HORSE ID Form/Project Declaration due to Pam Baad by JUNE 1st, 2012

See you there!

An important message to share during winter months is the hazard behind Carbon Monoxide,sometimes known as the invisible gas, or the silent killer.

A SECOND on SAFETY – CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often called the invisible gas because it emits no color or odor, and is very common in many U.S. homes during the winter months. This gas is produced when fuels are burned, such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, natural gas, fuel oil, wood, and charcoal. Culprits that emit deadly concentrations of this gas are common household items, including automobiles, gas powered generators, furnaces and chimneys. More than 200 people die each year in the US from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Prevent CO poisoning by installing one carbon monoxide detector in your home and another in the garage or workshop. CO inhalation is easily preventable, yet it accounts for 50% of all fatal poisonings in the developed world. Homes should be checked annually for leaky chimneys or furnaces. Gas-powered heaters should be used in well-ventilated spaces, never in closed barns, workshops or garages. If it is necessary to “warm-up” your car in winter months, do it in open spaces – outside the garage, or by opening the garage door.
Take a second: To check the batteries in your CO detector, and make sure you have adequate ventilation when burning fuels in enclosed areas.

INJURY PREVENTION – REDUCING the RISK of INJURY in WINTER WORKING CONDITIONS, Kent McGuire – Ohio AgrAbility Program Coordinator
Winter is here, but the day-to-day operations of the farm continue despite bitter cold, freezing rain, and significant snowfalls. The snow and ice may look scenic from inside the warmth of your home, but getting out in it may be a different story. Just being in the cold itself, without trying to take part in strenuous activity, is stressful to the body. Layered clothing is a necessity, but can be restrictive to the range of motion in your body movements. Individuals who continue to perform work activities in winter conditions are at a higher risk of a variety on injuries including
frostbite, overexertion, muscle strain, falls, and heart attack. Some simple guidelines for reducing the risk of injury in winter working conditions include:

• Plan ahead and wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, even a simple task may take longer to complete than planned.
• Remove or replace wet or damp clothing as soon as possible, including gloves.
• If possible, perform work during the warmest part of the day and take frequent short breaks in a warm dry area to allow the body to rest and warm up.
• Keep travel paths clear of ice and snow. Be observant to areas such as water troughs or leaking roofs / gutters, where liquids may have splashed and frozen over.
• When shoveling snow or removing ice:

• • Stretch your muscles before you begin.
  • Don’t overload the shovel.
  • Take frequent breaks to stretch your back.
  • Bend your knees and let your legs do the lifting.
  • Avoid twisting motions, which can lead to muscle sprain / strain injuries.
• When walking on an icy or snow covered areas, take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets when walking. This can reduce the risk of completely losing your balance, and helps to prevent serious injuries to your head, neck and back in case you slip while walking on ice or snow.
• During the daytime, wear sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes from UV rays being reflected by snowy ground cover.
• When transitioning from the bright outdoor environment to indoor areas, stop briefly to allow your vision to catch up with the change in lighting.
• Snow removal operations such as plowing, sweeping, and snowblowing can reduce visibility to near zero in the immediate area. Utilize a visual reference point to stay on course and avoid any potential hazards.
• Use caution with gas powered equipment. Dangerous carbon monoxide can be generated by gas-powered equipment as well as alternative heating sources. Use these items only in well-ventilated areas.
• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, seek a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and get medical help as soon as possible.

For more information about the Ohio AgrAbility Program visit agrability.osu.edu or contact Kent McGuire, OSU Agricultural Safety & Health, at mcguire.225@osu.edu or 614-292-0588.

Emergency Management Tip of the Month – WINTER WEATHER WARNINGS
Understanding Winter Weather Terminology: Ready America provides the following glossary to help us better understand winter weather terms:

• Freezing Rain – rain creates a coating of ice
• Sleet – rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground
• Winter Weather Advisory – cold temperatures, ice, and snow are expected
• Winter Storm Watch – severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next one or two days
• Winter Storm Warning – sever winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon
• Blizzard Warning – heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill
• Frost/Freeze Warning – below freezing temperatures are expected

For more information on winter storms and extreme cold, please visit http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html.

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Ag Safety S.T.A.T. – Safe Tactics for Ag Today is an e-mail newsletter prepared by Dee Jepsen, Extension Agricultural Safety Specialist and team members from the State Safety Office, in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at OSU. The primary goal of this monthly newsletter is to help you stay connected to everyday safety news and activities that may be used in your own newsletters or programs. If you have safety-related questions or program ideas that you would like to share, please contact Dr. Jepsen at jepsen.4@osu.edu
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Nathan & Madge

Zoe & Penny

Carisa & Decks

Carisa & Decks

Socked Full of Chocolate

Ashley & Rudy

2011 Junior Fair Horse Members

Walk Trot Class

2011 Coloring Contest Winner - Dennis A. from Future Farmer and Farmettes. His masterpiece was showcased on the front cover of our Horse Program!

Concentration...

Barrel Horses in the entryway of the new horse barn 2011 Contest Up & Around

* Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
* Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2012 that includes:

• An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answers the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep”.
• The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a particular breed or for any of the breeds available.
• Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from their 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, veterinarian, teacher, or clergy.
• The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length.
• The application must include address, phone and if available, email address.

Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their application/essay to:

Elaine Ashcraft
46118 CR 58
Coshocton, OH 43812
740-622-1573
tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com (Please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!)

REQUIREMENTS IF SELECTED:

• Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival on Sunday May 6, 2012.
• Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2012 at : 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
• Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2012, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
• Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
• Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
• Must submit a one to two page report, (recommend scrapbook) with pictures to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2013 and provide a separate scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which will then be returned to the recipient.

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:
ELAINE ASHCRAFT
46118 CR 58
COSHOCTON, OH 43812
740-622-1573
tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com