This Week in Gillespie 4-H

*New Gillespie 4-H News*

4-H Enrollment
As we begin the 2026–2027 4-H year, a reminder that all 4-H members and adult volunteers must re-enroll each year. This year, Texas 4-H is also moving to a new enrollment system. Enrollment Link: https://tx4h.tamu.edu/
New family profiles: The new system is a clean slate, so nothing from the old system will carry over. All families will need to create new family profiles and enter their information. We know that starting over in a new system may take a little extra time, and we appreciate your patience as we all get familiar with the process. If you have questions or run into issues, please reach out to our office. We will do our best to help you navigate the new system. Please select PAY BY CARD for all youth members when enrolling. Adult Volunteers will select OFFLINE payment

New  4-H Year Starts September 1st!
The 2026–2027 4-H year officially began on September 1st! We are starting the new year off at a run with several projects begining as early as September 8th. Make sure you have completed your 4-H enrollment so that you don't miss any practices or events!

School Excuse Requests
Please complete the school excuse request by the deadlines listed. Any requests submitted after these dates will NOT be approved and will NOT be changed with the school.

• Hill Country Youth Commercial Heifer Show & Sale School Excuse Deadline: October 2

Save The Date- Wild Game Dinner
Save the Date for the Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner on November 21, 2026. Show your support for an organization that continues to give back to our local youth and community!

Livestock Project Friendly Reminders

State Fair Gate Passes

State Fair gate passes  and parking passes have arrived and can be picked up at the Extension Office.

Sheep, Goat & Heifer Late Tag Orders

Orders are open for late heifer, lamb and goat validation tags for 2027 County & Spring Major Stock Shows.  Late tag fee: $31 cash or check

In Person Ordering: Gillespie County Extension Office, 38 Business Ct. Fredericksburg, TX 78624

       Deadline to order late tags: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

*Physical Validation dates will be announced at a later date 

Swine Validation Tag Orders

Orders are open for swine validation tags for 2027 County & Spring major stock shows! Tags are $26 each if paid by cash or check in person, or $28 each for credit card payments (online or in person). Payment for tags is due at the time of ordering in-person or online. You will need to order 1 tag per animal in which you plan on validating. Due to the price increase, we will not be ordering extra tags, so please make sure you order enough. Late tags will be $31 (cash/check), or 

$33 (cred it card). 
Deadline to order tags: Friday, September 25, 2026

Quality Counts

Quality Counts is now open for youth who need to complete the course for the first time or renew their verification. Exhibitors only need to complete Quality Counts once per grade level division: Junior (Grades 3–5), Intermediate (Grades 6–8), OR Senior (Grades 9–12). Quality Counts needs to be completed prior to completing stock show entries. Quality Counts course: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/quality-counts/01t4x000008HBZdAAO

Registered Livestock Ownership Deadlines

• Breeding Sheep & Goats - October 1, 2026

• Beef Breeding Heifers - October 31, 2026

• Dairy Heifers - November 1, 2026

• Breeding Gilts - November 30, 2026

State Fair Text Reminders

To stay updated on event information, class postings and important reminders, text the keyword for your contest or show to 844-947-6075.
MORE INFORMATION

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Updates
Families planning to exhibit at the 2027 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo should review the recent Summer Update. The update includes important rule  changes, key reminders, and other information that may impact exhibitors during the upcoming show season. We encourage all livestock families to take a few minutes to review the information and stay informed as you prepare for the year ahead. More Information: https://www.sarodeo.com/p/competitive-events

Jackpot Shows

• Show from the Heart - October 10th in Brady -- MORE INFORMATION 

• South Texas Show Series (Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Swine) - Sept. 19 & 20th, Nov. 7 & 8th, December 19 & 20th Check out their Facebook Page for  more information

• Kerr County Classic  (Lamb & Goat) - October 17, 2026  Check out their Facebook page for more information
  
  

State Fair of Texas Judging Contests

• If you have a child competing in a State Fair judging contest,  the link for the school excuses can be found HERE

Project Updates

STEM Project

Robotics Project
The robotics project is gearing up for an exciting year, and it's time to sign up! Now is the time to let us know that you plan to participate - as part of the sign-up process, families will be asked to indicate which robotics contest they are available to attend at stock shows next Spring so that we can ensure that all teams have enough members at contests. Before signing up review the parent information letter, and let us know if you have any questions 

Robotics Starts: September 10, 2026
Robotics Project Meetings: Every other Thursday 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Teams will be encouraged to practice during off weeks together)
Registration  Fee: PENDING $50 - $100 depending on equipment needs for the year which will depend on sign ups

Sign up for the robotics project on the Robotics Webpage - there is a google form on the page. 

 MORE INFORMATION & To Sign Up 

Food & Nutrition Project

Food & Nutrition Project
We have several opportunities for youth to participate in Food and Nutrition activities this year! This year  we invite you to participate in Food and Nutrition Workshops, FCH quiz bowl, food challenge, and food show! Complete the google form on the Food and Nutrition Website to let us know what you are interested in!
The Nutrition Kitchen: October 5th, 12th,  19th (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.) -6th - 12th grade
Youth who would like to participate in Food Challenge please let us know if you need help finding a team - please indicate if you have a team already when you sign up.
Sign up for the food and nutrition project on the Food and Nutrition Webpage - there is a google form on the page. 

 MORE INFORMATION & To Sign Up

Guadalupe County 4-H Youth Desserts on Display

The Guadalupe County Fair Desserts on Display contest will be Saturday, October 10. The Guadalupe County Fair Food Challenge Contest is Sunday, October 11.  Deadline to Enter: September 25, 2026

2026-2027 Food & Nutrition Guidelines

The 2026-2027 Food and Nutrition guidelines have been posted. Updates in rules, resources and scorecards have been made for Food Show and Food Challenge.

MORE INFORMATION

Photography Project

Junior Master Photographer Workshops

Open to all intermediate and senior 4-H members, these workshops are the perfect opportunity to explore the exciting world of photography.

Dallas Workshops: September 26th and December 5th, Kerrville Workshops: November 7th and November 8th.

Dallas Registration Deadline: CLOSED
Kerrville Registration Deadline: October 30, 2026  MORE INFORMATION

TXYPS- Youth Photo Challenges

The Texas Youth Photography Showcase offers free monthly photography challenges for Texas students enrolled in grades 8–12. Students may use any camera, including a cellphone. Each challenge is designed to encourage creativity, practice, and participation.
Deadline: September 30, 2026  MORE INFORMATION

Texas Beekeeping Photo Contest

Whether members keep bees, help with a family apiary, participate in beekeeping activities, or simply enjoy photographing honeybees and beekeeping, they are encouraged to show us Texas beekeeping through their lens!

Deadline: October 31, 2026    MORE INFORMATION

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Photography Contest

The Photography Contest is open to all Texas students enrolled in grades 3 through 12. With a wide range of creative and technical categories, from Action and Nature to Rodeo and Night Photography, students can submit 1 entry per category across 5 Divisions. Students competing in the Senior Division may be eligible to win a scholarship.

Registration Opens:  October 1, 2026 MORE INFORMATION

Shooting Sports Project
Archery Sign Ups

Archery still has some spots available. Practices are on Mondays at 5:30 pm or at 7:00 pm MORE INFORMATION

District 8 Coach's Training

Coach's training for Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzle Loading and Western Heritage on October 10 & 11 in Stephenville TX.

Registration Deadline: September 25, 2026  MORE INFORMATION

Guadalupe County Coach's Training

Coach's training for Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, Hunting & Wildlife ,Muzzle Loading and Western Heritage on October 17 & 18 in Seguin, TX.

Registration Now: Tx4h.tamu.edu 

Houston Livestock Show Archery Contest

Archery Competition Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Reliant Center, Hall A, 3 Reliant Park, Houston, TX 77054
Events for 2027 - 20 Yard Indoor Target, Indoor 3-D. NEW FOR 2027: NASP Competition - Friday, October 9 only (High School Division only)
Entry Deadline: October 1, 2026

Clothing & Textiles Project

Fall Kids Sewing Class 

Sewing class for grades 3rd-12th. Learn important sewing skills while making fun fall projects. You must have attended summer sewing camp or be pre-approved. Registration openeing soon!

Fall Classes: Monday, October 12 & Tuesday, October 13

Holiday Kids Sewing Class 

Sewing class for grades 3rd-12th. Learn important sewing skills while making festive holiday projects. You must have attended summer sewing camp or be pre-approved. Registration opening soon!

Holiday Classes: Monday, November 23  & Tuesday, November 24

Livestock Project

Guadalupe County Livestock Judging Contest

4-H Members & teams are invited to the invitational Guadalupe Co. 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Country Church Arena (1005 W FM 78, Marion, TX 78124).
Deadline to Register: October 19, 2026

District/State 4-H News

Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, October 1, 2026   MORE INFORMATION

Youth Social  Media & Mental Health Research Opportunity
Available to families of middle school students and high school students  MORE INFORMATION

District 10 Fall Roundup
Save the Date: Registration opens Thursday, October 1, 2026

District 10 Virtual Photography Contest
Save the Date: Registration opens Monday, Juanuary 18, 2027

CORE Academy

Save the Date: June 28 - July 2, 2027

Leadership Opportunities

District 10 Support Squad

The District 4-H Support Squad are a special group of selected Intermediate & Senior age division youth who represent and support the District 10 4-H program at various District 10 events. The Support Squad are developing leaders that will work jointly with our District 10 4-H Council Office Team to bring forward new opportunities for the District 10 4-H membership. The Support Squad will volunteer their time at various District events to enhance their leadership skills.
Deadline to Apply: September 30, 2026   MORE INFORMATION

Gillespie 4-H Seniors

GCYLS Scholarship

Save the Date: Applications Open September 28, 2026

HLSR Hildebrand Rural Scholarship

Save the Date: Applications Open December 1st, 2026

If you need a school excuse for a 4-H activity CLICK HERE to access the form.
Non-stock show 4-H school requests must be submitted at least 3-4 business days before the dates you are requesting.
Stock show excuse request deadlines are emailed to exhibitors prior to shows.