4-H programs are grounded in the belief that youth learn best by doing. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
Youth can concentrate on one focus area, or they can try a variety of programs throughout their 4-H experience.
Animal projects are some of the longest-running and easily identifiable aspects of 4-H, but they are much more complex than what happens in the show ring. Many people may not realize the valuable skills that 4-Hers receive as a result of participating in these projects.
4-H animal projects help youth learn about the life cycle, growth and feeding of animals. In the process, they learn about animal selection and evaluation, nutrition and feeding, animal health, daily care, reproduction and marketing.
Animal projects also help 4-H’ers build or improve upon important life skills including hard work, responsibility, critical thinking and decision-making. 4-H’ers also learn leadership skills, communication with others, organizational skills and record keeping.
As part of these programs, young people are encouraged to practice animal welfare and responsibility. 4- H’ers are encouraged to take ownership of their project and be responsible for the animal’s daily care, while receiving oversight from an adult volunteer. 4-H’ers learn how to provide adequate feed, water and shelter to their animal and give the animals opportunities for normal socialization. As the animal grows, young people can take pride in knowing they helped raise a healthy animal.
Whether raising animals for food/fiber or as pets, responsible livestock and pet owners know that
responsible animal care is the right thing to do. Practicing compassionate animal care is to everyone’s advantage. Not only do consumers demand it, but healthy, well cared for animals have a better quality of life and are better producers and pets.
Savannah Valley 4-H Agents Dawn Stuckey, Colleton & Hampton Counties, Molly Jones, Dorchester County, and Laura Hair, Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties, worked with the Orangeburg County Fair to host the Savannah Valley 4-H Small Stock Project Kickoff on June 15, 2024. at the Orangeburg Fairgrounds. The event was an opportunity for youth to meet others participating in their species project and work with youth identified as Teen Leaders in their respective species area. Teen Leaders Jake Owens, Alayna Weilnau, Reese Hutto, and Hailey Galloway shared experiences from their careers in 4- H livestock and showmanship. Youth and families also had the opportunity to meet with 4-H Project coordinators for a more in-depth look at the individual projects and requirements. To learn more. about 4-H in your area, please contact:
Dawn Stuckey, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Colleton & Hampton Counties at dstucke@clemson.edu or call 843-549-2595.
Molly Jones, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Dorchester County, at mjone35@clemson.edu or call 843- 563-0135.
Laura Hair, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties, at lstrick4@clemson.edu or call 803-534-6280.
