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...]
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...]
Sheep Identification – USDA Requirements
Proper identification is an important aspect of raising sheep. Whether you are a 4-H member raising only one market lamb per year or working toward establishing your own breeding operation, you will need to know U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) identification requirements and NJ Division of Animal Health rules. Scrapie Identification is required by the USDA for almost … [Read more...]
Five Essential Ag Safety Practices for Youth Programs
4-H programs can happen anywhere - rural, suburban or urban areas. Often, these programs will interact with the agriculture industry - even if for a short time or day trip. While it is important for youth to learn more about agriculture, these settings can be a hazardous place for young people. Agriculture is the only industry where children of all ages may be present at any … [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...]
The Importance of Show Ring Etiquette
Etiquette is the customary and polite way to conduct yourself in the show ring. Good etiquette makes the show run smoothly, resulting in a less stressful experience for showmen and animals alike. When exhibitors are courteous and polite, the judge notices. Lack of understanding of basic show ring etiquette or deliberately thoughtless behavior disrupts the show and demonstrates … [Read more...]
Sportsmanship…Always a Priority!
Sportsmanship is defined as “conduct becoming to an individual involving fair and honest competition, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of results.” Focusing on what you can learn makes you a better competitor and helps you improve your animal projects. Your behavior in the show ring reflects your behavior in life. Sportsmanship is a reflection of your character and … [Read more...]
Webinars as Tools for Animal Science Education
In recent months, the University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences has been offering biweekly, 20-minute webinars on very specific topics in animal care and animal science. These livecasts are an effective educational tool because they are interactive. The hosts issue a call for questions at the end of each session and give answers in real time and incorporate … [Read more...]
Sheep Showmanship: A Basic Guide
Now that it is fair time in New Jersey, it is important to know how to display the lambs or sheep you have worked so hard to raise. Showmanship is the ability of an exhibitor to present an animal effectively and competitively in the show ring. A good showman can actually improve his or her placing in a breed class just by good handling skills. It sounds simple, but the best … [Read more...]
Understanding and Treating Sheep Hoof Ailments
Lameness in sheep is not uncommon and can be caused by a range of issues in the hoof. A sheep may favor a hoof due to a small injury or improperly trimmed hooves, but in most cases, lameness indicates an infection. Animals with hoof infections such as footrot suffer from lameness, decreased weight gain, and poor wool growth. Many hoof ailments are contagious and require quick … [Read more...]