4-H Animal Science Bonanza 2026

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In-Person

Fall Mountain High School
134 Fmrhs Road
Langdon, NH 03602
United States

NH 4-H Animal Science Bonanza is back for 2026! This annual event kicks off the new year and introduces youth and families to the world of animal science with 4-H and prepares 4-Hers for the show season ahead. The day features hands-on workshops about animal nutrition, veterinary science, marketing, anatomy, and more! All ages and experience levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.

COST:

There is a $15.00 fee per participant that is due at the time of registration. If someone would like to learn about scholarships please reach out to Hannah.majewski@unh.edu before registering for the event. 

No person shall be denied the opportunity to participate in this program because of inability to pay.

EVENT REGISTRATION:

Registration will be open November 12 - December 18 through Z-Suite. Youth ages 8-18 are invited to participate in this event. 

*Non 4-H participants are welcome to attend, and receive a scholarship, by enrolling as an Independent member.  By enrolling as an Independent member, you will be connected to the world of 4- H and will receive regular updates about exciting opportunities within NH 4-H.

For event registration questions please contact Hannah Majewski, 4-H Animal Science Field Specialist at Hannah.majewski@unh.edu.

*Any updates about the event or changes due to weather will be sent to those registered the week leading up to the event.

If any accommodations are needed in order to participate fully in this event contact Hannah Majewski at Hannah.majewski@unh.edu or (603) 255-3508 by December 19, informing us of your need, to allow us time to make the necessary arrangements.

FOOD:

Colts and Fillies 4-H club will have food available for purchase at the event. 

Animal Science Bonanza
Register by Dec. 18 (must be logged into ZSuite)
Contact

Schedule & Workshops

9:00-9:30am- Check in and Registration

9:30-10:00am: Welcome and Overview of the day

10:15-11:00am: Workshop Session 1 | 11:15am-12:00pm: Workshop Session 2

  • Genetic Testing at Holstein USA (Kelli Dunklee and Katy Hurd): Join Kelli Dunklee, Youth Programs Manager & Katy Hurd, Genetic Testing Services Analyst from Holstein Association USA as they navigate you through the many Holstein Association USA Junior programs that are available. Then look at the wide array of genetic testing options that are available to meet your needs.  Producers who use Association programs and services find they can make accurate breeding and management decisions, set goals for their herd, evaluate management practices, determine market value of breeding stock, and predict performance and profitability of animals not yet born.
  • Don’t Forget the Donkeys and Mules (Ann Firestone): Did you know that 4-H members can show donkeys and mules in 4-H as part of the Equine Project? Ann Firestone of Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue will tell 4-Hers about her initiative to rescue and rehabilitate donkeys and mules (and the occasional horse). In this workshop, 4-H members will learn about the specific needs of these animals, and Ann’s passion for the “long ears”.
  • Getting Started with the 4-H Sheep Project (Ronnie Miner): 4-H members who are interested in the 4-H Sheep Project can join this session to learn the basics of raising lambs and sheep! Ronnie Miner of Miner Acres Farm and NH 4-H Livestock Auction Sheep Superintendent will go over his necessities for raising healthy lambs that turn into productive sheep. The workshop will cover management and feed practices to how to make your projects look their best in the show ring.
  • Leadership Tips and Tricks in Agriculture (NH FFA State Officers): The NH FFA State Officers have had long journeys in agricultural leadership and are coming to share their skills with 4-H members. 4-H members of all ages will learn how to use their voice and motivate others around them to accomplish something larger. 4-Hers will also learn how they can become involved in FFA in high school to further their agricultural journey!

12:00-12:30pm: Lunch

12:30-12:50pm Animal Science Jeopardy: To regroup for the afternoon sessions, 4-H members will play animal/ livestock themed jeopardy in teams!

1:00-1:45pm: Workshop Session 3 | 2:00-2:45pm: Workshop Session 4

  • Why Do We Care About Forage Quality? (Drew Conroy): In this workshop Dr. Drew Conroy will take 4-H members through the ins and outs of quality forage to feed 4-H projects. What does good hay look like? Why do we need to have good hay? What can my animal eat? All these questions and more will be answered in this hands-on workshop!
  • AG-vocating 101 (Elicia Pinsonault): The fairs are a great time to educate the public about agriculture but it’s important to do so in a safe and knowledgeable way. In this workshop, Elicia Pinsonault of New England Dairy Promotion will share her tips and tricks for talking to the public about agriculture so 4-Hers are ready to become AG-vocates.
  • The Ins and Outs of National 4-H Dairy Conference (Kayla Sheehy, Lennox Larochelle, Elizabeth Lopes): National 4-H Dairy Conference is one of the favorite national 4-H experiences that NH 4-H participates in. 4-H members travel to Madison, WI and get to tour dairy farms and industry stops, learn cool dairy science activities, and visit the World Dairy Expo. Hear from the 2025 NH 4-H delegation about their time at the conference, what they did and why you should apply!
  • All the Places You Can Go with 4-H (Ben Cargill): Join Ben Cargill, longtime 4-H volunteer of Hillsborough County, as he takes 4-H members through their pathway of possibilities with their livestock projects. He’ll discuss how to set goals all the way through breeding, marketing and showmanship, and attainable ways to achieve those goals.  Ben will also cover how and where to buy quality animals so that 4-H members can reach their fullest potential in the program.
  • Equine Dentist: More information coming soon!

*All youth will take a turn in the 4-H Skill-a-thon room lead by the NH 4-H Ag Ambassadors*

2:45-3:15pm: Reflection and Setting Goals for the Next 4-H Year

Visit Industry professionals and agriculture groups while you’re at the event!

  • Holstein USA
  • New England Dairy Promotion
  • NH FFA
  • Farm Credit East
  • UNH College of Life Science and Agriculture
  • Country Roads Mobile Chiropractic, LLC
Subjects