4-H events in Valley cancelled

WESLACO - Following the lead of the University Interscholastic League's ruling to postpone all state events and tournaments, 4-H events have also been delayed, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service official.

"In light of the ongoing flu situation, we want to err on the side of caution, so we're discouraging any multi-county, regional, district or statewide 4-H meetings until May 11," said Dr. Ruben Saldaña, AgriLife Extension district administrator.

"At that time, we'll decide whether to continue or release this restriction," he said.

Among the cancellations is District Roundup, which had been scheduled to take place May 8 in McAllen at South Texas College. District Roundup is a large annual event where 4-H students qualify for state competitive events, Saldaña said.

"We'll meet soon to move Roundup to another date," he said.

The 4-H multi-district judging contest scheduled for Saturday in College Station was also cancelled. 4-H events not cancelled include scholarship interviews scheduled next week throughout the state.

"These are one-on-one interviews and pose a lower risk than say, a meeting of 40 students," Saldaña said.

Saldaña said AgriLife Extension continues to support county-based events, but has asked AgriLife county agents to use discretion in deciding whether to hold scheduled events and meetings.