Many 4H club leaders are having difficulty finding resources they can use during a virtual 4-H meeting or while members are learning about their projects at home. In a quick search, one can find some help. We have compiled a few of those resources here. Collection of Virtual Resources Compiled by Cornell University 4-H in New York has put together this great list of online … [Read more...]
Taking Care of your Horse in the Winter
As the weather gets colder I get more questions as to what horse owners can do to keep their horses from losing weight, how to keep them warmer, and how to go about safely riding them all winter long. Hopefully I can address some of your thoughts and concerns here before more real winter weather hits us in New Jersey. In the winter all horses need extra energy to help keep … [Read more...]
Ideas to Make Virtual Club Meetings Fun and Educational
In this year of the coronavirus pandemic all 4-H staff and volunteers have had to pivot from in-person programs to virtual programs, AND so did the school system. Our 4-H members have had a double whammy of virtual programs and spend a lot of time on their computers. So, how do you continue to keep your members engaged in this environment? They might really want in-person 4-H … [Read more...]
Livestock and Poultry Identification Resources and Bingo Game
Do you know why it is important to identify your animals? Do you know how to properly identify animals? Storms may take down trees and cause damage to barns allowing livestock to walk through downed fences or an electric fence that is no longer hot. If a barn or chicken coop were to become damaged, it is possible that scared animals run quite far from their own home and your … [Read more...]
Why Spring Vaccinations for Your Horse Matter
In these uncertain times, some horse owners are trying to save money and are asking themselves if spring shots matter. Are vaccinations critical for your horse’s health? The answer is yes! Understanding which vaccines are the most important and why is also critical. For many, vaccinations are considered important only insofar as a health certificate or proof of vaccination … [Read more...]
Take a Dairy Farm Tour!
Stuck inside and can't get to the farm to work with your dairy animals? Or do you just want to learn more about dairy farming? I've got a few suggestions for you. Dairy farmers are working hard everyday to bring you nutritious and delicious products - including a variety of milks, cheeses, butter products, and our favorite, ice cream. Sugar Maple Jerseys is a small … [Read more...]
How to Prepare for a 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
Are you preparing for the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest? Maybe you are stuck inside and can’t get your club together on the farm. In this day of online learning, there are many options for helping our 4-H members prepare for contests and events. Consider using these resources. The National Holstein Foundation Judging Workbook is an excellent guide for both beginners and … [Read more...]
Do you know your horse’s Body Condition Score?
Winter cold can be tough on a horse. If they have been out in the cold, they may have shed some of those extra pounds. On the other end, if your horse had little exercise and lots of feed it may have put on a few pounds. How do you know if your horse is in good condition after the winter? If your horse has spent a long time under a blanket, you may not have been looking at … [Read more...]
4-H Animal Science Resources for Your Club
Recently I had the opportunity to reconnect with my colleagues from around the country while attending the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents meeting in West Virginia. While there I attended workshops and poster sessions and visited vendors. I was reminded about the great Animal Science resources available from our sister land-grant universities. After the … [Read more...]
Visit Lord Nelson at the Equine Science Center
The Equine Science Center at Rutgers is a resource for youth and adults who want accurate information about horses, their care, and their impact on the environment. Lord Nelson is the Equine Science Center's mascot and helps connect youth to the educational topics addressed by the Center. Lord Nelson is a Quarter Horse gelding that enjoyed a wonderful career at Rutgers. He … [Read more...]