Several Rutgers professors and farm staff will lead hands-on sessions about horses, cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and rabbits at this year’s Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium, Saturday, March 30. 4-H families and clubs are encouraged to make the trip to their state university in New Brunswick to visit Rutgers, learn from the experts, and see the animals at the Cook Campus … [Read more...]
Expanded 4-H Animal Science Video Contest! – Entries Due March 11
Good news - the 4-H Sheep and Goat Video Contest has been expanded! It has been renamed the New Jersey 4-H Animal Science Video Contest and will now accept entries about several other animal project areas, in addition to sheep and goats. Youth may work individually or as a team to create 3-minute educational videos about horses, poultry, rabbits, dairy/beef cattle, swine, … [Read more...]
Animal Science in 4-H Public Presentations: Start Planning Now!
The school year, and a new 4-H year, are just beginning! But it is never too early for 4-H’ers to start thinking about club, county, state or national public presentation opportunities. How can you explore and showcase knowledge of animal science topics in a 4-H public presentation? Here are some ideas: Demonstration: This is already common practice in many counties. If … [Read more...]
No Animals, No Problem! Engaging urban and suburban youth in Animal Science projects
Last month we shared information about curriculum and resources available to lead urban livestock projects in urban and suburban areas. One reader came back to us with a great question: "If we don’t have bees, rabbits or chickens, can our youth still get involved with animal projects?" The answer is yes! If your family or club cannot commit to raising your own animals, there … [Read more...]
Opportunities for Urban and Suburban Livestock Experiences
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? … [Read more...]
Career Profile- Large Animal Veterinarian – Jon E. Higgins, VMD
Name: Jon E. Higgins, VMD Job Title – Veterinarian and Veterinary Practice Owner Organization – Acorn Farmvets Education/Degree Earned – BS from the University of Vermont in Animal Science VMD – University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine If you were in 4-H, when and what club(s) were you a part of? How did 4-H help you grow as a professional? – … [Read more...]
eXtension – A Wealth of (Really Good) Information for Your 4-H Goat Project
Are you new to raising goats? Do you need information on how to get started? Do you know what breed you want? Do you know what kind of facilities and space you’ll need? Need information specifically for dairy, meat, and/or fiber goats? Would you like help setting up a budget? Looking for information on how to control predators, how to manage your pastures, how to trim … [Read more...]
What topic should I pick for my public presentation?
Public speaking is one of the most useful skills developed in 4-H. Public presentations are also a great way to learn about a topic of interest and share it with others in your club and county. One of the most important decisions members make each year is the topic for their presentation. For goat clubs, this is the perfect chance for 4-Hers to learn more about the STEM … [Read more...]
4 Great Ideas for Using 4-H Youth-Produced Videos in your Goat Club
New Jersey 4-H has coordinated an annual Sheep and Goat Video Contest since 2015 for members in these two projects. The top four videos from each of the past three years were screened at the annual Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium and are available on our state website. We think they are wonderful educational resources that could be used in many other ways as part of your … [Read more...]
4 Reasons to Join Us at the Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium, April 7
The Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium is held each year at the Cook Campus Farm of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. It is a great opportunity for 4-H members and their adults to learn about animals – including beef and dairy cattle, goats, horses, rabbits, and sheep. Here are four reasons to join us at Rutgers on April 7. Learn STEM – genetics, meat science, … [Read more...]