4-H Animal Science Resource Blog

STEM Connections, know-how & Inspiration

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  • Goat
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Opportunities for Urban and Suburban Livestock Experiences

August 15, 2018

 

Bee demonstration, finding the queen.

Many of our urban and suburban youth have limited interaction with livestock. 4-H livestock projects, although not typical to urban or suburban areas, are possible and are becoming quite popular. In addition to learning about animal science, there is a great opportunity to teach young people about entrepreneurship.

Does this mean 4-Hers bring cows to the into city? Not necessarily!

Michigan State University published a curriculum guide to teach entrepreneurship for youth involved in livestock project called the Youth business guide to success: Make the most of your 4-H market animal project. Participating in these projects can teach valuable life skills including building social relationships, record keeping, decision making, goal setting, knowledge and care of animals, and entrepreneurship.  

Project areas around bees, rabbits, and chickens are popular and spatially-appropriate in more densely populated areas. Cornell University’s Small Farm Program website offers tips for raising urban livestock. 

If you are interested in leading or learning about bees, rabbits, and chickens, click on the links to learn about National 4-H Curriculum. It’s time to get started with your urban livestock program!

(Before starting an urban livestock program, be sure to check municipal law regarding each animal. Every city is different!)

By: Marissa Staffen, 4-H Agent in Essex County

Filed Under: Alpaca/Llama, Animal Project Areas, Club Programming Idea, Dairy Cattle, Goat, Horse and Pony, Poultry, Rabbit/Cavy/Small Animal, Sheep Tagged With: featured resource, Michigan State University, suburban youth, urban 4h, urban agriculture, urban livestock, urban youth development

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A Project of New Jersey 4-H Youth Development

New Jersey 4-H provides educational outreach programming for youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) through 4-H clubs, special interest programs, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and overnight camping.

Regardless of the subject matter – whether it be science, healthy living or citizenship, 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth learn responsibility, community awareness and character development.

New Jersey 4-H Youth Development is a department of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

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