4-H Animal Science

 

It's that time of year folks.  We are excited to be offering our 4-H Animal Science program again but this year we have some new things to talk about so please read everything carefully.

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 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 youth ages 5-18. Please note our 5-7 year old Cloverbud division is non competitive.

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

-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 are offering the following animals this year:

Laying Hens:  You will receive at least 6 pullets (young female laying hens less than a year in age) $25

Turkeys:  You will receive from the state 3 turkeys about two weeks old as well as 5-10 lbs of food to start them off with.  $15

Rabbits:  You will receive one rabbits approximately 8-10 weeks old.  $25

Goats:  You will receive one wether (castrated male goat) $85

Please note this is a cost share opportunity thanks to funds from Lumber River United Way.  Your payment also covers a polo shirt that your child will receive when they pen their animal at the fair.  If you decide not to show up or no longer wish to finish the project you may be subject to paying the rest of the cost of the project.

-There will be a mandatory Animal Science training and animal give-out at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair Grounds on May 20 from 9:30-11:30 am.

-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 May.

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

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

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

-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.

-To register you can click on the link on our app under programs or click the link below:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-animal-science-tickets-598007114377

If you have any questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at sadejarn@ncsu.edu.