Brown County 4-H families are being asked to mark several important dates this fall as the program prepares for a new 4-H year, livestock validation and the 2027 Brown County Youth Fair.
The Brown County 4-H newsletter, posted Sept. 26, lists an Oct. 24 sheep and goat validation session, new enrollment instructions, a participation-point system and changes that will affect exhibitors entering the 2027 youth fair.
Livestock validation scheduled for Oct. 24
Lamb and goat validation will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Brown County Youth Fair Barns. The newsletter says there will be no county validation makeup day, so animals must be present during the scheduled session for families planning to participate in the Brown County Youth Fair.
Families should also watch their email for invoices for validation tags, which the newsletter says will begin being sent the following week. Youth must be enrolled in 4-H before the validation date.
The newsletter also outlines new requirements for the 2027 Brown County Youth Fair. All animals must receive state validation to be eligible, including market and breeding animals. Registered breeding heifers and pee-wee-only animals are listed as exceptions. County-only validation will no longer be available except for pee-wee-only animals.
Exhibitors must purchase state validation tags. Sheep and goat tags must be ordered by Aug. 24, while the swine tag-order deadline remains to be determined. Lamb and goat validation is set for Oct. 24, and swine validation is scheduled for Nov. 14.
Other 2027 fair changes include a maximum of three animals per division for each exhibitor, an individual membership requirement for every exhibitor and a new $10 processing fee on every exhibitor or entry form. The newsletter warns that missing a state validation deadline may make an animal ineligible for the fair.
New enrollment process requires project selection
The new 4-H enrollment system is live. Families who submit payment must return to the dashboard and complete another step: selecting the projects each member wants to participate in before submitting the profile for review.
The system permits members to select up to 10 projects. Each selected project must be marked “Program Participant.” Once the profile is submitted, the Brown County Extension Office can access and approve the enrollment.
The newsletter says the system officially launched Monday morning and that the office is still learning how the new platform works. It also reminds families that incoming third graders must wait until Sept. 1 to enroll; enrolling earlier will categorize them as Clover Kids.
Participation points and community service
Brown County 4-H is introducing a Participation Point System for the 2026–2027 4-H year. Members can earn points through approved activities such as club and county meetings, project workshops, contests, community service, leadership activities, camps and other 4-H opportunities.
At 4-H-sponsored events, members will use a QR code to record participation. They must scan the code and complete the participation form, then have the submission reviewed before points are added. The program will track progress by Junior, Intermediate and Senior age divisions and offer Bronze, Silver, Gold and Emerald recognition levels.
The newsletter says the system is intended to recognize more than contest or livestock-show results by emphasizing participation, service, leadership and trying new opportunities.
One upcoming service project will involve helping with Light Up Lake Brownwood, a floating lantern event benefiting United Way. The event is scheduled for Oct. 10, and additional information about volunteer times and responsibilities will be sent later. Interested youth can contact the Brown County Extension Office at 325-646-0386.
Other dates and exhibitor requirements
The September and October calendar also includes a Sept. 30 FCH Coalition meeting, Oct. 11 Rabbit Club and Cen-Tex Club meetings, an Oct. 11 Brookesmith Club meeting and the District 7 Livestock Judging Contest on Oct. 27.
Quality Counts enrollment is open for youth who need to take the course or renew verification. The course is required for major livestock show entries and must be completed before entry deadlines. Youth complete it once per grade division: grades 3–5 for Junior, grades 6–8 for Intermediate and grades 9–12 for Senior.
Families needing help with validation or Quality Counts can contact Rachel Howell at 325-646-0386 or [email protected]. The Brown County Extension Office is at 605 Fisk Avenue in Brownwood and can be reached at 325-646-0386.