4-H Animal Science is Open for Registration

4-H Animal Science is the cornerstone of the 4-H program. Youth get the opportunity to raise an animal for show at the fair. In the process they learn about responsibility, record keeping, anatomy of that animal and more. It is a fun project with real world learning opportunities.

This year we will be offering Laying Hens, Broilers, Turkeys, and Rabbits. Please note that due to shortages of laying hen stock we may have to suspend the laying hen project. If we do that we will offer the opportunity to switch to another animal or offer a refund.

This year we are turning the animal science project on its ear so please read the following information carefully.

- All youth taking part in this project must be actively registered in 4-H Online to receive an animal.

- This project is open to all 4-H members ages 5-18. Please note our 5-7 year old Cloverbud division is non competitive.

- Youth must be registered and pay in Eventbrite prior to the deadline.

-Please note the deadline to register and pay for the Turkey project is earlier than all other animals. The deadline for this project will be February 28.

- If completing the turkey project youth will also be required to show at the state turkey show prior or during the state fair.

- Before registering please consider the needs of the animal (cost, pen, feed, outdoor area, predators, fencing, weather, etc.) before registering for this project. Once you register care, food, and other needs will be the responsibility of the family. Also think about vacations and schedules so that you can maintain a steady schedule for your animal in terms of water, feed, exercise, etc.

-We will hold an Animal Science Introduction on February 28 at the Extension Office. Seperate information will be provided on that session.

- There will be a mandatory Animal Science training and animal give-out at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair Grounds on June 6 from 9:30-10:30 am.

-Youth showing turkeys will receive their birds and feed from our office June 22.

-Youth showing broilers will recieve those birds from our office on August 21.

- Other in person scheduled visits, video trainings, and possibly in person trainings per species are likely during this process. This will be discussed at the animal science meeting/training/giveaway in June.

- Youth are required to show their animal at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair.

- We recommend the youth start by showing rabbits or chickens as a first project and move up to larger animals.

- Please check the zoning ordinances and if applicable Home Owners Association policies, on raising animals where you live.

-Youth may complete up to 3 different animal projects.

- A project record book will need to be completed and turned in as part of this project. There will be a training on record books and we will offer virtual help in completing the books. Please note that there is a separate competition for record books in January as well that you may turn these books in for. More information will be given about that program during training.

-Youth who turn in animals at the fair to show by the appointed deadline will receive a polo shirt that they can wear in the ring on show day.

To register and pay please go to:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-4-h-animal-science-registration-tickets-1983361663125?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are not sure yet and would like to register for our information session that will take place February 28, from 10 am-12 pm at our office please register at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-animal-science-introduction-tickets-1983374201628?aff=oddtdtcreator

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made when you register your child, by calling the 4-H office at (910) 671-3276.

I f you have any questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu, Jade McNeill at jade_mcneill@ncsu.edu, or Taylor Chavis at tbhunt@ncsu.edu 

Announcing the 4-H Lego Brick Blitz

 

Get ready to build and battle your way through the 4-H Lego Brick Blitz, where creativity meets competition in a fun-filled environment!

We are so excited about this new competition and partnership at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. 4-H and Lumberton Parks and Rec are joining together for our first ever 4-H Lego Brick Blitz.

What is that? It is a timed free build competition for youth ages 5-18. Each youth will get a base and a bag of legos and have one hour to build anything they like.

How does it work? Parents will sign their children up via eventbrite with the Robeson County 4-H Program prior to the competition. Youth will compete in one of four age categories: 5-7 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 11-13 years, and 14-18. Youth will arrive with an adult at the Al Parnell Home Exhibits building prior to the compeitition starting at 6 pm. It is children's night and youth will be able to enter for free. When they arrive they will check in at the home exhibits building and check in the 4-H and Parks and Rec Staff and be assigned a spot. At each spot will be a lego board and a bag with the same number of lego peices and sizes for each contestant. Every youth will have one hour to create something from their imagination.

How is it judged? Our independent judges will talk with each contestant about their designs and determine the top three winners in each age division. All youth in the 5-7 age division will be non competitive and recieve participation ribbons. Youth in other age divisions will recieve ribbons.

Will they get to keep the Legos? We're sorry but we won't be able to let them keep the Legos becuase we will need them year to year. However their work will be on display in the home exhibits building for the rest of the fair.

Other things to know:

-This competition is open to the first 30 youth who register regardless of age. After that there will be a waitlist. If you can not attend we will ask that you contact Shea Ann DeJarnette or Jade McNeill at (910) 671-3276.

-The decision of the judges is final and they will determine if youth should be disqualified for unsportsman like behavior. We want this to be a fun competition that celebrates our youth and their creativitiy.

-Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made when you register your child, by calling the 4-H office at (910)-671-3276 with any questions.

To register please click this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-lego-brick-blitz-tickets-1338657593899?aff=oddtdtcreator