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 Sciene 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

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