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...]
The Value of Consistence & Inconsistency in Training
When learning something new, it helps to first experience the new material under the same conditions. This is called "consistency". Think of your experience on the first day of school. You don't know what to expect from your new teacher and this new environment. Over time, consistent routines helped you learn when to sit at your desk and pay attention, how to raise your … [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...]
Can you read your dog’s mind?
Is he asking to play? Or is he scared? How do you know what a dog is trying to say? Dogs tell us how they are feeling through their body language and vocalization. Some cues are easy for us to understand while others can be confusing. Is she barking because she's excited or because she's upset? Is he standing still because he's relaxed or because he's afraid? 4-H dog … [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...]
Want More? Check Out the ADGA National Show and Annual Convention
Our state 4-H goat program provides educational sessions and contests each year through the 4-H Goat Extravaganza, Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium at Rutgers, and the State 4-H Goat Show. 4-H members meet others in their project area, learn skills, and share their knowledge and creativity through a team poster contest, skillathon, quiz bowl, art contest, film festival, and … [Read more...]
A Nose for Scent Work
Scent work: What is it? And who can participate? Answer: Anyone can participate with their dog! The American Kennel Club introduced this new canine sport in 2017 based on the job working detection dogs do to locate and communicate the location of the 'hide' back to their handler without disturbing the environment. This is a game dogs love to play as they are born with … [Read more...]
Tack Tagging Game
Do you need a hands-on, fun activity for your next horse club meeting? Why not try a learning game that helps your members remember the types of saddles and their parts? To set up the game, all you need is a few basic materials and several different types of saddles. To start, collect the following items; Post-It Notes®, pens and pencils, scrap paper, saddles, and saddle … [Read more...]
Showcase Your Dog’s Talents with Trick Dog!
What's the first fun trick you taught your dog? Was it paw, shake, or "high five"? What about "speak"? Maybe you taught your dog to spin in a circle, jump through a hoop, go through a tunnel, or sit in a box. All of these tricks can now earn your dog a title in the AKC Trick Dog class. If your dog can perform 10 of the listed tricks, then a Novice Trick Dog title is in … [Read more...]