In summer 2021, Rutgers 4-H programs are gradually returning to in-person programming. Read more about Rutgers Cooperative Extension returning to in-person programs here. Some county fairs are cancelled, some are delayed or postponed, and others are happening -- for reasons that best suit each county. And some animal shows are open to all New Jersey 4-Hers in good … [Read more...]
What the COVID-19 Pandemic Reminds Us About Animal Biosecurity
COVID-19: What We Know The SARS-COV2 virus spreads between people easily, through the respiratory droplets produced (such as in breathing or coughing). As we have practiced in the past year, masks and social distancing help slow the spread of COVID-19. Vocabulary: SARS-COV2 is the virus and it causes COVID-19, the disease. COVID-19 and Animals In some … [Read more...]
Zoonosis Prevention: A Kahoot Quiz Game
Thank you to all who participated in the first all-virtual Junior Breeder Symposium on Saturday, March 27, 2021. If you missed the event, or want to try the Zoonosis Prevention game again, it is live now! The Kahoot quiz game can be played individually by clicking here. You may also go to kahoot.it and use Game PIN: 01733729. It is available through the above link until … [Read more...]
Club Support: The Exciting Egg Activities
Pennsylvania 4-H has gathered a wealth of resources for youth to participate in 4-H at home. Many of the activities can easily be integrated into a 4-H club that is meeting remotely. For poultry projects, The Exciting Egg lessons are educational and fun: Parts of an Egg for Cloverbuds Parts of an Egg for 4th Grade & Up Instructions for a Play-Doh Egg … [Read more...]
Club Support: Three Online Courses on Food Safety and Microbiology
If you are looking for ways to supplement your 4-H club or other youth program in the area of Animal Science, Animal U by the Iowa State University has a wealth of interactive and educational resources. The web trainings here are educational yet highly accessible to youth audiences. Production livestock projects may benefit from asking youth to complete the Food Safety and … [Read more...]
Club Support: Animal Vital Signs Activity
Pennsylvania 4-H has a resource page of at-home 4-H activities that can be useful to 4-H clubs meeting remotely during COVID-19 social distancing. One series of at-home activities that may be assigned to club members this year is appropriate for companion animal projects as well as livestock: the Animal Vital Signs series: "Vital Information" - What is Normal? … [Read more...]
Helping Youth Understand the Vocabulary of Zoonotic Diseases
The understanding of zoonotic diseases, those that can transfer between animals and people, is one important topic within Animal Science. Still, it can be challenging to instruct youth in ways to prevent the spread of such illnesses; lessons are in-depth, vocabulary is challenging, and as educators we may worry that the material is dry. Michigan State University Extension … [Read more...]
Animal Quality Certification Programs: Opportunities for 4-H Youth and Project Mastery
Quality Assurance in Animal Production Adults working in commercial agriculture are often required to maintain a quality assurance certification. For example, Pork Quality Assurance Plus aids pork producers in maintaining best practices for food safety. Another example is the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. While youth in 4-H learn many aspects of animal care and … [Read more...]
Animal Science at Fair: Our Chance to Showcase
While County Fair season may be months away, 4-Hers know that now is the time to plan for this annual showcase of our project year, which provides a great opportunity for public engagement. Animals are an integral part of our fairs - 4-H members care for and exhibit their livestock, horses, poultry, and small animals (a major draw for fairgoers). We show animals under tents … [Read more...]
Emergency Preparedness and 4-H Animal Projects
September is National Preparedness Month - a great time to build awareness of the need for emergency planning. New Jersey 4-H now offers a disaster preparedness program for youth, which teaches young people how to plan to shelter in place or evacuate with their families during an emergency. This program is in line with FEMA guidelines for youth emergency preparedness and can … [Read more...]