4-H & Youth

4-H & Youth

4-H & Youth

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences offers projects and activities in the areas of beef cattle, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, equine and food science.

 

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Impact

Relationship between participation in 4-H and community leadership in rural Montana

Abstract
Studies on the impact of 4-H on former members generally use alumni as one cohort. In rural states, such as Montana, it is important to understand the impact of 4-H on alumni in these rural areas and the role 4-H plays in community involvement. The study reported here sought to determine the perception of current community leaders in rural Montana and the relationship between development of leadership skills and participation in 4-H. The study found that 4-H continues to influence rural community leaders in Montana, although it plays a modest role in influencing community involvement in all areas except agriculture groups.



Parental Perceptions of Participation in 4-H Beef, Sheep and Swine Livestock Projects and the Fostering of Life Skill Development in Youth

Abstract
Beef, sheep and swine 4-H youth livestock projects have a great deal of hands-on learning opportunities for members. However, what are parents’ perceptions about livestock projects and the development of life skills? The purpose of this research effort was to determine the life skill development gained by 4-H members participating in 4-H beef, sheep or swine projects in West Virginia. A total of 207 caregivers offered insight into the study and answered life skill development questions. These questions were related to decision making, relating to others, developing and maintaining records, accepting responsibility, building positive self esteem, self motivation, knowledge of the livestock industry, developing organizational skills, problem solving, developing oral communication skills, setting goals, developing self-discipline, and working in teams. The findings of this study provide positive insights into the relationship between the development of valuable life skills and 4-H beef, sheep and swine projects.


Beyond Livestock Contests

Abstract
Youth must be provided opportunities to explore career options, be introduced to science and technology related to these career choices, and develop fundamental life skills to become productive members of society. Do traditional 4-H project activities provide these opportunities? To answer this question, a survey was conducted to determine the impact of the 4-H swine project on youth development.


Kid's Klub - A New Approach to School-Age Child Care

Abstract
The Kid's Klub is a new approach to curriculum for school-age childcare in summer that focuses on building developmental assets. This project integrates 4-H adult and youth leaders, Master Gardeners, and UW-Extension Staff in presenting projects each week during the summer to first- through fourth-grade children. Public Adventures, a 4-H community service curriculum, was conducted. Fact sheets on building assets were written for parents. All parents reported that their children continued developing empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills. Nearly three-fourths of the parents reported that their children gained in the following three areas: community values youth, youth as resources, and creative activities.

Publications

4AJ-09PO: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Culinary Demonstration Contest: The Egg Chef Challenge, 4-26-22

4AJ-08PA: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Past Production Hens: Giving Oral Reasons, 9-1-21

4AJ-05PA: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Grading Table Eggs, 8-29-21

4AJ-07PA: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Evaluating Past Production Hens, 8-19-21

4AJ-11PO: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Market Poultry: Ready-to-Cook Poultry Parts Identification, 8-18-21

4AJ-04PA: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest (An Overview of the Project): Overview, 8-2-21

4AJ-12PO: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Market Poultry: Grading to Ready to Cook Parts, 8-2-21

4AJ-06PA: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Grading Ready-to-Cook Poultry Carcasses, 7-14-21

4AJ-10PO: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest: Market Poultry: Evaluating Further Processed Poultry Products, 7-14-21

4AJ-03PA: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Barbecue Contests, 3-9-20

4AF-06PO: Understanding and Teaching Sportsmanship to Today's Youth, 10-12-15

4AF-06MA: Hosting a Horse Show, 10-23-14

4AJ-02PO: Chicken and Turkey Barbecue Project, 7-12-12

ID-183: Trail Riding Etiquette for Horse Enthusiasts, 9-20-10

4AF-03RE: 4-H Horse Project Record for Kentucky 4-H Horse Club Members, 7-15-10

4KA-02PA: Would You Like to Do a 4-H Project Demonstration? 3-4-09

4AF-06MO: Hiring A Horse Show Judge, 9-2006

ASC-167: Judging Performance Classes, 3-31-04

ASC-166: Preparing and Giving Oral Reasons, 3-31-04

ASC-118: Horse Judging Manual, 7-1-04

4AF-05MA: Horse Safety Guidelines for Kentucky 4-H Members, 5-1-01

4AF-05MA: Horse Safety Guidelines for Kentucky 4-H Members, 5-1-01

4JI-04PA: Dairy Foods Unit 4: Cultured Dairy Products, 6-15-99

4JI-02PC: Dairy Foods Unit 2: Ice Cream, 6-14-03

4JI-01PA: Dairy Foods Unit 1: Milk, 11-1-00

Upcoming Events

Chicken & Turkey BBQ Contest 2026

- Hardin County Extension Office

4-H Poultry Showmanship Contest 2026

Kentucky Exposition Center

Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging Contest 2026

- Kentucky Exposition Center

Avian Bowl Contest 2026

- Kentucky Exposition Center

Contact Information

Scott Radcliffe
Department Chair

900 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215

+1 (859) 257-2686