April 10 through May 31, 2020 Members of your club (4th grade and above) can earn points each week over the next two months, through the end of May. The 5 clubs with the most points per member after seven weeks will earn $200 to support their club’s efforts to learn or teach animal science. In addition, up to 10 clubs from throughout New Jersey 4-H will earn $100 … [Read more...]
How to Prepare for a 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
Are you preparing for the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest? Maybe you are stuck inside and can’t get your club together on the farm. In this day of online learning, there are many options for helping our 4-H members prepare for contests and events. Consider using these resources. The National Holstein Foundation Judging Workbook is an excellent guide for both beginners and … [Read more...]
Starting a Poultry Science Project at Your School
It isn’t uncommon to see a school or community garden in urban New Jersey, where residents come together to grow fresh food. Some people step it up a notch by introducing new members of the farm: chickens! As backyard chickens become more and more popular, some schools are considering the idea as well and are able to integrate Animal Science into their school day program. In … [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...]
4-H Animal Science Video Contest – Expanded to Include ALL Animal Projects
The informational flyer and entry form for the 4-H Animal Science Video Contest and Film Festival are available on our website. New Jersey 4-H, in cooperation with the New Jersey Junior Breeder Symposium, is sponsoring the contest and film festival, now expanded to include ALL 4-H animal project areas - including ALPACA, CAT, CATTLE (BEEF/DAIRY), DOG, GOAT, HERPETOLOGY, HORSE, … [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...]
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...]