Do you have fond memories of showing livestock in the youth show at the State Fair? Did your experiences in the 4-H Livestock program help you choose a career path and make lifelong friends? Did Animal Crackers open your eyes to a new way of management? Are you looking to support programs that help encourage and shape the next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals?

The NYS Livestock program continues to expand by offering youth the opportunity to participate in regional, state and national contests such as the Livestock Skillathon, Livestock Judging, Avian Bowl, Poultry Science and more.  This year the State Youth Animal Science team is starting the Animal and Agricultural Leadership program for teens.  Future programs include bringing to NY the Livestock Quiz Bowl contest and a Youth Livestock Ambassador program. 

We prioritize inclusion and affordability in our 4-H animal science and livestock youth programs. To help us keep programs affordable for our youth, we rely on NY State and University funding, as well as gifts and grants from both agribusiness and individuals. Our youth livestock programs encourage both understanding and knowledge of the industry, as well as leadership and personal development through once in a lifetime experiences. These programs give youth opportunities that broaden their horizons, increase confidence, and make lifelong connections with each other and with industry professionals