youth with animal feed activity

NYS 4-H Animal Science Programs

Connecting youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow

The 4-H mission in New York State is to connect youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. Youth from rural, suburban, and urban areas of the state come together to participate in the Animal Science programs. These programs include hands-on opportunities to learn to responsibly care for, feed, train, and show different species of animals, as well as academic knowledge in biology, physiology, agriculture and production systems, veterinary medicine, and nutrition. Youth from diverse backgrounds learn to work together, gain confidence, and leadership skills in these programs. Graduates of youth Animal Science programs have marketable skills that help them get jobs, apply to colleges, and succeed in life.

The New York State Animal Science 4-H programs are run out of the Cornell University Department of Animal Science in Ithaca, NY. There are youth extension programs for both livestock species, such as dairy, horses, and goats, as well as companion species, such as dogs and rabbits. Youth have opportunities to learn with other youth from across the state during various programs and showcase their animals and knowledge at state level contests including at the Great New York State Fair! Resources on this site will help youth and their parents connect with their local CCE/4-H educators, learn about different species program areas and competitions, and find study materials. Educators will find program and species resources, contest rules, and information on applying for grants for youth in their county.

boy with pig
Livestock Species

Youth have opportunities to work with livestock species in the 4-h programs. There are county and state level shows, as well as educational opportunities and competitions.
Livestock species include: beef, dairy, goat, horse, poultry, sheep, and swine.

4-H youth and educator with rabbits
Companion Animal Species

Companion animal species are very approachable projects for 4-Hers. They are often already part of the family!
Companion animal species program areas include dog, pets, and rabbit/cavy.

Girls wrapping legs of horse model
State Events and Programs

State level hands-on educational programs allow youth from all over the state to form connections and try new things. Animal Crackers and Dairy Discovery happen one weekend each spring, while Career Explorations and Junior and Beginning Dairy Leaders are longer programs that give youth a more in-depth opportunity to make life long friends and learn new skills. County educators looking to start local programs in Vet Science or Science and Technology can find resources here.

youth on stairs with ribbons
Contests & Awards

4-H Youth get many opportunities to showcase their knowledge and hard work! Contests in horse, dairy, and livestock judging, horse and dairy quiz bowl, dog and livestock skillathon, and many more allow youth to practice public speaking, use practical knowledge, and gain confidence in their skills. There are opportunities for local, as well as state and national level participation in these events.

Block and Bridle at New York State Fair
State Fair

There are many opportunities for 4-H Youth to participate in the Great New York State Fair! They can show animals, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and compete in different contests.

4-H Animal Science in the News

headshot of Brian Aukema

Field Note

Brian Aukema: 4H animal science, so much more than animals
Brian Aukema ’98 joined the Department of Animal Science in fall 2023 as the New York state 4-H livestock and companion animal specialist. We sat down with him for a chat about his interests, goals and background. What is the focus of your new...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
a woman hugs the head of a horse peering out of its stall

Field Note

Brieanna Hughes: Empowering youth through equine education
The New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) offer a wide variety of equine projects and activities to New York youth ages 5–19. Brieanna Hughes is the New York State 4-H equine youth specialist. With a background...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
child leads goat

Field Note

Animal Crackers: Youth explore careers in animal science
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and the New York State 4-H Youth Development program recently held Animal Crackers, a full-day interactive event for students aged eight and up with interest in animal science. This year’s event happened on May 7th and marked the first year of returning to entirely in-person programming. Dana Palmer, Senior Extension Associate of Cornell’s 4-H Youth Extension, reflects on this year’s successes.
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Animal Science
  • Animals
students participating in dairy discovery

Field Note

Dairy Discovery: Inspiring the next generation of dairy leaders
Cornell PRO-DAIRY recently hosted Dairy Discovery, an interactive day of workshops for high school students interested in exploring careers in the dairy industry. After two years of online-only events, students were able to attend in-person...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Animal Science
Bekah and cow

Field Note

Bekah Martz '25: 4-H and Dairy Youth Extension en route to Cornell
Cornell Animal Science Dairy Youth Extension and New York State 4-H provide youth programs for those interested in livestock, pet species, animal biology and production systems. These programs are catalysts for personal growth and development, encouraging leadership, cooperation, and marketable skills for the future. Bekah Martz '25 has been part of 4-H since she was 12 years old and participated in dairy youth extension throughout high school. We sat down with Martz to learn how these experiences led her to study at Cornell CALS Department of Animal Science.
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Animal Science

Upcoming Youth Animal Science Events

a group of students in 2019 stand in a group at a dairy farm

Meeting

Junior DAIRY LEADER formal presentation and graduation
Mentoring youth has been a flagship program area since the inception of PRO-DAIRY and is critical to build the next generation of farm owners and managers. A cornerstone of the program is Junior DAIRY LEADER. Participation in Junior DAIRY LEADER...
  • New York State 4-H
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Animal Science
student and cow

Workshop

Youth Dairy Discovery Workshop
The annual Dairy Discovery program provides New York youth with fun, hands-on science-oriented learning experiences in dairy production and management topics that feature the unique facilities, industry professionals, and staff at Cornell...
  • New York State 4-H
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Animal Science
4 youth learning about animal feed

Workshop

4-H Animal Crackers
Animal Crackers 2022 “All Creatures Great and Small” to take place in-person on the Cornell Campus on Saturday, May 7, 2022. This year’s program will highlight the following species: equine, bovine, goat, and dog. The annual Animal Crackers...
  • New York State 4-H
  • Animal Science
  • Youth and Families
four youth in dairy barn

Workshop

Youth Dairy Judging Contest
Entry for the Youth Dairy Judging competition is now open! The contest will be held on September 2nd during the colored-breed week during the New York State Fair. Registration is required and it is open to any New York youth ages 8 to 19 using...
  • Animal Science
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Youth and Families
four students in a calf barn are laughing

Workshop

2021 NYS 4-H Youth Dairy Challenge Virtual Competition
We are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to send our NYS 4-H Dairy Challenge Team to Harrisburg for the Junior Dairy Management Contest this Fall. There is a $1,000 scholarship available to the highest scoring youth at this contest and...
  • Animal Science
  • New York State 4-H
  • Youth and Families