The 2023-24 4-H large animal project year officially kicked off the first week of March in the Chester County 4-H program. The clubs are welcoming new and returning members.

4-H is a program for youths ages 8 to 18 in grades three through 12. All youths can join the 4-H large animal project clubs for a fee and may select one or more projects to participate in. The projects are related to breeding and market livestock, including beef, goats, sheep, and swine. Members may also participate in the livestock or meat judging teams. Additionally, Chester County 4-H members may pursue opportunities in an array of other topics such as family and community health, leadership and citizenship, natural resources, STEM, community service, leadership, and scholarship. Not only do youths gain knowledge in the topic area of their choice, but they may also acquire life skills like communication, teamwork, citizenship, giving back, and a strong work ethic.

The Pennsylvania 4-H program is available through the help of adult volunteers. Volunteers have completed background checks.

For more information about livestock programs, contact Audrey Reith at the Penn State Extension Chester County 4-H office at ChesterExt@psu.edu or 610-696-3500.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a non-formal, educational youth development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that seeks to help young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. For more information, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.