4-H Youth Development
4-H helps young people become creative and productive citizens. 4-H lays the foundation for continuing education. It helps youth gain a zest for life-long learning. 4-H'ers
- Learn to live in a changing world
- Develop talents
- Learn how food and fiber products are made
- Explore ways to earn a living
- Learn healthy living habits
- Take responsibility for community improvement
- Serve as world citizens
- Strengthen family relationships
- Join friends for work, fun and fellowship
Leaders are adult and teenage volunteers. UI Extension, Twin Falls County provide leaders training and project materials.
4-H uses the age of the individual on Jan. 1 of the current 4-H year. Eligibility based on Jan. 1 remains in effect for the entire 4-H year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30).
4-H members ages eight to 18 years are allowed in all programs offered by 4-H, including competitive activities or events. Current high school students older than 18 years of age who have special needs are also eligible.
Individual club leaders set the type of projects and maximum number of club members. A club must have at least five participants. Clubs composed of immediate family members are strongly discouraged.
Out-of-state or out-of-county 4-H members who will be residents of Twin Falls County for three consecutive summer months are allowed to participate in the Twin Falls County 4-H program and the Twin Falls County Fair if the project requirements are met or if they are transferring a project from another state or county. Exceptions are youth from Owyhee County attending Three Creek schools and Elko County residents attending Jackpot schools.
Cloverbuds is an educational program for youth ages 5 to 7 years. It is designed to introduce young children to 4-H in a fun, non-competitive way. Cloverbuds may not participate in large animal, ATV or shooting sports projects.
Cloverbuds attend club meetings/functions and use county or state publications. Children enrolled in the Cloverbud program cannot display or sell animals at fair. They are not required to complete or exhibit their books. A club display of Cloverbud books at the fair is acceptable; however, the books are not judged.
A 4-H project is a topic that you can explore. You learn life skills like understanding yourself, communicating and working with others, and problem solving and decision making skills that you will use for the rest of your life.
4-H programs are conducted in the areas of: science, engineering and technology, healthy living and citizenship. They differ from 4-H projects because they include a variety of knowledge areas and can include many projects and events. Programs can target specific audiences, seek out community partnerships and have funding sources that provide resources. 4-H program areas in Idaho are: Outreach to Military Kids, Shooting Sports, Science and Engineering/Technology.
The Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program (MVDHP) increases youth’s knowledge and interest in the dairy industry — nutrition, health and reproduction. Participants then sell their two-year projects at the MVDHP sale.
Application Process
Applications are available from the UI Extension, Twin Falls County office in January. Participants are drawn in February for selection of September-October calves.
Conditions for Eligibility
- Candidates must be an active member of 4-H in the Magic Valley.
- A letter of recommendation from a 4-H leader or FFA advisor is required.
- Candidates must have previously presented at a 4-H/FFA county fair.
Requirements
- Candidates must attend all MVDHP activities. Candidates must show in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Show at the Twin Falls County Fair.
- Animals must meet all health requirements for the Twin Falls County Fair.
- All animals must be sold at the end of the program.
- If a participant must leave the program, contact the Steering Committee immediately. Animals must remain in the area.
Requirements
- Spring Sale and Education Day — Calves are purchased and health, nutrition, selection and production will be presented.
- Achievement Day — Listen to presentations about body condition scoring, determining the weight of the animal and fitting and showing.
- County Fair — Complete record books are due. Youth show at their own county fair and at the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program Show at the Twin Falls County Fair.
- Fall Education Day — View presentations about reproduction, mating, sire selection and animal health.
- Completion — The project is complete when the animal is sold at the MVDHP sale and a stamped, addressed thank you note to the buyer is turned in to the office.
By signing the application, applicants agree to attend all activities and fulfill all requirements. Any participant who is absent from these activities or is not caring for the animal properly may be asked to withdraw.
Dairyman Participation
If you are a dairyman and are interested in providing a calf for the program, contact the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program at 208-734-9590. There are certain requirements the calves must meet in order to be eligible for the program.
Business Participation
Businesses support the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program through sponsoring activities, donating to the scholarship fund or purchasing heifers at the MVDHP sale.
Scholarship Program
Participants entering their senior year of high school may apply for Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program sponsored scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on excellence in program participation.
Contact UI Extension, Twin Falls for more information on the MVDHP program.
