4-H Animal Project Resources

Animal Science

One of the iconic programs 4-H is known for are in the Animal Science category. 

4-H member enjoy learning about animals, owning your own is not required. 

Non- Owner opportunities do exist from learning to sharing animals as they are available.

"No matter where you live, you can learn how to take care of an animal!

Learning how to be responsible for another being takes practice – and 4-H members who experience animal projects practice those skills daily. And animal projects aren’t just for 4-H members who live in rural areas. You can learn how to take care of just about any animal you can think of, in just about any location – small ones like rabbits or ducks, mid-size like goats, or larger like steers, or horses. Or even more unique animals like miniature pigs." Ohio State 4-H

Animal Project Folder

Ag and Markets Health Requirements 

Most forms and record books can be found in the Animal Box Folder

Animal Ownership or Lease Dates

• January 31st: Beef Market Steers
• June 1st: Sheep, Swine, Goat, Poultry, Turkey, Market Rabbit, and Dairy
• July1st: Rabbit

Animal ID Forms are due for all non-registered animals and all market animals. 

Intent to Show Forms- are turned in for ALL animals. These forms are used to help predict show sizes, awards, barn space etc.

Market Animals

Market animals are expected to be owned, cared for and raised by the member according to each species ID date. 

Each species of Market Animal is expected to have a record handed in. 

Use this form for market animals as well as unregistered and member-owned goats, sheep, beef, swine and dairy.

Market and Project Animal ID Form

Dog Program:

New York State 4-H Dog Program

• Dog project Book

Dairy Program:

New York State 4-H Dairy Program

• non-owner /grade id dairy cattle certificate
• Dairy Cattle Showmanship   Video

Goat Program

• Dairy/Meat Goat Non-Owner ID form
• Senior Dairy Goat project book
• Junior Dairy Goat Project Book

Horse Program:

New York State Horse Program website

• Horse Enrollment (Due June 1st)
• NYS 4-H Hands-on Horse Log Sheet
• 4-H Horse Rule Book
• Horse Educational Events

Poultry Program:

New York State 4-H Avian & Poultry

Poultry members should use the Intent to Show form as their ID form. 

All poultry must be from either an NPIP flock (with proof) or tested negative for pollorum. 

Market Turkey Project Book

NEW Market Chicken Project Book

Rabbits:

New York State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy

Rabbit ID, non-owner form

Cavy:

• Project record book

Sheep Program

• Sheep Non-Owner ID 

Swine Program:

• NYS 4-H Swine
• Swine Non-Owner ID Form

Cloverbud Animal: 

Youth age 5-7 on January 1st of the Fair Year

Cloverbuds participate in age and stage-appropriate activities. 

Clovberuds may participate in Cloverbud show classes, but will not recieve placings. 

Parent supervision of Cloverbuds working with animals is required at all times and in the show ring. 

Cloverbuds are not eligible for Purple awards.

All Other Animals Record

Record books are due the day animals arrive on the Fairgrounds.

Last updated October 29, 2025