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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
So You Want to Work in a Zoo?
This past July, 4-H Program Associates Amelia Valente and Brittany Rigg held a S.T.E.P (Short Term Exploratory Program) called Career Detectives. The mission of this program was to expose youth to zoo careers they might be interested in pursuing. Participants virtually connected with several professionals in the field, including Zoo Keepers, Behavioral Specialists, Water … [Read more...]
4-H Entries for Statewide Virtual Fair!
Calling all those in 4-H animal projects - there are multiple classes for each of you at the New Jersey 4-H Virtual Fair, but you only have a few more days to enter! All information (and a link for entries) is available at the 4-H fair's website. The many categories for project entries are outlined in the exhibitor’s guide, also available at the same site. While we hope … [Read more...]
Congratulations, Top-Scoring Clubs
A total of 276 4-H members from 88 clubs participated in the 4-H Animal Science Blog Contest from April 10 through May 31, 2020 (keep reading for a list of the top 15 clubs). These 4-H members evaluated classes of horses and livestock; visited a variety of farms, zoos, and museums; joined educational webinars with experts from across the country; developed new skills; and … [Read more...]
Week #7 Activities – 4-H Animal Science
Welcome to our seventh and final week! We have returned to our original format – with one activity for each of our ten animal projects. You have from now until the end of Friday, May 29 to complete as many of these activities as you like. They are all optional, but you will earn up to 5 points for your club for each activity you complete. The five top-scoring clubs will … [Read more...]
Week #6 Activities – 4-H Animal Science
Welcome to our sixth week! This week you will explore animal science jobs and careers! You have from now until the end of Friday, May 22 to complete as many of these activities as you like. They are all optional, but you will earn up to 5 points for your club for each activity you complete. At the end of our seven weeks, the five top-scoring clubs will earn $200. We will … [Read more...]
Week #5 Activities – 4-H Animal Science
Welcome to our fifth week! This week, we want to learn from you! You have from now until the end of Friday, May 15 to complete as many of these activities as you like. They are all optional, but you will earn up to 5 points for your club for each activity you complete. At the end of our seven weeks, the five top-scoring clubs will earn $200. We will also award up to 10 … [Read more...]