Programs
Annual State Educational Programs
Animal Crackers is a hands-on program intended for youth ages 8-12. It is a one-day program held every Spring at Cornell and welcomes 4-Hers from across the state. Each year, the program focuses on several different animal species.
Dairy Discovery is a program for 14-19 year olds interested in learning more about the dairy industry through hands-on learning. The program is held every March on at Cornell and includes team building and leadership activities on Friday evening and dairy educational sessions all day Saturday. Program themes rotate annually and include: Dairy Herd Health and Management, Calf and Heifer Production, Quality Milk and Milk Production, Whole Farm Management and Analysis, and Maximizing the Feed Management Program.
March Dog Madness is an annual conference for adult and teenage 4-H volunteer leaders held on the Cornell Campus each March. Workshops engage participants in science based information training. Current animal health, animal behavior, industry trends, and youth development issues are addressed. Since 2002, guest presenters have included stakeholders, extension professionals, community and youth experts.
Year Long Programs
We are excited to announce the new statewide NYS 4-H Advanced Equine Program to the NYS Horse Program curriculum. This program was developed in hopes to create a bridge between the 4-H youth with equine interest and the Equine Industries in NYS. Participants will be expected to join monthly zoom meeting to meet with equine professionals on a certain topic, work independently on month projects, complete 10 hours of shadowing a professional in the equine field, and attend an end-of-the-year trip.
Beginning DAIRY LEADERS gives high school participants an opportunity to explore post-secondary agricultural education and career opportunities. Youth participating get the opportunity to interact with faculty and students at Cornell University, SUNY Morrisville, SUNY Cobleskill, and Alfred State while learning about team building, resume writing, and leadership skills.
Junior DAIRY LEADERS is open to any high school aged youth from across the state with a sincere interest in learning more about the dairy industry. Youth travel to Wisconsin for the National 4-H Dairy Conference and World Dairy Expo, visit farms, creameries, and feed mills across the state, and learn professional and leadership skills. There is a competitive application process and participation requires commitment to participate in multiple programs throughout the year.
The NYS Animal and Agriculture Leadership Program is designed to give high school students the chance to explore post-secondary agricultural education and career opportunities in the dairy, livestock, and equine industries. Participants will engage in a networking environment through interactions with faculty and students, college planning, and personal development activities. Youth will be introduced to all areas of animal science, gaining insights into the various opportunities within each species, and how these can be applied beyond their specific area of interest.
Summer Opportunities
NYS 4-H runs the Career Explorations program on Cornell's campus every summer. Youth are able to choose their program focus, including a focus in Animal Science!
High school aged youth can live on campus and earn college credit through Cornell's School of Summer and Continuing Education. Summer Animal Science classes include Sustainable Animal Husbandry and Domestic Animal Behavior and Welfare.
This year, the NYS 4-H Horse program proudly introduces the "4-H for Horses" exhibit, housed in the small horse barn formerly known as the Morrison Barn or World of Horses Barn at the New York State Fair. This exciting new exhibit offers a unique showcase for the 4-H Horse program to display various projects, enhance the learning and leadership experience for its members, and foster deeper connections between the public and the equine industry.