Latest news with #4H
Fox News
6 days ago
- General
- Fox News
4-H federally funded camps under fire for cabining kids, adult counselors by 'identity'
EXCLUSIVE: Some federally supported youth programs still have policies in place permitting attendees and adult camp counselors to stay in overnight housing based on their self-identified gender rather than their biological sex – despite the fact that the policy these rules are derived from has since been rescinded by the Trump administration, according to one nonprofit group. The Washington-area Center for Practical Federalism is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees 4-H youth programs that federally funded public universities across the country administer, to evaluate the programs' gender ideology standards. The 4-H programs offer a host of activities for youth through more than 100 public universities across the country in areas including health, science, agriculture and civic engagement. The Center for Practical Federalism is an arm of the nonprofit organization the State Policy Network, and seeks to provide resources to the American public and policymakers to educate them about federalism, and the balance between state and national politics to prevent government overreach. The issue originated in 2017, when the National 4-H Council and USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture shared a "4-H Guidance for Inclusion of Individuals of all Gender Identities, Gender Expressions, Sexual Orientation and Sexes" on a USDA-managed website. That guidance has since been rescinded, and the Trump administration issued an executive order in January instructing agencies to take "appropriate action to ensure that intimate spaces designated for women, girls, or females (or for men, boys, or males) are designated by sex and not identity." But policies that allow 4-H attendees and adult chaperones to stay in overnight accommodations based on their gender ideology – rather than their biological sex – remain in place in multiple states, according to the Center for Practical Federalism. "Now that the Trump administration has rescinded all prior federal policies advancing gender ideology and replaced them with a clear biological framework through Executive Order, it is essential to ensure that federal grantees, including land-grant universities running 4-H programs, bring their practices into alignment with the law," Tony Woodlief, the Center for Practical Federalism's senior executive vice president, said in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, obtained by Fox News Digital. Specifically, the Center for Practical Federalism pointed to several instances where states have prioritized gender identity over biological sex for their 4-H programs. For example, the group alleged that, in 2022, the Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Camp in Kansas housed a person who was born a male but identified as a female in a cabin with preteen girls – without alerting the parents beforehand for consent. The Sentinel, a nonprofit news site that is a subsidiary of the free market think tank Kansas Policy Institute, also reported on the incident. The Kansas 4-H Foundation has not updated its gender policy online since then, which claims to ban gender discrimination based on "gender identity" in areas including housing, according to the Center for Practical Federalism. "The persistence of gender identity-based policies in 4-H programs shows how rescinded guidance can continue to shape policy and practice in violation of current federal directives," Woodlief said in the letter. "The situation at Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Camp in Kansas is a clear example of how these policies can conflict with parental rights and children's safety." The Kansas 4-H Foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Other states have similar policies, according to the Center for Practical Federalism. For example, California and Oregon both espouse policies in official documents or in training materials for their 4-H programs that place participants and adult chaperones in overnight housing based on their gender identity, rather than biological sex, the group said. The University of California's 4-H Youth Development Program did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital, nor did Oregon State's 4-H Youth Development Program. As a result, the Center for Practical Federalism is requesting that the USDA conduct a review of all federally funded 4-H programs, land grant institutions and 4-H facilities to determine where rescinded gender ideology policies are still being enforced. Likewise, the group urges the USDA to institute formal standards "to prevent subregulatory guidance from circumventing lawful rulemaking." "We also recommend that the Department use this case as a springboard for a broader, agency-wide audit of existing guidance documents, rescinding those that bypassed the regulatory process or are no longer necessary," Woodlief said in the letter. The USDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
How the Sacramento County Fair has been impacted by bird flu
SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento County Fair opened Thursday and runs through Monday, with an estimated 75,000 people expected to attend over five days at Cal Expo. The fair events include a carnival, concerts, and competitive events as one thousand students from across the county will compete in animal and creative competitions. Held at Cal Expo, the fair runs through Memorial Day. More than 100 vendors of food and local shops are set up and expected to provide an economic boost. "We're both Sacramento natives, and the weather's really nice—so we thought we'd come out here for opening night," said fairgoer Brad Morris. Behind the scenes, students from FFA and 4-H programs have been preparing livestock: feeding, grooming, and raising animals as part of a comprehensive education program. "It's a great opportunity to teach students how to connect the public with agriculture," said Jordan Albiani, an ag teacher at Galt High School. CBS Sacramento spoke with three Elk Grove High School students who shared about the last few months of raising livestock. The fair is considered the grand finale of the hands-on project. "The biggest challenge is that these are real animals and they rely on you for everything," said Kylie Bryan, a student from Elk Grove High School. "You have to be up early in the morning, feed them, bathe them—everything." State restrictions due to bird flu led to the postponement of the dairy cattle and poultry shows this year. The egg show still went on as planned, where students presented a dozen eggs to be judged. Mike Albiani, a fair board member and Elk Grove High School ag teacher, told CBS13 they pivoted to give students the same competitive opportunities that they would have received at the fair. To do this, on Thursday, students were judged at the school site and will be able to market and sell their poultry, without attending the fair, due to the guidelines. More than 6,000 students are expected to attend the fair on school-led educational trips and on Sunday, community partners will step in to bid on livestock, potentially bringing in thousands of dollars to support both the programs and the students behind them.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'It's who I am and who I'm going to be': young farmer readies drone business to help area farmers
CUMBERLAND — Dallas Bazewicz has found himself immersed in agriculture his entire life. 'Agriculture has always been a part of who I am,' said Bazewicz in a recent interview. 'I went to school away from the farm and missed it, and ended up transferring. 'I've always known I've wanted a farm, and it's something I could never get away from. It's just one of those things where it's who I am and who I'm going to be.' Bazewicz recalled his involvement with 4-H when he was young. While in the program he was involved in a horse project in Barron County with his grandfather. 'I kind of didn't have a choice to hop on a horse before I could walk,' he said with a laugh. 'That was first nature; walking came second, just about.' He said that, during his ventures in 4-H, he learned about the market and self-promotion, with one project involving a sale of beef steer. 'I talked to local businesses, trying to get them to come to the sale at the fair and try to get them to buy my steer.' That entrepreneurial spirit continued with Bazewicz, who currently farms part-time with his parents as well as farms on a small plot of land that he runs himself. 'I'm primarily helping my parents with their beef cattle operation and feeding, making hay, and doing a little bit of crop farming on the side. I'm trying to be a beginning farmer in a world where it's not too friendly for beginning farmers.' While farm loss slowed in Wisconsin last year, the number of family farms suffered a quick decline between 2017 and 2022 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Studies by UW-Madison agricultural and applied economics professor Steve Deller also noted that small farms are now turning to off-farm employment to help pay bills, as their own farms do not generate sufficient income. However, in the face of such difficulties, Bazewicz has faith that newer technologies can be a game-changer for those operating small farms. 'Personally, I think technology is going to be more important than ever,' he said. 'I think we are already seeing stuff like that being integrated [in things like] tractor and planter technologies. 'I feel that farmers are going to have to either adapt to some sorts of technologies or fight them, and that's just going to be a losing battle.' Bazewicz is looking forward to starting his new business, Sun Valley Aerial Acres, a business that utilizes drone technology to aid farmers in everyday tasks. His current business focuses on custom chemical applications via drone work rather than traditional application methods. 'They're really gaining traction — drones five years ago compared to what they are today — it's astronomical with how fast the technology changes,' he explained. 'Drones just keep getting better and better and more efficient. It's a healthier way to go across the fields.' Applying solutions from above presents advantages over traditional ground-based methods, as Bazewicz illustrated with the example of a heavy, water-filled ground rig. The significant weight of such vehicles can contribute to soil compaction, among other issues. 'You're running over less of your potential yields, there's less chances of getting stuck, you're not damaging the crops if everything goes right,' he said. 'It will help save the soil by not making the ground harder or making ruts if it's too wet. You're not putting more stress on the ground by driving across it.' Beyond chemical application, Bazewicz mentioned further drone uses, such as assisting with mapping field borders, counting plants per acre, identifying weed locations, and others. As he continues to farm on his parcel of land, he knows that he is not alone as a younger individual wanting to pursue his dreams of going into agriculture, and he hopes that others take notice as well. 'It's biased, but maybe don't always go to a big guy,' he said. 'Maybe think of giving younger farmers a chance.' Dusty Bazewicz, Dallas Bazewicz's father, has seen his son's ambition and success, and stated his continued pride in everything that his son does. 'We are so proud of Dallas in addition to all of his accomplishments. We are proud of his heart, eagerness to help others, and strive to succeed,' said Dusty. 'Dallas is a country boy at heart, from being a grand champion horseman to an entrepreneur that wants to do his part to make sure agriculture stays strong.'
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
The cheapest destinations to fly to from six major UK airports including Spanish resorts to Greek islands
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOOKING to bag a bargain trip this summer? Research from TravelSupermarket has revealed the cheapest destinations based on the airport you fly from. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Research from TravelSupermarket has revealed the cheapest destinations based on the airport you fly from Credit: Getty 4 Family fun at the beach Credit: Getty Lisa Minot talks you through the best options, with comments by Steph Marinkovic from price comparison site TravelSupermarket. LONDON (Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, London City) FOR London-based trippers, Turkey's Dalaman area is best value at £539 per person, then Marrakesh at £559, Kefalonia (£569), Gran Canaria (£601) and Costa Dorada (£624). Steph says: 'Start your search with Turkey's Dalaman area. For equal amounts of sunshine and sights, Marrakech is then your next best bet for a summer steal.' GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 4H Ramada by Wyndham Fethiye Oludeniz is from £458pp, including flights from Stansted on July 7. MANCHESTER THE Italian Lakes offer exceptional value at just £422 per person — the lowest average price across all featured destinations. Other options include Lanzarote (£608), Costa Dorada (£621), Gran Canaria (£625) and Costa Blanca (£629). Steph says: 'Lake Como is the pick for stunning scenery and villas, or jump on the ferry to tour Lake Garda's charming towns. 'The rest of the line-up is all about Spain. You can expect all- inclusive hotels, and endless activities and sunshine.' GO: Seven nights' room-only at the 3H B&B Hotel Affi Lago di Garda is from £409pp including flights from Manchester on June 19. NEWCASTLE GRAN CANARIA offfers the best value at £570 per person, followed by Costa Blanca (£631), Fuerteventura (£632), Majorca (£671) and Lanzarote (£676). The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying Steph says: 'Gran Canaria is almost £60 per person cheaper to fly to from Newcastle than is Manchester. Newcastle is also the cheapest airport overall for flying to Fuerteventura this summer, ahead of Birmingham and Edinburgh.' GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 4H Servatur Playa Bonita on Gran Canaria is from £509pp with flights from Newcastle on September 1. 4 The idyllic Lake Garda, Italy Credit: Getty LIVERPOOL TRAVELLERS flying from Liverpool can secure great deals to the Costa Dorada at just £470 per person — £151 cheaper than for the same destination from Manchester. Other top-value destinations from Liverpool include Lanzarote (£538), Tenerife (£566), Dalaman (£586) and Costa Blanca (£589). Steph says: 'Stick to Spain, and you can also find great bargains in Lanzarote and Tenerife.' GO: Seven nights' room-only at 4H Golden Donaire Beach, Costa Dorada is from £415pp including Liverpool flights on July 21, 2025. COSTA BLANCA is the most affordable at £584 per person, followed by Majorca (£643), Costa Del Sol (£657), Lanzarote (£678) and Tenerife (£792). Steph says: 'Prices for a package holiday on the Costa Blanca are £45pp cheaper than Manchester.' 'Leeds fliers can also plan their summer escape for less in the Canary Islands — Lanzarote and Tenerife are your go-to deals here.' GO: Seven nights' half-board at the 4H AR Diamante Beach on the Costa Blanca is from £509pp, on a half-board basis. Flights depart from Leeds Bradford on June 3, 2025. 4 Pretty, colourful houses in Gran Canaria Credit: Getty BIRMINGHAM COSTA DORADA offers the best value at £493 per person with significant price gaps to the next best options: Kefalonia (£609), Corfu (£621), Dalaman area (£644) and Fuerteventura (£650). Steph says: 'Costa Dorada comes in at more than £100 per person cheaper than Birmingham's other ranking destinations.' GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 4H H10 Salauris Palace Hotel on the Costa Dorada is from £410pp, including Birmingham flights on September 24.
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
The cheapest destinations to fly to from six major UK airports including Spanish resorts to Greek islands
LOOKING to bag a bargain trip this summer? Research from TravelSupermarket has revealed the cheapest destinations based on the 4 Research from TravelSupermarket has revealed the cheapest destinations based on the airport you fly from Credit: Getty 4 Family fun at the beach Credit: Getty Lisa Minot talks you through the best options, with comments by Steph Marinkovic from price comparison site TravelSupermarket. LONDON (Gatwick, Heathrow, FOR London-based trippers, Steph says: 'Start your search with Turkey's Dalaman area. For equal amounts of sunshine and sights, Marrakech is then your next best bet for a summer steal.' GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 4H Ramada by Wyndham Fethiye Oludeniz is from £458pp, including flights from Stansted on July 7. Read More on Travel MANCHESTER Other options include Steph says: 'Lake Como is the pick for stunning scenery and villas, or jump on the ferry to tour Lake Garda's charming towns. 'The rest of the line-up is all about Spain. You can expect all- inclusive hotels, and endless activities and sunshine.' Most read in News Travel GO: Seven nights' room-only at the 3H B&B Hotel Affi Lago di Garda is from £409pp including flights from Manchester on June 19. NEWCASTLE GRAN CANARIA offfers the best value at £570 per person, followed by Costa Blanca (£631), The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying Steph says: 'Gran Canaria is almost £60 per person cheaper to fly to from Newcastle than is Manchester. Newcastle is also the cheapest airport overall for flying to Fuerteventura this summer, ahead of Birmingham and Edinburgh.' GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 4H Servatur Playa Bonita on Gran Canaria is from £509pp with flights from Newcastle on September 1. 4 The idyllic Lake Garda, Italy Credit: Getty LIVERPOOL TRAVELLERS flying from Liverpool can secure great deals to the Costa Dorada at just £470 per person — £151 cheaper than for the same destination from Manchester. Other top-value destinations from Liverpool include Lanzarote (£538), Tenerife (£566), Dalaman (£586) and Costa Blanca (£589). Steph says: 'Stick to Spain, and you can also find great bargains in Lanzarote and Tenerife.' GO: Seven nights' room-only at 4H Golden Donaire Beach, Costa Dorada is from £415pp including Liverpool flights on July 21, 2025. COSTA BLANCA is the most affordable at £584 per person, followed by Majorca (£643), Costa Del Sol (£657), Lanzarote (£678) and Tenerife (£792). Steph says: 'Prices for a package holiday on the Costa Blanca are £45pp cheaper than Manchester.' 'Leeds fliers can also plan their summer escape for less in the Canary Islands — Lanzarote and Tenerife are your go-to deals here.' GO: Seven nights' half-board at the 4H AR Diamante Beach on the Costa Blanca is from £509pp, on a half-board basis. Flights depart from Leeds Bradford on June 3, 2025. 4 Pretty, colourful houses in Gran Canaria Credit: Getty BIRMINGHAM COSTA DORADA offers the best value at £493 per person with significant price gaps to the next best options: Kefalonia (£609), Corfu (£621), Dalaman area (£644) and Fuerteventura (£650). Steph says: 'Costa Dorada comes in at more than £100 per person cheaper than Birmingham's other ranking destinations.' GO: Seven nights' B&B at the 4H H10 Salauris Palace Hotel on the Costa Dorada is from £410pp, including Birmingham flights on September 24. See all deals at
