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...]
National 4-H Dairy Conference – a great educational program for all!
The National 4-H Dairy Conference is an annual event which should be the pinnacle of a 4-H member's involvement in the dairy project. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the best dairy cattle in the world ( it coincides with the World Dairy Expo) and also learn more about the dairy industry than you could possibly learn in a whole year of 4-H club … [Read more...]
Dog Themed Tourist Destinations
Summer vacation can take us to new places where we can discover towns, cities, and states that we haven't seen before. Summer can also be a perfect time to do some discovering with our favorite four legged friend or to see things that relate to our interest in dogs. Here are some ideas. Planning a trip to New York City? Be sure to check out the American Kennel Club's (AKC) … [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...]
How to Read Dairy Pedigrees – A Great Resource
So, you have just selected or purchased a new dairy calf as 4-H project. You may have received a copy of the animal's registration paper from the breed association and perhaps a copy of the animal's official pedigree, also from the breed association. The pedigree gives you information about the genetic background of the animal. The genetic background can give you an indication … [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...]
JOIN US!
The NJAES Board of Managers, in cooperation with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, is sponsoring the NJ Livestock Summit on March 21, 2019 at the Eco Complex in Bordentown from 6-9pm. Registration is FREE and can be completed online here. This event will be a great learning opportunity for anyone interested in livestock - large/small ruminants, swine and fowl. The flyer is … [Read more...]
Preparing for Lambing
Once your ewes are getting close to their due date, which is approximately 4-1/2 to 5 months after being bred, you need to have your barn ready. You want to protect the newborn lambs from the elements for the first few days or weeks. They always seem to be born on the coldest day of the year! Approximately a month before lambing, it’s recommended to vaccinate the mothers … [Read more...]
What is the Difference Between Reptiles and Amphibians?
While reptiles and amphibians may seem similar to most people, they are really very different groups of organisms that are not even that closely related! At one time, reptiles and amphibians were zoologically classified as a single group due to some of their similarities and shared characteristics. Herpetology is the branch of zoology that studies reptiles … [Read more...]
4-Hers to Learn from Rutgers Professors at Cook Campus Farm Event, March 30
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...]