the Fairgrounds

The meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.  PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY. The doors will be monitored, and no one will be admitted once the meeting begins.  Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting as their signature is required on the application.

These students will also need to arrange their own transportation to and from the fairgrounds during the fair. 

FFA By-Law Committee

Any high school FFA students that are interested can sign up to serve on the By-Law Committee. On this committee we will meet with both students and Ag Teachers to review and revise our current By-Laws and Constitution to be in compliance with Texas FFA. If you would like to serve on this committee and help shape the future of our chapter, please see any Advisor. 

We thank you for your time and attention to these updates. If issues arise in the barn, please E-Mail me the situation. I hate to be this tedious, but doing so helps significantly in not allowing issues to fall through the cracks. Have a great weekend, and best of luck to all of our exhibitors in San Antonio!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Things are starting to speed up, the hectic time is upon us. Please pay close attention to the information that will be coming out over the course of our Major Show Season. Like with this week’s Heifer & Steer Validation Update, there may be important and time sensitive items that none of us want falling through the cracks. Here are our updates for the week:

• Heifer Registration Papers
• San Antonio & HLSR Heifer Health Papers
• 2024 MAJOR Steer & Heifer Update
• Major Lamb & Goat Validation
• FFA Merchandise Sale
• FFA Heifer Exhibitors
• GCFR Student Volunteer Meetings
• FFA By-Law Committee
• Winter Showdown
• Grades and Eligibility
• Major Show / Ag Teacher Schedule

• In addition, Mr. Menotti & myself will be out on Wednesday (2/8), as we have our HLSR Tours meeting that evening.

Activity Calendar

Arena Calendar

Temperatures

Weather looks to stay cold and dreary. Let’s continue to keep the doors closed, and be sure to close them behind yourself immediately after use.

Heifer Registration Papers

If you have registration papers out from the magical binder, please make sure that you return them to me as soon as possible. This is especially important for those all head that are going for health papers next Friday. If I do not have your registration paperwork, your heifer will not have health papers done with Doc Knape, and you will not show at S.A.L.E. or HLSR.

San Antonio & HLSR Heifer Health Papers

As previously mentioned last week, all heifers that are attending San Antonio and Houston will be taken to Dr. Knape’s for health papers on Friday-10 February 2023. Before this date, please ensure the following:

• Mr. Robinson has an official set of registration papers for your animal
• You have given $15 (cash) to Mr. Robinson or Mr. Menotti
• Tie a halter to the pen gate the night of Thursday, 9 February, that we may load your animal Friday morning

We will be hauling there, completing their health checks, then then returning them to the barn probably around the time that school releases. The $15 fee may not all be used in full. There is a $40 fee (absorbed by all) to have the document generated, then a $6.50 fee per head. Dr. Knape may be able to certify them all on the trailer, but in the event that we have to unload and chute each one, there may be an additional fee. This is why we are collecting $15 upfront.

I will send an additional reminder on Thursday evening to leave the halter tied to your pen gate. You must ensure that this is done so that your animal is loaded!

2024 MAJOR Steer & Heifer Update

Cattle Validation Tag ordering will begin March 1, 2023. The deadline for tag ordering will be April 7, 2023. Recognizing this is a very busy time for each of you and a much earlier deadline, we wanted to make you aware of the ordering dates so you can begin contacting families in your county. 

**NEW** FOR 2023 all state validated heifers will be tagged similar to steers. This will bring our heifer validation program in line with breeding sheep, breeding goats, and breeding gilts. Please order tags accordingly. This is a change from the heifer UINs where you were charged based on animals validated, not ordered. COUNTY/CHAPTER WILL BE INVOICED AND CHARGED BASED ON NUMBER OF HEIFER TAGS ORDERED.

**NEW** FOR 2023 both steers and heifers will be charged at $25 per validation fee. This increase in cost is due to two factors we are facing this year. 1) In an effort to be in compliance with Texas Animal Health Commission, we are switching our previous EID frequency tags to 840 frequency EID tags. This will allow our state validated livestock to move in compliance with TAHC across state lines and be in compliance when issues a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health papers). This is a move in a positive direction, but does come at an increased cost. 2) Costs and fees have increased across the board, as well as expanding the services of the validation program to additional shows. That said, we must compensate accordingly to continue to provide educators, exhibitors, and their families the continued support, education, and consistency we have established. Please keep in mind the validation fee is not ONLY for the cost of the tag, but the entire validation SYSTEM that includes personnel, travel to livestock shows, a robust online database/maintenance, and our validation compliance team that helps ensure our rules and guidelines are enforced to ensure a fair and level playing field for Texas livestock exhibitors.

There will certainly be much more communication to come. Please be on the lookout for updated guidelines and Ethics Policy coming soon.

Ordering tags can be completed at: https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com. The deadline dates have been added for both regular and late tag order respectfully. Please visit & bookmark our chapter calendar for your future convenience: https://dickinson.ffanow.org/AETcalendar.aspx?ID=72461.

Major Lamb & Goat Validation (State Fair of Texas, Heart O’ Texas)

The 4-H/FFA Sheep and Goat Validation of Texas Program is requesting that validation orders be made for market lambs, market goats, commercial/wether dams, commercial/wether does, breeding sheep, and breeding goats. In preparation for sheep and goat validation, please note some very important reminders below.

State Fair Lamb and Goat Validation:

·        State Fair Market Lamb and Goat validation fee and ordering process can be found online at: https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com.

FFA Merchandise Sale

https://gogearup.io/dickinson-ffa22

We are keeping the FFA store open for 2 more weeks to allow purchases from our store. During our sale run we did not hit the minimum requirements on an item so it was decided to extend the sale. Proceeds from this sale go back into the FFA Student Activity Fund and will help us with paying for travel costs for our CDE teams as they begin to travel this spring. 

FFA Heifer Exhibitors

https://band.us/n/a8ac863c8079p

Please join the new Heifer Exhibitor BAND messaging group to stay up date on upcoming heifer news. All heifer exhibitors will need to meet with Mr. Menotti on Monday, February 6^th at 6pm for a heifer clinic and barn clean up. Also be reminded that if you are exhibiting at San Antonio or Houston, we are going to get Health Papers on Friday, February 10th. Mr. Menotti will be hauling heifers to the vet. All of these exhibitors need to get $20 per animal to Mr. Robinson or Mr. Menotti by Friday. 

GCFR Student Volunteer Meetings

Special Day Volunteers must be in grades 5-12 and must attend one volunteer orientation meeting - 

        Tuesday, February 7 or Monday, February 27

        7:00 pm in the Paul Tibaldo Memorial Youth Building on the Fairgrounds

The meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.  PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY. The doors will be monitored, and no one will be admitted once the meeting begins.  Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting as their signature is required on the application.

These students will also need to arrange their own transportation to and from the fairgrounds during the fair. 

FFA By-Law Committee

Any high school FFA students that are interested can sign up to serve on the By-Law Committee. On this committee we will meet with both students and Ag Teachers to review and revise our current By-Laws and Constitution to be in compliance with Texas FFA. If you would like to serve on this committee and help shape the future of our chapter, please see any Advisor. 

Winter Showdown

Showdown is quickly approaching! Pre-registration is open through RevTrak and is $30 per animal. On-Site Registration will be $40 per animal, cash only. Thank you to all of those who helped obtain sponsorships for our show!

https://dickinson-isd.revtrak.net/dhs/cte/dhs-cte-agriculture-science-ffa/#/v/FFA-Winter-Showdown-Reg

Grades and Eligibility

As we enter our busy season with spring shows and CDE team travel, we must remind both parents and students about grades. Current eligibility is determined by the students NW2 grade. If a student was failing any subject for NW2, they are currently ineligible and must pass ALL courses at either PR5 or PR6 to regain eligibility before spring break. Friday, March 10^th ends NW3 which will determine eligibility for the remainder of the school year, including GCFR. Students must be passing ALL courses to be eligible for county fair. If a student fails any course at NW3, they must pass ALL courses at PR7 to regain in order to show at fair. Be reminded we are a NO PASS, NO PLAY chapter. Please refer to Mr. Menotti with any questions regarding this subject. 

Major Show / Ag Teacher Schedule

With the upcoming litany of shows, it can get confusing who is going where and when. Here are a list of which teachers will be accompanying students wo which shows:

San Antonio:

Heifers Wave #1 (2/13-15)

(Menotti)

Corey Williams

AnnaBelle Johnson

Kailey Williams

Ty Gillespie

Heifers Wave #2 (2/16-17)

(Mrs. Richmon)

Taylar Baker

Swine

(Ms. Cook) (2/17-19)

Alyia Burcl

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #1 (2/20-21)

Robinson

Riley Terry

Steers Wave #2 (2/22-24)

Robinson

Mark Fehring

Mackenzie Abbott

Houston

Swine (3/2-3)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Lauren Maroul

Rabbits (3/4-8)

Ms. Hastings

Tours (3/6)

Menotti / Robinson

Heifers Wave #1 (3/6-8)

(Ms. Cook / Ms. Phillips)

AnnaBelle Johnson

Alfred Diaz III

Corey Williams

Kailey Williams

Jordan McKibben

Ty Gillespie

Broilers (3/9)

Ms. Hastings

Johnny Chavez

Karson Ford

Heifers Wave #2 (3/9-11)

Menotti

Emma McCollum

Taylar Baker

Mackenzie Abbott

Rabbits (3/10)

Ms. Hastings

Swine (3/11-13)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Kendall Link

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #1 (3/12-14)

Robinson

AnnaBelle Johnson

Mark Fehring

Aiden Remedis

Riley Terry

Mackenzie Abbott

Swine (3/14-16)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Kendall Link

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #2 (3/15-17)

Robinson

AnnaBelle Johnson

Mark Fehring

Aiden Remedis

Riley Terry

Mackenzie Abbott

As always have a great weekend, and if you have any issues, please reach out and let one of us know.

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Here are our updates for the week:

• Barn Wheelbarrows
• Major Heifer Health Papers
• Major Show / Ag Teacher Schedule

Monday, 1/30, I will be out. If you have any issues, please e-mail me.

Activity Calendar

Arena Schedule

Temperatures

Lets continue to be vigilant with the doors getting into each evening.

Barn Wheelbarrows

We are aware that there is an ongoing issue with the wheelbarrows. We just picked up another heavy duty, Rubbermaid two-wheeled version, and have an additional two more that are on their way. As stated in the barn contract, you are responsible for cleaning and returning a wheelbarrow to the corral once you are finished. Some folks are filling or partially filling one, then leaving it and going off to do something else. This must stop. Due to our current limited number of wheelbarrows, if you start using one, finish what you are doing, empty it and return it to the corral so that others may have access.

Major Heifer Health Papers

As previously sent out, all heifers that are attending San Antonio and Houston will be taken to Dr. Knape’s for health papers on Friday-10 February 2023. Before this date, please ensure the following:

• Mr. Robinson has an official set of registration papers for your animal
• You have given $15 (cash) to Mr. Robinson or Mr. Menotti
• Tie a halter to the pen gate the night of Thursday, 9 February, that we may load your animal Friday morning

We will be hauling there, completing their health checks, then then returning them to the barn probably around the time that school releases. The $15 fee may not all be used in full. There is a $40 fee (absorbed by all) to have the document generated, then a $6.50 fee per head. Dr. Knape may be able to certify them all on the trailer, but in the event that we have to unload and chute each one, there may be an additional fee. This is why we are collecting $15 upfront.

Major Show / Ag Teacher Schedule

With the upcoming litany of shows, it can get confusing who is going where and when. Here are a list of which teachers will be accompanying students wo which shows:

San Antonio:

Heifers Wave #1 (2/13-15)

(Menotti)

Corey Williams

AnnaBelle Johnson

Kailey Williams

Ty Gillespie

Heifers Wave #2 (2/16-17)

(Mrs. Richmon)

Taylar Baker

Swine

(Ms. Cook) (2/17-19)

Alyia Burcl

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #1 (2/20-21)

Robinson

Riley Terry

Steers Wave #2 (2/22-24)

Robinson

Mark Fehring

Mackenzie Abbott

Houston

Swine (3/2-3)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Lauren Maroul

Rabbits (3/4-8)

Ms. Hastings

Tours (3/6)

Menotti / Robinson

Heifers Wave #1 (3/6-8)

(Ms. Cook / Ms. Phillips)

AnnaBelle Johnson

Alfred Diaz III

Corey Williams

Kailey Williams

Jordan McKibben

Ty Gillespie

Broilers (3/9)

Ms. Hastings

Johnny Chavez

Karson Ford

Heifers Wave #2 (3/9-11)

Menotti

Emma McCollum

Taylar Baker

Rabbits (3/10)

Ms. Hastings

Swine (3/11-13)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Kendall Link

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #1 (3/12-14)

Robinson

AnnaBelle Johnson

Mark Fehring

Aiden Remedis

Riley Terry

Mackenzie Abbott

Swine (3/14-16)

Ms. Cook / Ms. Rocha

Kendall Link

Lauren Maroul

Steers Wave #2 (3/15-17)

Robinson

AnnaBelle Johnson

Mark Fehring

Aiden Remedis

Riley Terry

Mackenzie Abbott

As always, thank you for your time and attention. Please let us know if you need any assistance. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Lots going on, here are our updates for the week:

• FFA Merch
• GCF&R Pig Validation
• GCF&R Entries
• No Heifer Clinic Monday
• Showdown Sponsorships
• Showdown Entries Open on RevTrack
• Upcoming Teacher Travel Absences

Activity Calendar

Arena Calendar

Temperatures

More mild weather on the horizon. Let’s continue to keep the barn buttoned up as much as possible.

FFA Merch

Please visit the following link if you are interested in ordering FFA Merch. The sale is set to close on January 18^th!

https://gogearup.io/dickinson-ffa22

GCF&R Pig Validation

County Pig Tag-In will take place next Sunday (1/15) from 11 am-2 pm at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. Ms. Cook & Ms. Rocha will be hauling hogs in two waves from the barn to the fairgrounds.

Student / Exhibitors MUST attend

Ag teachers can sign for guardians but we do not have much room in the ag truck to transport many students. We’ll haul 8 pigs first wave and 8 pigs second wave. If the wave that you are slated for does not work for you, it is YOUR responsibility to find someone to switch with.

1^st Wave, leaving @ 9 am (Feed First)

1. Taylar Baker
2. Alyia Burcl
3. Alyssa Cook
4. Lexi Crouse
5. Evan Fernandez
6. Hunter Hall
7. Julie Hall
8. Brycen Henry

2^nd Wave, be at the barn at 12. We’ll keep band updated to alert if we are running ahead of schedule or behind schedule.

1. Brody Hunter
2. Cole Jarrell
3. Karly Kidder
4. German Olvera
5. Rylie Pacheco
6. Avery Roe
7. Baileigh Roe
8. Addison Willey

GCF&R Entries

(Please do not confuse Pre-Registration with GCF&R Entries, these are two totally different things. GCF&R Entries MUST be completed to enter your animal in the fair.)

Many of you have already come in to complete your County Fair Entries, thank you to those that have. We must have these finalized by Thursday of next week. The following Students have theirs completed. If your / your student’s name is not listed, please plan on stopping by next week or let me know that you need alternative arrangements. (NOTE: Monday the entire district is closed, and I will be leaving for Fort Worth next Thursday – Monday 1/23)

• Ty Gillespie
• Addison Willey
• Rylie Pacheco
• Cole Jarrell
• Karly Kidder
• Emma McCollum
• Alexandrya Davis
• Riley Terry
• Bailiegh Roe
• Avery Roe
• Hunter Hall
• Douglas Sherk
• Taylar Baker
• German Olvera
• Brianna Westbrook
• Mark Fehring
• Haylee Royal
• Alyssa Cook
• Aiden Remedis

We also have a handful of members that are raising animals off-site (not within the barn). If you know any of these members, your help would be GREATLY appreciated in helping spread the word to them about getting these complete. We must have everyone’s entries finished by next Friday so that we can submit all paperwork to the business office in order to have a check cut in time for the deadline.

No Heifer Clinic Monday

Due to Monday’s holiday, there will be no heifer clinic that evening. We will be rescheduling in the upcoming weeks.

Showdown Sponsorships

We are in serious need of sponsorships! We need all members to be active in recruiting sponsorships and collecting donations. Attached you will find copies of the paperwork that you can present to a potential sponsor. Ask an ag teacher if you have any further questions.

Showdown Entries Open on RevTrack

RevTrack is now open for early registration for the Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown.

Upcoming Teacher Travel Absences

January

February

Its that second most wonderful time of the year, and the calm before the storm. Things are about to get super hectic. Please communicate all problems, especially in the barn via e-mail. With most of us being on and off the road, having an electronic trail makes it a hundred times easier for things NOT to fall through the cracks. Let’s keep a close eye on grades! We are too close to the finish line to forfeit it all.

Have a great extended weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Happy New Year Gator Nation!!!

Welcome Back! Lots of moving bats with the beginning of the new year, here are our updates for the week:

• GCF&R Entries
• Upcoming Cattle Hoof Trimming
• Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown
• CDE Practices & Contests
• GCF&R Swine Validation
• Barn Wheelbarrows

Activity Calendar

Arena Calendar

Temperatures

Mild week ahead, let’s focus on keeping the barn buttoned up starting next Friday meaning all exterior doors and especially the swine barn.

GCF&R Entries

The livestock office has released the entry format. In an effort to get a jump on this, I ask that every exhibitor and one parent stop by the barn office M-Th / 2-6 pm and we can type up and print out your respective entries. I will also compile a list of each exhibitor’s entry fees and summarize that for you.

There will be a RevTrack set up as this year each exhibitor is responsible for paying their own entry fees.

It is imperative that we complete this as quickly as possible as we must submit all paperwork to the business office no later than Thursday, 12 January 2023. This also includes all of our exhibitors that are raising livestock at home or off-site.

We are aware of the inconvenience of this and apologize for the rush, unfortunately there is no other way to complete this as the fair office just released access yesterday afternoon.

If you need to set up an outside time to complete your entries, please reach out to me directly at mrobinson@dickinsonisd.org.

Upcoming Cattle Hoof Trimming

In case you have not seen, there is a sign-up sheet taped to a plastic sleeve on the barn sign-in log table for our next hoof trimming. Mr. Dunn will be able to come at some point between next Monday (1/9) and 1/18. He needs a minimum of ten head to be able to make the trip. As of this moment we already have 10 total, but I need to get a solid number of everyone that needs their hooves trimmed that way he can plan if he will need to make multiple trips, etc. It is a very busy time for him with a high number of people trying to get this done before Fort Worth.

Please fill out the paper whenever you sign-in at feeding.

Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown

We are in serious need of sponsorships! We need all members to be active in recruiting sponsorships and collecting donations. Attached you will find copies of the paperwork that you can present to a potential sponsor. Ask an ag teacher if you have any further questions.

CDE Practices & Contests

Please stay tuned, next week we will post a practice schedule for those of you who are participating on CDE teams this semester. Remember, to be eligible to participate you must be passing your classes, and you must attend practices.

GCF&R Swine Validation

County Pig Tag-In will take place next Sunday (1/15) from 11 am-2 pm at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. Ms. Cook & Ms. Rocha will be hauling hogs in two waves from the barn to the fairgrounds.

Student / Exhibitors MUST attend

Ag teachers can sign for guardians but we do not have much room in the ag truck to transport many students. We’ll haul 8 pigs first wave and 8 pigs second wave. If the wave that you signed up for does not work for you, it is YOUR responsibility to find someone to switch with.

1^st Wave, leaving @ 9 am (Feed First)

1. Taylar Baker
2. Alyia Burcl
3. Alyssa Cook
4. Lexi Crouse
5. Evan Fernandez
6. Hunter Hall
7. Julie Hall
8. Brycen Henry

2^nd Wave, be at the barn at 12. We’ll keep band updated to alert if we are running ahead of schedule or behind schedule.

1. Brody Hunter
2. Cole Jarrell
3. Karly Kidder
4. German Olvera
5. Rylie Pacheco
6. Avery Roe
7. Baileigh Roe
8. Addison Willey

Barn Wheelbarrows

We are aware that we have damaged / broken wheelbarrows, and are in the process of repairing and replacing them. In the interim we need everyone to do their parts and return wheelbarrows to the corral when they are finished using them. On several occasions we have found wheelbarrows left in stalls or on aisles. This hurts everyone as we already have a limited number in operations as it is. Return your wheelbarrows to the coral once finished or there will be point deductions.

As always, if you need assistance, please reach out and let one of us know. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Here are our updates for the week:

• Fresh Country Fundraiser Product Pick-Up
• Cold Weather Returning
• Cattle Pasture
• Vet Med Team Practices
• FFA Shop
• HLSR Breeding Rabbits & Guinea Pig Exhibitors
• Lloan a Llama HLSR Show
• Milk Quality Practices
• GCF&R Poultry Exhibitors
• December FFA Meeting
• Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown
• Next Week

Activity Calendar

Arena Calendar

Temperatures

Fresh Country Fundraiser Product Pick-Up

Attention, all that sold items in the Fresh Country Fundraiser, your items will be delivered and available for pick-up on Wednesday, 14 December from 2-6 pm at the ag barn. It is imperative that you make arrangements to pick up your items in this time. These items will arrive frozen and we do not have the storage space to keep these items for an extended period.

Cold Weather Returning

Over next Tuesday night we are supposed to get another front, and with this a 20° drop in temperature. We need everyone to do their parts in keeping the barn doors closed allowing us to retain as much heat as possible. Pig Barn Doors MUST REMAIN CLOSED AT ALL TIMES. If any doors are left open, the heaters simply cannot keep up.

Cattle Pasture

As previously mentioned, the “new” cattle pasture is open for business. We have work orders in to have exterior water faucets repaired. With that being said, people who use the pasture will be responsible for filling the water trough manually until the repairs have been made.

Vet Med Team Practices

Anyone wishing to join the Dickinson FFA Veterinary Medicine CDE team, practices will take place in Mrs. Phillips’ room (H-102), on Monday’s immediately after school.

FFA Shop

Anyone interested in ordering Dickinson FFA Merchandise, please visit the link listed below. Unfortunately, items will not make it here in time for Christmas, but the turn around time is relatively quick.

HLSR Breeding Rabbits & Guinea Pig Exhibitors

Breeding rabbit and guinea pig students need to make sure they are checking band for HLSR show entry instructions. Email Ms. Hastings if they have any questions. 

Lloan a Llama HLSR Show

Lloan a Llama entries are open for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. If you are interested in participating please see Ms. Hastings for more information. 

Milk Quality Practices

Milk Quality practices will be held on Tuesdays after school in Ms. Hastings room P18. 

GCF&R Poultry Exhibitors

If you are planning on showing county fair poultry, please see Ms. Hastings for ordering information. 

December FFA Meeting

Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown

We are another week closer to our Annual Dickinson FFA Showdown. We need all members to be active in recruiting sponsorships and collecting donations. Attached you will find copies of the paperwork that you can present to a potential sponsor. Ask an ag teacher if you have any further questions.

Next Week

Next week ushers in Finals and a wrap to our Fall Semester. We would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to remind our members to stay on top of your academic responsibilities. Once the Spring Semester begins it will be beyond imperative for all to know and maintain their academic standing. With eligibility checks required before all contests and stock shows, your academic eligibility is your own personal responsibility.

Additionally, there will be no ag teachers at the barn next Tuesday, 12-13 as we will be having our department meeting that afternoon.

As always, let one of us know if you have any issues or need assistance. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Very Respectfully,

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Here are our updates for the week:

• FFA Shop
• New Cattle Pasture
• Rats
• GCF&R Lamb & Goat Validation
• HLSR Breeding Rabbits & Guinea Pig Exhibitors
• Lloan a Llama HLSR Show
• Milk Quality Practices
• GCF&R Poultry Exhibitors
• December FFA Meeting
• Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown

Activity Calendar

Arena Schedule

Temperatures

FFA Shop

Anyone interested in ordering Dickinson FFA Merchandise, please visit the link listed below. Unfortunately, items will not make it here in time for Christmas, but the turn around time is relatively quick.

New Cattle Pasture

As mentioned earlier this week, we have acquired the materials to cordon off the west side of the barn for a new cattle pasture, but due to the amount of rain we have gotten we are not setting the t-posts yet. We will try to get this set up for Monday (12/5) after school if the conditions allow for it.

Rats

Also as previously discussed, all mouse and rat traps are currently baited. Everyone MUST police your storage stall / locker. Ensure that there is no loose feed or additives laying around. The rodents will be attracted to these materials first. In order for the traps to do their part we must keep all feed and additives in sealed containers.

GCF&R Lamb & Goat Validation

Validation for County Lambs & Goats will take place this Saturday. If you are a lamb 0r goat exhibitor and Mrs. Phillips / Mrs. Richmon are transporting your animals to the fairgrounds for tag-in, be at the barn no later than 8:30 to load up, and depart by 9:00 am.

HLSR Breeding Rabbits & Guinea Pig Exhibitors

Breeding rabbit and guinea pig students need to make sure they are checking band for HLSR show entry instructions. Email Ms. Hastings if they have any questions. 

Lloan a Llama HLSR Show

Lloan a Llama entries are open for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. If you are interested in participating please see Ms. Hastings for more information. 

Milk Quality Practices

Milk Quality practices will be held on Tuesdays after school in Ms. Hastings room P18. 

GCF&R Poultry Exhibitors

If you are planning on showing county fair poultry, please see Ms. Hastings for ordering information. 

December FFA Meeting

Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown

We are another week closer to our Annual Dickinson FFA Showdown. We need all members to be active in recruiting sponsorships and collecting donations. Attached you will find copies of the paperwork that you can present to a potential sponsor. Ask an ag teacher if you have any further questions.

As always, let one of us know if you have any issues or need assistance. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Very Respectfully,

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Happy Thanksgiving Break!!!

We hope everyone is ready for a well-deserved break. Here are our updates for the week:

• Shavings Bunk
• Barn Doors
• New Cattle Pasture
• Major Swine Validation
• Ag Teacher Availability
• Showdown
• Junior Livestock Judging Practice

Activity Calendar

Arena Schedule

Temperatures

Shavings Bunk

Everyone has been doing a great job keeping trash, twine, and unauthorized items out of the shavings bunk.

Our barn is nearly full now though, and we need to be conscious of everyone’s need to dump shavings/manure/feed. You must dump your wheelbarrows or buckets as far back into the bunk as you can. This will become increasingly important over the break. It does not take but for a day and a half to fill the bunk up, and we cannot have all of that floating all over the parking lot. When people dump their wheelbarrows or buckets at the entrance, it hinders wheelbarrows from being able to go inside. Be sure that you dump your piles as close to the rear wall as you can.

Teachers will be swinging by over the course of the next week to move shavings to the roll off. Help us in keeping the parking lot orderly.

Barn Doors

On behalf of the entire staff, thank you to everyone for keeping the barn doors closed in these days of inclement weather. Please continue to do so, that we may keep as many animals out of the elements as we can.

New Cattle Pasture

We are approved to set up the pasture on the outside of cattle aisles 1&2 as a new cattle pasture. We are however waiting for purchase orders to clear central office. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make this transition until after the Thanksgiving Break, but we would be able to have this set up relatively quickly upon our return.

Major Swine Validation

All hogs tagging in for Majors will do so on Wednesday, 30 November 2022 from 4:30-6:30 at the Santa Fe Ag Barn. Please stand by for more information from Ms. Cook & Ms. Rocha about loading up times, etc. Please anticipate the tag-in running longer than two hours.

Additionally, I will not be at the barn that day as I will be helping the Santa Fe Ag Department tag pigs.

Ag Teacher Availability

The Ag Teachers will have a mixed up schedule over the course of the break with come leaving town and returning all on different days. Monday – Friday of next week there will be a teacher at the barn to check general conditions and to run shavings. If you notice any issues, broken pipes, etc. Notify Mr. Robinson directly.

Showdown

As previously stated, Showdown is drawing closer. Our overall success in this fundraiser falls to our students and parents. Attached you will find the forms for sponsorships. If you are able to collect any sponsorships, please turn these in to Mr. Menotti at your earliest convenience.

Junior Livestock Judging Practices

We apologize for the confusion. Junior Livestock Judging practices will begin once we return from Thanksgiving break on Thursdays at the Barn Office.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Have a great break and please communicate any problems.

GO GATORS!

Very Respectfully,

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

Good Evening Gator Nation!!!

The newsletter is a little early this week, as I will be out of town tomorrow through Sunday. Here are our updates for the week:

• Livestock Judging / Dairy Cattle Judging Practices
• Preparing for Thanksgiving Break
• Good Luck Noah!
• Major Swine Validation
• Showdown Sponsorships

Activity Calendar

Arena Calendar

Livestock Judging / Dairy Cattle Judging Practices

Anyone wishing to participate in Livestock Judging:

• Seniors (All High School), practices will take place every Thursday immediately after school in Ms. Rocha’s room, S-106.
• Juniors (8^th Grade and below), practices will take place on Thursdays at 4:30 at the barn.

Dairy Cattle

• All Dairy Cattle practices will take place on Tuesdays immediately after school in Ms. Rocha’s room, S-106.

Preparing for Thanksgiving Break

As with most holidays DISD personnel may be out of town during the upcoming Thanksgiving Break. I will be in away Nov 18-20, and again Nov 24-27^th. Mr. Menotti will be away Nov 17-23. If you have questions, get with myself or your specie advisor before the break begins.

We will also be requesting that the barn gates be granted extended times during this vacation.

Good Luck Noah!

We would like to wish Noah Nuetzmann good luck in the Area III LDE contest next week! He will be competing against all other district winners at the Area Job Interview Contest! Good luck, and represent Dickinson well!!!

Major Swine Validation

Major Swine Validation is set for Wednesday, 10 November from 4:30-6:30 at the Santa Fe Ag Barn. Please plan on this tag in to take additional time, as it always does. This day I will not be at the barn as I go to help the Santa Fe Advisors tag hogs. Ms. Rocha & Ms. Cook will be here to load, haul, and unload hogs for validation. Please stay tuned for additional information from them.

Showdown Sponsorships

Now is the perfect time to start signing up sponsors for the Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown. As in previous weeks, we have attached the forms to this e-mail. The more sponsors that we acquire, the more profit that the Chapter stands to earn. Please see Mr. Menotti if you have any additional questions in terms of Showdown Sponsorship.

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Here are our updates for the week:

• LDE Results
• Fresh Country Fundraiser
• Major Entry Meeting / November FFA Chapter Meeting
• Dickinson FFA Showdown Info
• Major Swine Tags

  Calendar

Arena Schedule

LDE Results

Join us in congratulating the LDE competitors for their efforts and success today! Results are below:

Job Interview -3rd advancing to area

Greenhand Creed - 4th

Radio - 5th

Senior Creed - 7th

Senior Skills - 7th

Public Relations - 7th

Senior Quiz - 9th

Fresh Country Fundraiser

As previously mentioned, we have begun our Fresh Country fundraiser!!!

As you know, Dickinson FFA now has 8 advisors which allows for more opportunities for our students. With these added opportunities comes additional costs. Please consider supporting our program by either purchasing from our fundraiser or donating. All orders and payments are online ONLY.

Each student in an ag class was asked to register and should have a custom link to order.

Below is the link to order.

https://shop.freshcountry.com/landing

When you click the link, it will ask you to select the organization- pick Dickinson FFA.

If you do not see your student on the drop down, please email Ms. Cook jcook@dickinsonisd.org for setting that up.

If you do not have a specific student you'd like to order through, you can select "Jordyn Cook", one of our ag teachers.

Orders are open now through November 14th- so don't wait!!

Major Entry Meeting / November FFA Chapter Meeting

ATTENTION!!! Anyone planning of exhibiting at a Texas Major Livestock Show, or entering a Major Calf Scramble, you and one parent / guardian are required to attend the Major Entry Meeting November 9^th, before the regular FFA Chapter Meeting at 5:30 pm in Mrs. Phillips’ room.

If you are not at this meeting, you will not show a Texas Major unless you complete your entry paperwork and get it notarized on your own. If you do that, you must submit to Mr. Menotti, Ms. Cook, or Mr. Robinson by the meeting date (11/9).

Dickinson FFA Showdown Info

The Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown is set for Saturday, February 18^th and Sunday, February 19^th.

Now is the perfect time for our officers, members, and committee members to start recruiting sponsors and donors. Attached to this e-mail you will find the sponsor letter, that details the different levels of sponsorship, and well as the sponsor form where sponsors and donors can fill out their information to accompany their donations.

It is important that we start working on this NOW and not put it off until the end of the year.

Major Swine Tags

Below is a list of all Dickinson FFA Members that have purchased Major Swine Tags. If you bought tags and your name is not on this list, please contact the County Extension Office immediately.

We have a busy week upcoming with Major Show Entries and a Meeting. Please plan on attending. I will be out Friday. As always, if there is anything that you need, please reach out and let one of us know. Have a great weekend. GO STROS!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Newsletter is running a little early this week. Here are our updates:

• GCF&R Commercial Heifer & Breeding Beef Validation
• Gulf Coast District LDEs
• Major Entry Meeting / November FFA Chapter Meeting
• Fresh County Fundraiser
• Lamb & Goat Prospect Show
• Dickinson FFA Showdown Info

Calendar

Arena Schedule

GCF&R Commercial Heifer & Breeding Beef Validation

This Saturday, 29 October Ms. Waters will be leaving the barn at 8:00 am to haul commercial heifers and breeding beef to the fairgrounds for validation.  

BREEDING BEEF

• If your heifer already has a TEXAS MAJOR SHOW TAG, you do not need to take the animal to validation. You will be required to:
• Take a Photocopy of your breed registration paperwork to leave with the committee
• Take your original breed registration certificate, for the committee to verify, and then return it to Ms. Waters.

Commercial Heifers

• All commercial heifers will need to be taken and tagged in.

• Parents are NOT required to be at county validation

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Waters at (956) 590-9750 or at mwaters@dickinsonisd.org.

Gulf Coast District LDEs

Wednesday, 2 November, we will be travelling to La Porte High School to compete in District LDEs. Mrs. Phillips, Ms. Rocha, & Mr. Robinson will be picking up rental vehicles at McRee Ford at 7:00 am, and then coming directly to the barn to pick up our contestants. If you are competing, be at the barn no later than 7:15. We will return from the contest as soon as we are able to do so. This year, being that we are in a new setting for the first time in over a decade, anticipate things may run a little longer than in years past.

Major Entry Meeting / November FFA Chapter Meeting

ATTENTION!!! Anyone planning of exhibiting at a Texas Major Livestock Show, or entering a Major Calf Scramble, you and one parent / guardian are required to attend the Major Entry Meeting November 9^th, before the regular FFA Chapter Meeting at 5:30 pm in Mrs. Phillips’ room.

If you are not at this meeting, you will not show a Texas Major unless you complete your entry paperwork and get it notarized on your own. If you do that, you must submit to Mr. Menotti, Ms. Cook, or Mr. Robinson by the meeting date (11/9).

The regular November FFA Chapter Meeting will take place at 6:30 in the Vintage Gym. We will be having our early Thanksgiving Party that night.

Fresh Country Fundraiser

Dickinson FFA will be conducting a Fundraiser where our students will be selling Smoked Meats as well as Desserts and other holiday items. Tentatively to be delivered some time before Christmas. The sales will all be conducted online and will run from October 31^st – November 14^th. If you are interested in selling items yourself, please attend the November meeting or ask an Ag Teacher for more information.

Lamb & Goat Prospect Show

Dickinson FFA Showdown Info

The Dickinson FFA Winter Showdown is set for Saturday, February 18^th and Sunday, February 19^th.

Now is the perfect time for our officers, members, and committee members to start recruiting sponsors and donors. Attached to this e-mail you will find the sponsor letter, that details the different levels of sponsorship, and well as the sponsor form where sponsors and donors can fill out their information to accompany their donations.

It is important that we start working on this NOW and not put it off until the end of the year.

I will be out Monday, Tuesday, and then again Wednesday for the LDE Contest. If you need anything, as always, please reach out and let one of us know. Have a great weekend!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

We have quite a bit of clerical information to get out this week. Please read through this e-mail carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Here are our updates for the week:

• GCF&R Pre-Registration Deadlines
• Cattle Pasture Update
• Looking for a Pig?
• GCF&R Steer Validation this Saturday
• Major Heifer Validation Next Wednesday
• GCF&R Breeding Beef & Commercial Heifer Validation Next Saturday
• Dickinson FFA Pumpkin Carving Contest
• Good Luck Livestock Judging!

Current Calendar

Upcoming Arena Scheudle

GCF&R Pre-Registration Deadlines

Anyone that is planning on showing at the 2023 Galveston County Fair any specie of livestock, please follow the following directions and PRE-REGSITER your animal no later than its respective deadline. There is no cost for the pre-registration, it simply takes a lot of the signatures and paperwork out of the actual tagging-in process when your respective specie’s validation date rolls around. It is important that we accomplish all of this beforehand to make the validation process work a lot faster.

From GCF&R:

“Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to send out a reminder for Mandatory Pre-registration deadlines for livestock projects and other important dates to remember.  Please be sure to share this information with your youth exhibitors and their parents.  Let us know if you have any questions.  

MANDATORY 2023 LIVESTOCK PRE-REGISTRATION

All exhibitors showing animals at the 2023 Fair MUST Pre-Register Online. The Online portal deadlines for each animal are listed below: 

Steers – by 11:59 pm on October 19th 

Breeding Beef & Commercial Heifers – by 11:59 pm on October 26th 

Turkeys – by 11:59 pm on October 27th 

Lamb/Goat – by 11:59 pm on November 30th 

Rabbits – by 11:59 pm on January 5th

Swine – by 11:59 pm on January 11th 

Broilers – by 11:59 pm on January 12th 

You may Pre-register all of your animals at one time or any time until the deadline for the animal closes. Pre-registration is not a paid entry or order for your animals. You must still follow order deadlines, breeding date for rabbits, tag-in rules for your animals and the entry deadlines. 

IMPORTANT LIVESTOCK DATES -

Saturday, October 22, 2022 Steer Tag-in, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., FAIRGROUNDS 

Thursday, October 27, 2022 Market Turkey Orders/money due, Fair Office, NO LATER than 5:00 p.m.  Bring in your order early to avoid missing the deadline! Saturday, October 29, 2022 Commercial Heifer/Breeding Beef Tag-in, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  FAIRGROUNDS 

Sunday, December 4, 2022 Market Goat Validation & Tag-in, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., FAIRGROUNDS 

Sunday, December 4, 2022 Market Lamb Validation, Toothing & Tag-in, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.,  FAIRGROUNDS 

Wednesday December 14, 2022 Pick-up Market Turkeys, Youth Building 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (subject to change) 

Thursday December 22, 2022 Turkey Re-banding 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Livestock Office.” 

You may Pre-register all of your animals at one time or any time until the deadline for the animal closes.

Pre-registration is not a paid entry or order for your animals. You must still follow order deadlines, breeding date for

rabbits, tag-in rules for your animals and the entry deadlines.

If you are planning to Family Tag your animals – all of the exhibitors MUST Pre-register Online for that animal by the

deadline. You must then designate that you are doing a Family Tag for that animal at Tag-in, when you order poultry, or

on the Rabbit Verification Form.

Instructions for Online Pre-Registration –

1. Go to the link: https://glaveston.fairwire.com/     <<<*** THIS IS NOT A TYPO!!!

2. Read the Welcome Message and click the number 1 Register Button.

3. If you are a family or group with multiple exhibitors you can sign in as a Quick Group to submit entries for multiple

family members or a group of exhibitors and check out all in the same cart. Do not click the Team or Company Button.

4. Enter your child’s First and Last name and click “I am a new exhibitor or have yet to register this year” the first time you

use the sign in. If you are returning to the system click “I have previously registered this year”. Click “Continue”.

5. Complete the Registration Form with your password and information. Click “Continue”. Confirm information and Click

“Continue”.

6. Now it is time to Pre-register your animals. Choose your division and club.

a. If you are registering Steers, Lambs, Goats, or Swine – You will need to register each animal you are bringing to

tag-in separately. This can be done by clicking the “ + ” to pre-register multiple animals.

b. If you are registering Commercial Heifers and Breeding Beef – please enter the birthdate of your heifer and

register each animal you are bringing to tag-in separately.

c. If you are registering Commercial Heifer Pen of 3 – please enter the average birthdate of the heifers you are

bringing as you will only need to register one time for all of the heifers you are tagging in as you can only show one pen.

d. If you are registering Rabbits, Broilers and Turkeys – enter your division and club. If you plan to show 2 pens of

turkeys or 2 pens of rabbits you will need to register two times. This can be done by clicking the “ + ” to pre-register

multiple animals.

Once all of the required information is complete Click “Add entry to Cart”

7. You may edit the entry that you made, click add more entries, empty cart, or save this cart for later. When you are

ready to submit your entry/entries – Click “Check Out”. Type YES in the required box and Click “Submit”. This step must

be taken in order for us to receive your information. You may now print a receipt and/or have a receipt emailed to you

then Click “Finished”. This receipt shows the animals that are pre-registered.

8. No money is due at this time. Entry fees and other required paperwork must be turned in to your 4-H Leader or Ag

Teacher at the designated time they have set to get this from you prior to their deadline to have everything turned into

the Fair Office in January, 2023. Entries are not complete until everything has been received from your 4-H Leader or Ag

Teacher. More information will go out to your Leader/Teacher on the entry process closer to Entry time.

Cattle Pasture Update

Nothing is confirmed yet, but we are working on the possibility of sectioning off the west side of the barn (the pasture outside of the cattle aisle’s 1 & 2 doors) exclusively for cattle. In the coming weeks, be prepared to transition all cattle to a pasture on that side of the barn, we need to allow for lambs and goats to access their pasture and equipment once they start arriving.  

Looking for a Pig?

Mr. Brandon Noto at Santa Fe FFA reached out with the following information for those who may be interested:

“McBride Showpigs out of Calhoun, LA is bringing a couple of litters down that were specifically bred for Galveston County. He is an Ag Teacher there but grew up in League City and has been wanting to get some pigs in Galveston Co. They will be pre-priced and available to look at on November 5^th @ 9am at the SFISD Ag Barn. Please send this to any of your families that are still shopping for pigs and do not hesitate to reach out to him with questions.”

GCF&R Steer Validation

Galveston County Steers will validate tomorrow morning from 8-11 at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. If your steer needs school transportation to and from the fairgrounds, be at the barn at 7 am tomorrow morning. We will leave the barn at 7:15.

Major Heifer Validation Next Wednesday

Major Heifer Validation will be next Wednesday, 26 October from 4:30 – 6:30 at the Fairgrounds. Mr. Gillespie and Ms. Waters/Mr. Robinson will be hauling animals as needed. As of this moment we only have registration on the following calves:

• Jeremiah Larr – American SImbrah
• Alfred Diaz III – Brangus
• Kailey Williams – American Simbrah
• Jordan McKibben – Brangus
• Emma McCollum – Chianina
• Ty Gillespie – Brahman
• Ty Gillespie - Brangus
• AnnaBelle Johnson – Brangus

We are aware that all of the above listed calves are not bound for majors, but if you have one that is, and we DO NOT have registration paperwork in for it, turn that in immediately. We must upload you into the Texas Validation Online system, and we need an original set of registration papers to do so. If you are not uploaded into the system by the first week of November, your heifer will not be given a UIN number and will not be valid for show at any Texas Majors.

PRIOR TO WEDNESDSAY’S VALIDATION

Clean your heifer’s ears THROUGHLY. This will speed up the process for validators to read any ear tattoos. If your heifer needs a tattoo, Mr. Menotti and myself will be tattooing on Monday immediately after school. Let us know if you need this done.

GCF&R Breeding Beef & Commercial Heifer Validation Next Saturday

Next Saturday, 29 October, GCF&R Breeding Beef and Commercial Heifer Validation will take place from 8-11 am at the Fairgrounds.

We will include departure times and plans next week, along with additional instructions for those with heifers that are already tagged for Majors, but wishing to enter at county.

Dickinson FFA Pumpkin Carving Contest

Good Luck Livestock Judging

Our Dickinson FFA Livestock Judging Team will be judging this weekend at the Brazoria County Fair. Good luck to you all, and represent the chapter well in Angleton!

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Happy Homecoming Week Eve. A lot was went over at Wednesday night’s meeting, here are the notes for the week:

• Monday, Major Heifer/Goat/Lamb LATE Ear Tag Order Deadline
• Storage Closet
• Homecoming Info
• Pumpkin Carving Contest

Monday, Major Heifer/Lamb/Goat LATE Ear Tag Order Deadline

As previously mentioned, close of business Monday, 17 October will be the last day that anyone will be able to order a LATE Major Ear Tag. If you need to order your tag of a Major, please follow the directions below by clicking the blue “ONLINE” hyperlinks:

Major Show Tag Orders

Swine Tags for 2023 Spring Shows

Deadline:          September 27, 2022, Online
                (LATE Deadline: November 3, 2022)

Good for validations in November, exact date TBA

· For MARKET SWINE attending spring major shows, including Ft. Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston, Austin and others

· For BREEDING SWINE attending spring shows, check show rules to see if validation is required.

Heifer Orders for 2023 Spring Shows

LATE Deadline:            October 17, 2022 Online

Good for validations in October, exact date TBA

· For REGISTERED BREEDING HEIFERS attending spring shows, including Ft. Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston, Austin and others.

· Previously major show validated heifers do NOT need to be validated UNLESS ownership or breed has changed.

Sheep/Goat Tags for 2023 Spring Shows

LATE Deadline:            October 17, 2022 Online

Good for validations in October, exact date TBA

· For SHEEP/GOAT attending spring major shows, including Ft. Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston, Austin and others.

ü Market Sheep/Goat

ü Registered Breeding Sheep/Goat

ü Commercial/Wether Dam/Doe

· All Market animals must be validated regardless of prior validation.

· Previously major show validated breeding animals (registered, wether/commercial) do NOT need to be validated UNLESS ownership has changed.

Storage Closet

The storage closet (room containing rakes, shovels, brooms, etc.) has been cleaned out and reorganized. All shovels have been pressure washed and hung. If you use any of these tools, clean them off before you return them, and hang them up. Do not throw things back into the room or lean them up against the walls.

Any tools that are taken to the shavings bunk to clean out personal trailers MUST BE RETURNED TO THE STORAGE CLOSET. There were a number of brooms and shovels left outside. Do not do this, or barn points will be deducted.

Homecoming Info

• As in years past, Dickinson FFA will be selling pulled pork sandwiches during the annual Homecoming Carnival. Anyone willing to donate a pork butt for our fundraiser, please get these to Mr. Menotti by Friday, 14 October. The Homecoming Carnival will be on Monday, 17 October.

Homecoming Parade

• The Homecoming Parade will also be on Monday, 17 October. Any members wanting to participate we will need you to leave on the float from the barn  on Monday at 4:15. The parade will travel from Kranz back to DHS. All FFA Members are invited to ride the float, and you should be in FFA attire (t-shirts, etc.) and bring candy to throw if you are a rider.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Have a great weekend. If you need anything, please let one of us know. As always,

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

This week’s newsletter is a bit early. I will be out tomorrow and will not be back until Tuesday. Here are our items for the week:

• Sign-In Log
• Hoof Trimming
• Major Ear Tags
• Cattle Pasture Water Trough
• Homecoming Information
• October Meeting
• Shavings
• Stall Signs

Upcoming Arena Division Schedule

Sunday                    Monday                    Tuesday                    Wednesday              Thursday                   Friday                        Saturday

Sign-In Log

Week one seemed to work fairly well with the Sign-In Log. We have noticed that some students are signing in for two feedings at once. We must remind you not to do this, sign in for ONLY the actual feeding that you are doing. If you are caught signing in for feedings in advance, you will have points deducted.

Starting Tuesday of next week, all warnings will be off, points will start being deducted for missed feedings, and e-mails will be going out for dirty pens, etc.

Hoof Trimming

Due to the holiday this coming Monday, and another conflict, Mr. Dunn will be here to trim hooves on Wednesday (10/12) & Thursday (10/13) next week. Please plan accordingly if you need to get your calf’s hooves trimmed. While he is trimming hooves, we will also do a voluntary barn clean-up, mostly focusing on drains and common areas. All are welcome to help. If anyone loses any points, this will be a great opportunity to make them up.

Major Ear Tags

As of Tuesday afternoon, only the following members have purchased Major Show Ear Tags.

Please pay close attention to the ear tag threshold deadlines. Once they are passed, you will not be able to secure a tag for a Major.

Cattle Pasture Water Trough

If you are turning heifers or steers out to pasture in the old lamb/goat pasture, you need to check the level of the water trough and refill it as needed. The trough in the pasture now is not on an automatic refill, you will have to do this manually.

Homecoming Information

We need Pork Butt Donations for Homecoming Carnival!!!

• As in years past, Dickinson FFA will be selling pulled pork sandwiches during the annual Homecoming Carnival. Anyone willing to donate a pork butt for our fundraiser, please get these to Mr. Menotti by Friday, 14 October. The Homecoming Carnival will be on Monday, 17 October.

Homecoming Parade

• The Homecoming Parade will also be on Monday, 17 October. Any members wanting to participate we will need you to leave on the float from the barn  on Monday at 4:15. The parade will travel from Kranz back to DHS. All FFA Members are invited to ride the float, and you should be in FFA attire (t-shirts, etc.) and bring candy to throw if you are a rider.

October Meeting

Please remember that the October FFA Chapter Meeting is next week!!!

Shavings

Just a reminder, the outdoor shavings bunk is for MANURE, SHAVINGS, & FEED ONLY! We are finding an awful lot of baling twine, feed/shavings sacks, and general trash in the bunk. Anything other than shavings, manure or feed MUST go in the dumpster. If you are caught disposing of anything other than what you are supposed to in the shavings bunk, points will be deducted.

Additionally, we need everyone to do a better job dumping wheelbarrows in the bunk. It is now lit during hours of darkness, we need everyone to start dumping as far back as they possibly can (Especially over the weekends). In the coming weeks, the barn is going to start filling up with pigs, which will add to our daily pile. Having that bunk overflowing into the parking lot is unsightly. We know over the weekends it will most likely have to happen, but during the week, we can all do a better job at utilizing that space.

Stall Signs

You may have noticed that our stall signs have started going up again. We ran out of brackets (1 set ?), so we will finish Cattle Aisle #3 and put up Lamb & Goat stall Signs next week.

We will also be putting the exhibitor’s names on each, so do not worry about doing this yourselves.

As always, let one of us know if you need assistance. Have a great weekend, and…

GO GATORS!

Mitch Robinson

Ag Science Teacher / Barn Manager

Dickinson High School - Dickinson ISD

P.O. Drawer Z

Dickinson, TX  77539

281-229-7858

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY:  This electronic transmission may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION belonging to the sender, which is legally privileged.  The information is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity listed above.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, use, or taking any action on reliance of the contents of the information in this email is strictly prohibited and may violate DISD Board policy (Legal), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for the return and correction of internal records and delete the original message.

Good Morning Gator Nation!!!

Here are our updates for the week:

• Barn Points
• Ring Division
• Cleanliness
• Barn Clean-Up
• Major Show Tag Orders
• Community Service Opportunity (This Weekend)
• October Meeting

Barn Points

Barn Points will go active starting on the morning feeding, Monday -3 October 2022. Here is a preview of what the sign-in sheet looks like:

Starting Monday morning, all exhibitors (or those feeding in their place) will be required to sign in at each morning and afternoon/evening feeding.

• A Sign-In log check will occur whenever the first Ag Teacher arrives at the barn (Usually Robinson). If that morning’s and/or the previous night’s feedings were missed (log not signed), a point deduction will immediately be made.

• Upon completion of the Sign-In Log Check, the barn manager and/or ag teachers will complete a barn walk through. If infractions are noticed (i.e. messy pens, cattle with no access to water, etc.) that Exhibitor will be e-mailed, instructing them to remedy the problem by the next day’s walk through, or points will be deducted.

• There are going to be some kinks and snags in starting this system, but it must and will be implemented. For example: a student bringing an animal into that barn after Monday 10/3 will not be on the 10/3-10/10 Sign-In Log. We will not generate a new Sign-In Log until the start of each new week. A student bringing a new animal into the barn on “Week A” will not be able to start signing into the logbook until “Week B.”

• Students / Parents are only required to fill in the TIME that they fed/watered/cleaned, and INITIAL, for each feeding. The Sign-In Log is not to be used for leaving notes, or any other matter.

• Students, we must STRESS that you routinely check your e-mail, as if you are given instructions on corrections, this is our best means of conveying that to you.

At this juncture, we must remind everyone of contractual obligations in regards to the point system and how it works:

“Points: All students will begin the year with 100 points. Students may gain and/or lose points according to the chart below. Students may only regain points once points are lost and must be done so within 7 days of the loss infraction. A student may not exceed 100 points. Disciplinary action will be taken once a student falls below the points thresholds indicated below. Points will be tracked and maintained by the Ag Barn Manager.” 

POINTS SYSTEM

Point Losses:

* Points cannot be regained from these infractions

Point Gains:

Point Thresholds: