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4-H Youth Development

Credit: Amanda Loman (Cropped from original)
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Animal Science Projects

Animal Science projects provide opportunities for youth to develop responsibility, patience, and understanding by regularly caring for their project animals. In addition to feeding and caring for animals, 4-H members in Animal Science projects learn about animal health, nutrition, physiology, breeds, characteristics, uses, and reproduction. Members also learn to understand marketing and the economic importance of the livestock industry as well as how to keep and use records.

Because so much of the Animal Science experience involves the daily care of project animals, it is desirable that 4-H members own their animals. Under certain circumstances, members may participate with a leased, borrowed, or shared animal, or without an animal. Grade, crossbred, and registered animals are acceptable for 4-H projects.

Oregon 4-H Animal Science Ethical Standards

Please understand the importance of quality care for your animals. Read carefully, if you have questions, ask your local 4-H staff member for help.

Oregon 4-H Ethical Standards

Consider this before raising a 4-H animal and exhibiting at your local or state fair.

4-H Youth Development

Photo: Watercolor by Hannah Mansur

Want to receive 4-H Animal Science Statewide Information?

If you want to receive "Have You Herd?" in your own email inbox (and you're not) or if you want to receive other important statewide animal science information, simply follow this link and answer the three questions; then we will add you to the list.

Go here to sign up!

Steer & Heifer Selection

Animal Science Education Online: Learn about steer and heifer selection. Join Randi Renner-West, former 4-H'er, currently a producer and 4-H volunteer.

November 10, 2022

Photo: Candi Bothum
Oregon Avian Influenza information

Species-Specific Information

4-H, Animals, and Ethics - A Monthly Topic of Interest

This is a copy of the ZOOM discussion on animal ethics and the expectations for 4-H members and their families in Oregon.

Oral Reasons 101

Animal Science Online: Oral Reasons Basics

Recording from December 8, 2022

Market Goat, Lamb, and Hog Selection

Animal Science Online: A monthly Zoom workshop from Animal Sciences Coordinator Candi Bothum

Join the experts, Kandia Cross, Cera Lamken, and Abby & Lily Barber share information from budgeting, purchasing, to what you are looking for in the animal.

Recorded February 9, 2023

Ranch Horse Skills - Getting Started

Candi demonstrates some basic skills, helps educate in a variety of things you need to know and where to find the information you need.

Rabbit Handling and showmanship

Join Senior 4-H Member Daniel Johnson as he discusses appropriate attire, showmanship practice and basic knowledge members should know and learn as they begin to show their 4-H rabbit.

Antibiotics & Other Important Animal Health Information

Join Extension Veterinarian, Dr. Charles Estill and learn how we can best adapt to the new antibiotics regulations; developing a veterinarian client relationship. What the new guidelines are and why. Supporting information on keeping animas healthy during exhibition and production.

Dog project resources

Oregon 4-H Dog Project Video Resources

Horse Project Resources

  • Oregon 4-H Ranch Horse Manual: This 4-H member manual begins with a short history of the American Western cowboy and includes descriptions of and brief instructions for maneuvers a well-trained ranch horse can do: working, caring for, and branding or tagging cattle, and practical roping for ranch work.
  • Oregon 4-H Ranch Horse Contest Guide: A 4-H horse contest guide for a ranch horse competition. Contains descriptions of six classes: Ranch Horse Showmanship, Working Ranch Horse, Ranch Horse Trail, Cow Working, Roping, and Identification and Skills test....
  • 4-H Horse Project: This is a basic resource for 4-H members doing a horse project in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Book sections cover horse breeds, psychology, and how to choose a horse; the horse's health, care, and management;...
  • Oregon 4-H Horse Advancement Program: The Horse Advancement Program guide consists of a series of steps that allows 4-H members to set personal goals and learn at their own speed. Click the "view it now" button to view or download the entire ...
  • 4-H Dressage Manual: This publication briefly introduces the concept of dressage, terminology, levels of competition, how to ride a test, how the test will be judged, and equipment and general rules used in competitions.
  • Western Dressage: NEW Tests for 2022! This link will take you to the new tests for 2022 (changed 11/2021) So plan on using these for 2022.
  • 4-H Driving Manual: This publication will help 4-H youth members learn how to train your animal, properly fit the harness, and safely drive your animal. The manual outlines one of several accepted ways of training and includes references to other publications for research and increasing knowledge.
  • Hunt Seat and Jumper Manual: Learning to Jump with Your Horse: For 4-H'ers and those with a desire to develop their hunt seat equitation and jumping skills, this manual provides clear drawings and understandable directions. Topics include equipment, training both horse and rider...
  • 4-H Horse Judging Manual: This illustrated publication includes the following topics: horse anatomy, unsoundnesses and blemishes; halter horse judging, descriptions and regulations for the different horse breeds; judging the performance horse ...
  • 2023 USDF Dressage Tests: Dressage tests changed as of 12/1/2022. For state eligibility, use Training Level test 2 or higher, and First Level tests. Remember, if you have a rider who is riding at a higher level, we may be able to accommodate them at state fair, depending on who the judge is. Also remember, these test are copyrighted and should be used only as outlined on the USDF website.
  • Horse: E.L. "Dad" Potter Horsemanship Award: Information regarding the elite "Dad" Potter Horsemanship award and 3-Step recognition
  • Parts of a Horse Teaching Aid: Use this worksheet to practice labeling the parts of a horse and hoof. Answers provided on the second page.
  • Breeds of Horses Puzzle: Crossword puzzle for 4-H horse project.
  • 4-H Horse Contest Guide: The 4-H Horse Contest Guide are agreed upon rules of each contest accepted by both Oregon and Washington. This document takes precedence over all other 4-H manuals in Oregon.
Oregon 4-H Horse Project Video Resources

Horse leader resources

  • 4-H Horse Project Leader Guide: This guide will help you organize and lead a successful 4-H horse club. If you emphasize positive youth development through learning and fun, leading a 4-H club will be a rewarding experience for you and your...
  • Parts of a Horse Teaching Aid: Use this worksheet to practice labeling the parts of a horse and hoof. Answers provided on the second page.
  • 4-H Horse Chart Leader Guide: Horse wall chart for 4-H clubs. Two-sided. One side has horse parts labeled; the other side has parts marked but not labeled. Ships folded, unfolds to 17 x 22 inches.

Market animal project resources

Beef project resources

  • Judging Beef Cattle and Oral Reasons 101: This publication will help youth and beginning cattle producers to understand the five basic criteria for selecting a beef animal. It will also help beginners in 4-H and FFA livestock judging to understand proper note-taking format and the structure of oral reasons.
  • Beef Wall Chart Leader Guide: Beef wall chart for 4-H clubs. Two-sided. One side has beef parts labeled; the other side has parts marked but not labeled. Ships folded, unfolds to 17 x 22 inches.
  • How to Make a Rope Halter: This publication is a guide for 4-H members on how to make a rope halter.
  • Selecting Steers & Heifers; Nov 2022: Join Randi Renner-West former 4-H member, current leader, beef superintendent and beef producer of club calves and Red Angus.

Dairy Cattle project resources

  • Dairy Cattle Showmanship Guide: It's a pleasure to show a well‑trained dairy animal. Judges appreciate the chance to observe and handle well‑mannered dairy animals. They can't properly judge unruly animals that can't be controlled. Train your ...
  • Oregon 4-H Dairy Advancement Program: The Dairy Advancement Program guide consists of a series of steps that allows 4-H members to set personal goals and learn at their own speed.
  • Judging Dairy Cattle: Giving Reasons: When you want to talk about dairy cattle with someone, you need accurate, meaningful vocabulary words (terminology or terms) in order to understand each other. When you give a set of reasons, an accurate set ...

Goat project resources

  • Judging Meat Goats and Oral Reasons: This publication will help youth and beginning meat goat producers to understand the four basic criteria for selecting a meat goat. It will also help beginners in 4-H and FFA livestock judging to understand proper note-taking format and the structure of oral reasons.
  • 4-H Meat Goat Advancement Guide: The Meat Goat Advancement Program guide consists of a series of steps that allows 4-H members to set personal goals and learn at their own speed.
  • 4-H Pygmy Goat Advancement Guide: The Pygmy Goat Advancement Program guide consists of a series of steps that allows 4-H members to set personal goals and learn at their own speed.
  • 4-H Dairy Goat Crossword Puzzle: Crossword puzzle for 4-H dairy goat projects.
  • Goat Breeds: This online resource produces a list of goat breeds and information for all of them.

Sheep project resources

  • Judging Sheep and Oral Reasons: This publication will help youth and beginning sheep producers to understand the four basic criteria for selecting a sheep animal. It will also help beginners in 4-H and FFA livestock judging to understand proper note-taking format and the structure of oral reasons.
  • Sheep Wall Chart Leader Guide: Sheep wall chart for 4-H clubs. Two-sided. One side has sheep parts labeled; the other side has parts marked but not labeled. Ships folded, unfolds to 17.5 x 22.5 inches.
  • Sheep Breeds: Selection for wool type, flocking instinct and other economically important traits over the centuries has resulted in more than 200 distinct breeds of sheep occurring worldwide. Modern breeding schemes have also resulted in an increasing number of composite or synthetic breeds which are the result of a crossing of two or more established breeds.

Swine project resources

  • Judging Swine and Oral Reasons 101: This publication will help youth and beginning swine producers to understand the five basic criteria for selecting a swine animal. It will also help beginners in 4-H and FFA livestock judging to understand proper note-taking format and the structure of oral reasons.
  • Swine Wall Chart Leader Guide: Swine wall chart for 4-H clubs. Two-sided. One side has swine parts labeled; the other side has parts marked but not labeled. Ships folded, unfolds to 17.5 x 22.5 inches. Please order from WSU.
  • Breeds of Livestock - Swine Breeds: Website listing the various breeds of swine.

Cavy project resources

  • 4-H Cavy Project Leader Guide: The 4-H Cavy Project is an animal science curriculum for youth in grades K-12. It consists of the curriculum introduction, cavy project information, and experiential (hands-on) activities.

Avian project resources

  • Oregon 4-H Poultry and Pigeon Advancement Program: The Poultry and Pigeon Advancement Program guide consists of a series of steps that allows 4-H members to set personal goals and learn at their own speed.
  • 4-H Poultry Project Member Guide: Member guide for the 4-H poultry project. Learn how to brood, feed, and care for chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, pheasants, or other wild game birds. Learn responsibility by having a flock of your...
  • Poultry Wall Chart Leader Guide: Poultry wall chart for 4-H clubs. Two-sided. One side has poultry parts labeled; the other side has parts marked but not labeled. Ships folded, unfolds to 17.5 x 22.5 inches.

Rabbit project resources

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Information Shared by Oregon Department of Agriculture in an effort to answer your immediate questions.

Much thanks to ODA for sharing of these documents.

RHDV Frequently Asked Questions; ODA, 25 Mar 2021

RHDV Biosecurity Guidance Document; ODA, 25 Mar 2021

Animal Sciences Online: Monthly Workshop Recordings

All About Eggs!

January 2024 Online Workshop with great information about eggs, candling, and an amazing FFA workshop

All About Eggs!

Some great information about eggs, candling, and an amazing FFA workshop

Transcript

Join some experts as they explain egg production, candling, and what to look for and much more.

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