AMES, Iowa – Large animal projects reach more than only 4-H’ers whose families live in the country and own livestock.
Town-dwelling 4-H’ers who love animals now have a multitude of options for getting involved in large animal projects, despite not owning an animal.
Whether it is horses, calves, lambs or heifers that interest youth, there is a project area for these 4-H’ers to join.
As a child, Stephanie Nelson watched 4-H’ers compete with large animals in the Supreme Showmanship contest at the Story County Fair. She wished she could participate, but she lived in Ames and did not own large animals. Then her family learned about the Iowa State University (ISU) Rent-a-Heifer project through the 4-H county newsletter.
Nelson was enrolled in the 4-H dairy program from 1995 to 2002, although she did not own a heifer. Each month she would attend meetings coordinated by an ISU dairy farm employee. At these meetings Nelson and other 4-H’ers learned about different aspects of dairy farming, such as safety issues, health and showmanship. She practiced catching, haltering and tying heifers at the ISU Dairy Farm. Nelson also spent time getting her heifer accustomed to human interaction by brushing and talking to her.
“I loved the responsibility and challenge of getting a heifer accustomed to being on a halter,” Nelson, now a junior at ISU, said. “Getting to know different cows’ personalities was enjoyable as well. I feel that my experience showing dairy cattle has profoundly affected my outlook on farming and food.”
In 2002, she won the Supreme Showmanship contest at the Story County Fair.
“I was especially excited since I lived in town,” Nelson said.
Other options for 4-H’ers who want to get involved in large animal projects include the Horseless Horse project, “leasing” a horse and the Bottle/Bucket Calf project. The Horseless Horse project targets youth in grades 4 to 8 who do not own a horse, but want to learn more about them. In this project 4-H’ers learn about the history of horses and horse care. They also tour a horse barn or stable.
4-H members also have the option of leasing a horse. A “leased” horse is not owned by the 4-H’er or his or her immediate family. Through the project, youth practice and learn the skills of feeding, management, care and training of horses. Leased horses may be exhibited in halter showmanship and riding and driving classes.
The Bottle/Bucket Calf project enables youth in grades 4 to 6 to learn about caring for a young calf. 4-H’ers work with an adult partner to select a calf to raise, and learn first hand about calf housing, nutrition and health. Another alternative is to form a Bottle/Bucket club and house all the calves at one location with each 4-H member responsible for a specific calf.
“I would recommend these projects because it opens up new areas of interest and knowledge,” Nelson said.
For more information on large animal project options for 4-H’ers who do not own large animals, contact the local ISU Extension office. Offerings differ according to county.
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