4-H and Youth

Note: One Zoom link will cover all four sessions.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact the educator, Dr. Henley, on or before May 8th, 2025, at shenley@umd.edu

The Maryland 4-H State Horse Judging Contest tests the 4-Her's knowledge of horse conformation and way of going. The contest has a mixture of halter and under-saddle (or in-harness) classes with 4 horses to judge in each class. After placing the classes and enjoying a short lunch, contestants must defend their placings for classes by giving "oral reasons" to the judges. Awards are granted in the senior, intermediate, and junior divisions to the top County 10 teams, top 10 overall individuals, and top 10 individuals in reasons. In addition, the top 10 senior individuals compete for one of the four spots on the Maryland State Horse Judging Team that competes at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.

Contest Procedures
1. The Examination Phase of the contest will include the following:
a. A Written Exam
b. Projected slides may be used to have contestants identify items (see topics below) if appropriate facilities are available.
2. The Stations Phase will consist of a series of stations or tables where contestants will respond to the requirements of the stations.

Closing date for registration is June 2, 2025 at 11:59 pm

University of Maryland celebrates Ag Day 100 at Maryland Day on Saturday, April 26! 

Visit Ag Day Avenue to make new friends at the Campus Farm, grab a plant, discover innovative research, meet student clubs, enjoy live music, try our special Ag Day ice cream, check-out our recently planted tree, and much more as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original Ag Day! Plus, there will be a special opening ceremony at the farm at 9:30am. 

A free event for all ages of sheep producers sponsored by the Frederick County and Maryland Sheep Breeders Associations in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension.  Attendees will spend the day learning the basics of raising sheep and networking with other producers. Lunch will be provided.

Date: March 29,  2025  |  Saturday
Time: 10 AM – 3:15 PM  |  Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Location: Frederick Fairgrounds 797 East Patrick Street, Building 7, Frederick, MD 21701
Registration information: go.umd.edu/sheepbasics
Contact: Dr. Brittany Fletcher | bfletch1@umd.edu | 301-226-7576

Agenda:

• 9:45 am – 10:00 am: Check in
• 10:00 am – 10:15 am: Welcome and Introductions
• 10:15 am – 11:00 am: Fencing and Facilities
• 11:00 am – 11:15 am: Break
• 11:15 am – 12:00 am: Nutritional Management
• 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm: Lunch
• 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm: Know your Resources
• 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Keeping your Herd Healthy
• 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm: Break
• 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm: Producer Panel
• 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm: Equipment and Show Prep for 4-Hers
• 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm: Wrap-up and evaluations

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Dr. Brittany Fletcher 2 weeks prior to the event at (301) 226-7576.

This is a contest in which teams compete. Youth and coaches who wish to participate should contact the county/city 4-H office for information about team selection. Team members selected for statewide competition must be registered using the 4HOnline system and approved by their county/city 4-H office. Entries are due by November 17th. For more information on the structure of teams, please refer to the section entitled, “Teams”. 

The contest will feature Junior, Intermediate, and Senior age divisions. Registration for the event will open soon in 4-H Online and will be due by November 17, 2024.

The rules and regulations for the 2024 contest are posted on the Maryland 4-H webpage at: Dog Bowl Rules and Information

Contact Ashley Travis at ashley90@umd.edu or Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu if you have questions

Join us for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum in Ocean City, MD! 

This event is open to all 4-H volunteers, teen youth, and 4-H faculty/staff members. The Forum provides time to network and connect with others from around the state and learn more about the 4-H program's wonders. It is an excellent opportunity for 4-H teens and adults to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in their local 4-H programs and Grow and Grow. 

The Forum can also be a fun 4-H Family Getaway to Ocean City! It offers something for the whole family, from fun drop-in activities to free time on the beach or boardwalk to workshops for adults and Teens and classes for younger 4-Hers and Cloverbuds where they can learn and have fun while their parents attend activities for adults. 

The Forum provides professional development workshops, connection sessions during the day on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and fun, hands-on drop-in activities on Saturday evenings. Professional development workshops are designed for adults and teens aged 13 and older. Youth classes will also be offered on Saturdays to engage and educate.

Completed registration is due by November 21, 2024.
Hurry while space lasts.

If you require accommodation, please check that box when registering and indicate the reasonable accommodation. 

Join us on October 5th, 2024 for a family fun day at at the farm to see agriculture education in action! Events are geared for children and include tractor races, milking contest, feed bag toss, compost chaos, egg operation, and more! This family event is free to attend and is located at the Frederick County Farm Museum Fall Fest at Rose Hill Manor Park in Frederick, MD. We hope to see you there!

This one-day event convenes digital inclusion leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across the state to discuss critical issues, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions for bridging the digital divide in Maryland. This year's event will offer a dynamic lineup of speakers and panel discussions, with ample networking opportunities. A special Maryland Digital Equity Awards Ceremony will also be held to recognize individuals and organizations leading the charge for digital equity in Maryland.

The first inaugural conference of its kind, the 2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland's Agriculture and Technology Conference has been designed to empower farmers and other agriculture industry stakeholders by providing in-depth knowledge of the latest and most promising technologies transforming the agricultural sector. By embracing cutting-edge agriculture technologies, farmers can significantly boost yields, enhance efficiency, and ultimately achieve greater profitability.

Cultivating Next-Gen Agritech Innovation with a Wide Selection of Conference Topics

The conference agenda boasts a diverse range of topics, including:

- Introduction to Technology: Gain a foundational understanding of the role technology is playing in modern agriculture practices when it comes to streamlining operations and improving productivity
-Uses and Applicability: Learn about the practical applications of technology across various farming and agriculture sectors.
-Data Management & Analytics: Discover best practices and explore the ways data is being used to improve crop yields and efficiency for a more sustainable and profitable future.
-Resource Management: Learn how drones, GIS, water management, precision farming, yield monitors, and other tech are being used successfully.
-Current Implementations: Hear first-hand experiences from early adopters who are already utilizing these hardware and software technologies in their fields.
-Future Outlook: Get a glimpse into the exciting future of agriculture technology, with insights into upcoming innovations and advancements expected in the next 3-5 years.

This conference is ideal for farmers from all sectors of agriculture, agriculture-related companies, University of Maryland Extension faculty, and USDA and other government agency workers.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, industry professionals, and experts in the field. Together, let's cultivate innovation and drive Maryland's agriculture sector toward a more technologically advanced and prosperous future.