4-H Animal Fence Talk

Swine Ring - Sunday 3:30 p.m. or Monday 2:00 p.m.

4-H animal fence talks are a 4-H action exhibit with a member’s project animal. 4-H members are invited to give a short talk and answer questions to the public with their project animal. This is a 4-H communication experience and 4-Hers will be judged on their ability to successfully interact with and engage the public using their animal as the subject. Successful presentations will receive premiums based on their presentation score. The focus of the 4-H Animal Fence Talk is the 4-Her’s knowledge of some aspect of their animal. Therefore, it is important that the animal be present. While equipment such as tack, milking or grooming stands are allowed, visual aides are not required. If the 4-Her feels that a poster would enhance their talk, they may bring one. The poster will be hung on the outside of the fence and not be part of the judging.

Small or large animals may be used and the exhibit topic may range broadly from animal care to an aspect of, or demonstration of, an animal sport or competition. For example, a dog-based exhibit may focus on basic training (sit, stay, etc.), animal care or canine sport (such as a short agility demo). A talk on goats could be on animal care, husbandry, milking demo, or fitting and showing an animal. The Animal Fence Talk should typically include only one animal, but some topics may call for more than one such as a team of oxen, flock of sheep, etc.

Each Fence Talk slot will last approximately 30 minutes in duration, but the actual talk may be only 10 minutes in length and be repeated to new audiences as the public filters in and out. Questions by the public can round out the time. 4-H Project Animal Fence Talks will take place in in various show rings. Youth will be assigned a time and place based on availability and show schedules.

Animals used for the fence talk, must be a 4-H Project animal and have appropriate paperwork (intent to show form, health forms, etc.) Animals not being shown in a 4-H show at the Fair, such as rabbits or chickens, can be used for the Animal Fence Talk but must be cleared by the 4-H Program staff.