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large 4H clover

Morrison Hall
Cornell University




The annual Animal Crackers program provides New York youth with fun hands-on science-oriented learning experiences on Animal Science topics which feature the unique facilities and staff of Cornell university. photo of child with rabbit

When/Where: This Saturday morning workshop in May is held on campus from for 4-H members interested in learning more about their favorite livestock, companion or pet animal species; emphasis on different species groupings and activities varies annually. The program is geared to 4-H members involved in animal science projects.

Who: 4-H project members (suggested age range 9-12) are strongly encouraged to attend (with their parents or chaperones). However, all youth 9 and up are welcome. Participants will get to meet Cornell faculty and students, learn about different aspects of animal care, interact and exchange information with professional producers, industry experts, and more! Hands-on workshops are planned for each species group.

Why?: Animal Crackers participants have the unique opportunity to experience hands-on activities in a university setting, explore career options in animal science, and expand their knowledge through scientific inquiry.

How?: Please contact your county 4-H office for details and registration. Registration is handled through county 4-H offices. The cost of $5 per person is billed directly to Cornell county accounts to cover basic handout and occasional presenter expenses.

Participants must bring their own lunch and drinks. The Cornell Dairy Store is located within walking distance and sells things like drinks, bagels, cheese, crackers, yogurt, cookies and ice cream. Dairy Store and Food Science Department

Each year an opening presentation kicks off the event with a welcoming statement or remarks related to the annual theme. Livestock production themes are usually offered in even years and Horse programs are rotated in odd years. A noon-time demonstration and closing program is also typically featured.

Workshop presenters and topics are selected by a planning committee that looks at trends and current issues. Youth input on topics is also solicited through statewide advisory committees and educator feedback.

Registrations are due 3 weeks prior to the event for planning purposes.

Examples of some of the fun things participants have experienced in the past… The Cornell Raptor Program, ultrasound technology, Herding dogs at work, Disc dogs in action, barrel racing, driving, poop soup, and more…


Dairy Cattle and Rabbits were the focus for the 2008 workshop ...

Rabbit Theme Topics:
  1. “What’s Up Doc?” - A necropsy or inside a rabbit’s anatomy.
  2. “Where in the World are Rabbits Raised?”- A global approach to thinking about how youth raise rabbits. For what purposes are rabbits raised in developing countries such as Haiti?
  3. “Genes and Geniuses”- Learn how to use knowledge about American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA) standards. Evaluate quality and choose the best animals to keep.
  4. “Fiber – It’s Not Just in Food”- Learn about processing angora wool fibers and other rabbit products.
  5. “Feed to Feces”- What do rabbits eat and why?
Dairy Theme Topics:
  1. “Holy Cow”-A look and feel inside a fistulated cow.
  2. “Liquid Gold”- A farm level approach to measuring and managing good quality colostrum.
  3. “Be a Weight Watcher”- How to use a weight tape accurately and use the information to chart your heifers growth rates.
  4. “Tickle my Rumen”- Learning about feed samples, TMR mixes, particle separation and what all these mean to the dairy rumen.
  5. “Feed to Feces”- See how the cow processes feed from the time she eats it until she makes manure.

students with dairy calf
Cornell Maps
Map showing location of workshop
Places of Interest

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Dana Palmer at dlp10@cornell.edu

small 4H clover Contact
Tro Bui
tvb2@cornell.edu
Animal Science Department
121 Morrison Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853-4801
607-255-4505
Dana Palmer
dlp10@cornell.edu
Animal Science Department
123 Morrison Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853-4801
607-255-4706
Debbie Grusenmeyer
djc27@cornell.edu
Animal Science Department
272 Morrison Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853-4801
607-255-0656
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4-H is a youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service and the United States Department of Agriculture. The name 4-H and the clover emblem are protected by Federal Statute Citation 18 U.S.C. 707

4-H Web Sites: National 4-H Council | 4-H USA | National 4-H Web | National 4-H Coop. Curr. System


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