Name of requestor: Laurel Kubin 498-6004

Department: Extension

Preferred appearance date: 5/20/2008 Time required: 10 min.

Date decision needed: 5/20/2008

Objective: Allocation of interest earned on donation for 4-H Beef program

Situation: Prior to construction of facilities at The Ranch, the ballot question for the tax increase included a contingency requiring commitments for private sector participation. As part of this private support, in 2000 Ed and Marilyn Hansen donated $50,000 to Larimer County, designating that the funds be used for construction of a 4-H beef barn and/or livestock judging pavilion which was a part of the original master plan for the facility. Neither a 4-H beef barn or livestock judging pavilion have been constructed and there are currently no plans for such facilties at The Ranch. The Hansens are requesting that the interest earned on their donation be used to support the 4-H beef project members. The funds, which have grown to $60,000, are held by the Larimer County 4-H Foundation on behalf of Larimer County. The Larimer County 4-H Foundation, Larimer County Extension staff, and The Ranch director support the proposal to use the interest for the 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program as outlined in the attached file.

Proposal: Authorize use of the interest on the Hansen's donation to support the 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program.

Advantages: The original donation was intended to support the 4-H Beef project members. This use of the interest is consistent with supporting the 4-H Beef project members who complete their projects. The original donation remains intact to either support continuation of the 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program or to be used for its original intent should a new master plan include a 4-H Beef barn or livestock judging pavilion. 4-H members who take the beef project and complete the requirements would receive financial support for this expensive project.

Disadvantages: Future interest would not be left to accrue on the original donation.

Requested action: Approve use of the interest earned on the Ed and Marilyn Hansen donation to Larimer County above a balance of $60,000 to support the 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program.

Potentially Affected Interest: 4-H members enrolled in the beef project; Extension staff; Larimer County 4-H Foundation treasurer; The Ranch

Level of Public Interest and Participations: Expected to be minimal

Audio/Visual/Computer Needs: None

4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program PROPOSAL

BACKGROUND:

In 2000 Ed and Marilyn Hansen donated $50,000 to Larimer County, with specific direction that the money be used to benefit 4-H youth. As the new Larimer County Fairgrounds was being constructed, master plans called for a 4-H beef barn and/or livestock judging pavilion to be built within 5 years of the Fairgrounds opening. Hansen’s chose to designate their donation to the area of assisting in the building of either the beef barn or the livestock judging pavilion, given that the building was going to directly benefit 4-H members. At this point in time, there are no plans for the construction of the beef barn or livestock judging pavilion, due to the lack of demand and financial constraints. Although these buildings are still in the master plan, there is no estimated time for the construction of these facilities. With that, Hansen’s would like to begin a 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program for Larimer County 4-H members initiated with funds generated by their donation.

PROPOSAL:

Over the past 8 years, the original seed money of $50,000 has been invested into funds and has been maintained and monitored by the Larimer County 4-H Foundation. This account has generated interest in the excess amount of $60,000. Hansen’s proposal is to use the interest from the $60,000 by offering a monetary incentive and reward to 4-H members enrolled in the beef program. Each year, the interest earned from the $60,000 in the previous year will be divided evenly among each 4-H member and the number of beef projects they complete at the Larimer County Fair. If the 4-H member successfully meets all of the program’s criteria, they will be awarded a check upon completion of their beef project at the end of fair. The original principle amount of $60,000 will remain untouched, and will be available for use in the event of Hansen’s initial request.

Each 4-H Beef member will be eligible to receive the monetary incentive within the Rewards Program for completing their beef project at the Larimer County Fair. Money will be divided per head of cattle completed, with the exception of a cow/calf pair considered as one. For example; a 4-H member has 3 head of cattle, so they will complete 3 projects, thus receiving reward money for amount of all 3.

PROGRAM:

4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program:

· Eligibility:

§ Any Larimer County 4-H member enrolled in the Beef Project.

§ 4-H member may have any number of beef animals registered for their project at the Larimer County Fair.

· Criteria to receive the reward:

§ 4-H member must have a completed record book with a score of at least 70% (to be confirmed by the Larimer County Extension office). Completed record books must be turned in for judging to the Extension Office at close of business on August 30 of each year.

§ 4-H member must show each beef animal at the Larimer County Fair (to be confirmed by the Larimer County Extension office).

§ 4-H member must leave their beef stalls clean when they leave the Fairgrounds at the conclusion of fair (to be confirmed by the Herdsmanship Committee/Beef Superintendent).

· Exceptions to the Rule:

§ If a 4-H member’s beef animal becomes sick within 30 days of the Larimer County Fair and is unable to show, they will still be considered for receiving the 4-H Beef Project Rewards Program under these conditions;

o Larimer County Extension office receives a health waiver from a licensed Veterinarian verifying the reasons why the animal is unfit to show.

o Larimer County Extension office receives a letter from the 4-H member’s 4-H club leader verifying the 4-H member has put the effort appropriate and necessary effort into their project up until the time of the animal’s sickness.

o 4-H member completes their record book.

§ If a 4-H member is disqualified during their project prior to or during the fair, based on unethical behavior, the 4-H member will automatically be disqualified from the entire 4-H Beef Project Rewards Program for that year.

The longevity of this program is undetermined at this point in time. Hansen’s are proposing this program operate as long as the money is invested in funds through the 4-H Foundation and until a building project is implemented. Once approval and construction begins on the beef barn or livestock judging pavilion, the $60,000 will be moved to assist the building project and the 4-H Beef Project Rewards Program will terminate.

SUGGESTED IMPLEMENTATION:

Hansen’s are proposing the 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program be implemented and operating for 4-H Beef Project members enrolled and showing in year 2008.

There are several logistical matters up for discussion regarding the implementation of this program into the Larimer County 4-H Beef program. There will be two (2) entities involved with this program on a yearly basis; Larimer County 4-H Foundation and Larimer County 4-H Extension office.

There is a need for discussion to determine specific responsibilities for each party involved. In the meantime, more apparent responsibilities are listed out below.

Larimer County 4-H Foundation will be responsible for:

· Writing the checks to the 4-H members.

· Monitoring the funds.

· Determining the amount of interest to be used for the program each year (in the early fall).

· Corresponding with the Larimer County Extension office regarding the logistics of the program.

Larimer County Extension office will be responsible for:

· Overseeing the Reward Program.

· Confirming the 4-H members have completed their record books satisfactorally and have shown at the Larimer County Fair.

· Confirming the 4-H member’s beef stalls are clean at the completion of the Larimer County Fair.

· Corresponding with the Larimer County 4-H Foundation regarding the logistics of the program.

Once the two (2) entities have verified the 4-H member has fully completed their beef project and Reward Program criteria, a check will be delivered to the 4-H member as soon as possible after the completion of the Larimer County Fair.

ITEMS TO BE DETERMINED:

· Logistics regarding payment to the 4-H member.

· Policy and guidelines manual for the 4-H Beef Project Completion Reward Program (to be completed by Ed & Marilyn Hansen with the assistance and agreement from the Larimer County 4-H Foundation and Larimer County Extension office).

CONCLUSION:

Ed and Marilyn Hansen are excited to be proposing this Reward Program to Larimer County’s 4-H program. Although there are a few logistical considerations to be arranged, the program is very simplistic in the criteria and reward components. Hansen’s are advocates of youth in agriculture and feel this program will continuously enhance the 4-H experience and interest of the Beef project. With that, the program provides the opportunity to grow the 4-H Beef program and allow 4-H members an incentive to involve themselves in the beef industry.