COLUMBIA CO., N.Y. — 4-H provides opportunities for kids, ages 5-19, no matter where they live to learn about small and large animal care. This means, among other things, that kids do not need to live on a farm to be able to have a farm animal experience. 4-H in Columbia and Greene counties provides an opportunity for youth who do not have the resources to own a 4-H project animal to have one through borrowing an animal from cooperating local animal owners. This is called the “Borrowed Animal” program. The 4-H member gains first-hand experience in the management and showing of 4-H project animals by learning from the animal owner.
Sometimes, a 4-H member may take the borrowed animal home with them to care for throughout the 4-H project year. But, more often, the 4-H member will go to the home/farm of the animal to care for it and work with it there. Although they will help care for their project animal throughout the year by visiting the farm and learning from the farmer, the intensity ramps up in June. 4-H members can be seen visiting “their” farm and working with “their” animal several times a week throughout the summer. They also glean a lot of species-specific knowledge from “their” farmer.
Aubrey Proper, member of the Country Cousins 4-H Club in Copake, working with her borrowed heifer. Her grandfather and 4-H dairy project leader, George Beneke, is advising. (Courtesy Photo)The impact of this borrowed animal program will be seen during the Columbia County Fair 4-H animal shows. Well over half of the 4-H dairy cattle show exhibitors are participating in this Borrowed Animal program in 2017. Along with them, several of the 4-H beef, goat, and rabbit exhibitors are borrowing their project animals, as well. If a 4-H member does not own an animal of a specific species, they may borrow up to two animals of that species. Without this program, many fewer young people would have the opportunity to learn first-hand about animal agriculture.
Who do they borrow these animals from? It is thanks to the owners of these animals that includes many dairy farms in Columbia County. This year we are thankful to the following farms and individuals are working with the 4-H Borrowed Animal Program: Elite Dairy, Foxhill Farm, Trowbridge Farms, Tollgate Farm, A. Ooms & Sons Farm, Dutch Hollow Farm, Walt’s Dairy Farm, Red Pine Farm, Sheldon’s Dairy, Hollyrock Farm, Jamie Dunton and Amelia Charron. These farmers sacrifice a lot to help support the 4-H animal science program.
What is the outcome? First, of course, 4-H members who do not live on farms are able to experience a piece of farm life. They are able to “have” a 4-H project animal that is their responsibility to care for and prepare for the 4-H fair shows. They are able to experience competition and learn to be a humble winner and a thoughtful loser. They become part of the “gang” of 4-H animal project kids that not only hangs out in the fair barns but takes pride in the care of the barns and animals during the fair.
Beyond county fair, these 4-H members gain an appreciation for what it takes to raise farm animals, especially since many become food for their owners. Some become entrepreneurs who learn that they can own, raise and sell their animals to build a small business. Finally, some even decide that they enjoyed their experiences on the farm enough to pursue a college degree and career in some aspect of agriculture. We continually see 4-H alumni who borrowed project animals pursuing careers as farmers, and in supporting fields such as farm financial services, veterinarians, animal nutrition services, and farm equipment services.
Kailey Proper, member of the Country Cousins 4-H Club, has been showing borrowed heifers for the past four years. She has enjoyed borrowing from Hill-Over Holsteins’ Fred Barringer in the past and is borrowing from Tollgate Farm’s Jim Davenport this year. When asked why she continues to participate in the 4-H dairy project and borrow a heifer to show at the fair she said, “I just love it so much! I like to learn about dairy cows – their parts, how to care for them and how to show them. I think it is fun, too.” Kailey’s heifer is Connie, a Holstein. Unfortunately, Kailey will not be in the show ring this year because of having recent surgery but she will be in the barn with the rest of her 4-H club, helping where she can.
The bottom line – thank you to the farmers and animal owners who share their animals and expertise with the 4-H members. It is not only an investment in this year’s county fair but an investment in the future of farming.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. The programs provided by this organization are partially funded by monies received from the Counties of Columbia and Greene.
4-H is New York’s only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and the latest research at Cornell University. 4-H participants learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in three primary program areas: science and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. To find out more about 4-H and youth programs in Columbia and Greene Counties, contact us at 518-828-3346 or Columbiagreene@cornell.edu or visit our website, www.ccecolumbiagreene.org . You can also “Like” us on Facebook…Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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