What are/were your expeiences with 4-H? Kids asking about joining

[wyliefarms]

JMajors: In Michigan there is a limit to the number of animals you can show in certain species. Example: One horse, 2 pigs, 2 steers, 2 pens of market animals, etc.

For the horse: that is the horse that you accumulate points for the state horse show. You can take another horse to a show, but only the May 1st horse can go to the fair and accumulate points with.

With the large animal market animals:we have one day in the winter for steers to come and get weighed and ear tagged. Swine, goats, and sheep are in the spring, same thing. That is what you are taking to the fair. No switching around. If your project animal dies than that is a learning experience.



To the OP about the Cloverbud. The minimim age to join is 5 years of age. In our state it is usually the year they start kindergarten.

 

[runamuck]

My advice is that you check with your states extension office and see what the rules are. The rules seem to differ by state and by county. Our market club allows a child if motivated ( you would have to be insane to try this) 1 bovine,1 sheep,1 goat, 1 hog, 2 pens of rabbits 2 pens of chicken, 2 pens of ducks, 2 turkey pens
You may bring as many fancy animal as you like and we have a fancy auction class too and those don't have to be meat animals.
I am the Small animal super and more then likely will have goats and sheep this yr too. We too also have best pen of 3 no market breeds rabbits . Each show is run differently . Im going to attempt to sway then to change it up some this yr but change is difficult . My children love it and we do 3 to 5 fairs a yr ( depends on how motivated we are) It make for wonderful family time and the friends we have made make is so worth while.
Allie

 

[sunbury chick]

My grandkids(6&8) were in 4H last summer. They were going to show their chickens at the fair in the fall.It didn't work out....They were afraid to touch the chickens,wouldn't take any care of them.It was pointless to be in 4H then. I would have loved it when I was a kid....

 

[ole-crone]

The 4H group that you normally hear complaints about concerns horses. For some reason, they seem to be more clicky than others.

 

[Fudgie]

WOW come to MO! We are pretty much lax in what you can show at least at the local level. I guess they figure if you are crazy enough to want to show them, then they are crazy enough to let you.

Honestly, what our extension service says is SIGN them up as potential show stock. YOU DON't HAVE to show any of them, but if they are signed up they are potential show prospects. Closer to show time, you can decide which ones turned out WOW and which ones died and which ones just look ucky. That was all I was saying. I guess we should feel lucky that we are able to be so lax in that department.

 

[sara]

My years in 4-H were some of my best childhood memories. I did lots of things from sewing, cooking, market hogs, market and breeding sheep, and even embryology.

I was also in our exchange club, however ours was week long trips. I loved doing that.

Here you have to be 8 to be in 4-H. I can't wait until my son can join next year.

 

[MagsC]

My older kids really enjoyed 4H. My 16 year old joined this year (because of chickens,lol) I think its a good experience even just to try it.

 

[GopherBoyFarms]

we are new to 4H my son just joined when we got the chickens (back in March) so he is just getting involved. I go to every meeting with him and so far it has been WONDERFUL...I am still some what clueless and lost to the whole thing, but everyone is great.

 

[Fudgie]

Word of advice, get a copy of the "American Poultry Society's American Standard of Perfection" book. Our local and state fair uses that book to judge the poultry by. It is invaluable as a reference for different poultry and disqualifications and standards, etc. It is sort of pricey but really gives you the lowdown on what you need to look for and what to do. The black and white is ok but color is wayyyyy better! There are many references you can find on ebay regarding raising, showing etc of chickens. It has really been a load of fun for my daughter this year.

(smack me for not mentioning this resource first......saved the best for last) And of course BYC has TOTALLY INVALUABLE resources at your fingertips.
Don't be afraid to ask! The only dumb question is the one you keep to yourself!

 

[christmaschicken]

I just joined our 4-H Group I love the people. We are in a small rural community (Christmas, FL) however I think most of them are related so I feel a bit left out of the loop. But they all seem to be a very nice group.

We have gone to 2 Workshops they are on Saturdays I think once per month from 9 - 3 wow I sure learned allot, so I know my daughter is learning all kinds of things. She will show a Rabbit and RIR Chicken this year (as a Clover Bud).

All in all it seems to be a very good thing to be a part of and they do take good care of each other.

We have not been given much information however, so we are just not sure what is going on half the time we have to ask alot of questions to get answers they do not just offer the info up to you which might be because the (Assume) you should know, If they gave a orientation for new members I think it would be perfect!