4H Contests Held During the Texas State Roundup
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY & FARM SAFETY
Any current or future subject that addresses topics such as biotechnology, biogenetics, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, farm safety, etc. Use of technology, research, laser, satellites or advancements made in agricultural practices through the use of technology, computer systems, or cutting edge ideas.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Any current or future subject that addresses any aspect of the dairy, poultry, sheep, goat, swine or specialty animal industries such as embryo transfer and invitro fertilization. Beef related presentations would fall under the beef category.
BEEF
Any current or future subject that addresses topics such as reproductive technologies, nutritional management, health, breeding and genetic considerations, behavior, beef carcasses and end-products, production costs, general management aspects, cattle marketing, etc. Presentations may target cow-calf, stocker, or feedlot industry sectors.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Presentations should focus on healthy lifestyles, prevention and wellness, not illness/treatment. It is suggested that project experiences in this area include topics aimed at youth health, wellness and prevention and that the educational presentations be shared with other youth groups in the community to promote healthy lifestyles.
All presentations must be supported by science-based and current medical/health journal articles (e.g. Journal of the American Medical Association, Annuals of Internal Guide Medicine) or research based websites. No .com resources are allowed. Additional resources could come from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Texas Department of Health.
Suggested presentation topics include increasing physical activity, tobacco prevention, alcohol prevention, sun safety, preventing the spread of the cold and flu, sleep, reducing stress, etc.
HORSE
Presentation is to cover the theory and/or practical skills learned in the 4-H horse project and should be appropriate for presentation at a 4-H club meeting. After hearing the presentation, the audience should be able to put information into practice to improve their production, management, training or horse use knowledge and/or skills.
*One may choose to do a presentation without props. Those will be judged as horse public speaking using the public speaking score sheet. However, for top awards, they will still be ranked with those giving educational presentations which allow use of props in the presentation.
OPEN
Youth will relate information to skills learned in a project in which the 4-H member has been involved. Make sure your presentation is not better suited for another category.
OPEN – AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Youth will relate information to knowledge or skills learned in the field of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Before entering this category, make sure the presentation does not fit any other related educational presentation category. Topics may include agronomy/crop production, farm and ranch economics, horticulture, meat science, shooting sports related fields and other ANR field of study.
OPEN – FAMILY & CONSUMER EDUCATION
Youth will relate information or skills learned in the field of Family & Community Health. Before entering this category, make sure presentation does not fit any other related educational presentation category. Topics may include consumer life skills, food and nutrition, housing and home environment, and other FCH field of study.
*Health related topics, which could include such things as increasing physical activity, tobacco and alcohol prevention, sun safety, preventing spread of colds and flu, sleep, and reducing stress, should compete under Health & Wellness educational presentation.
PROMOTE 4-H
The purpose of this contest is to encourage 4-H members to develop promotion and marketing skills as they market and interpret 4-H through various types of media and presentations, increase the promotion of 4-H to non-4-H audiences in Texas, and increase the number of people who join and support the 4-H program.
The 4-H promotion should convey a contemporary image of 4-H in a changing society. Promotional methods might include radio, television, illustrated talks, method demonstrations, newspaper, posters, projected images, exhibits, photographs, slide/tape presentations, puppets, PSA’s, speeches, drama, skits, videos, computer programs, etc. Contestants identify a non-4-H audience and demonstrate a promotional method which communicates the ideas or ideals of the 4-H program. Before entering this category, make sure your presentation does not fit any other related educational presentation.
SAFETY AND INJURY PREVENTION
Youth will relate information to safe equipment designs and safe procedures or methods associated with the prevention of accidents in work, home, or recreational environments. Topics may include accident prevention when operating motor vehicles, boats, home, farm or yard machinery. Also included are safety topics on handling chemicals and animals and prevention of accidents relative to falls, fire, electricity, hunting and natural disasters.
Suggested prevention topics include drinking and driving, distracted driving, personal safety, ATV safety, agri-terrorism, general farm safety, pesticide safety, and natural disasters (flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, etc.).
*Safety as it relates to agriculture would fall under Agriculture Technology & Farm Safety category.