New York Farm Bureau (NYFB), the State’s largest agricultural lobbying organization, is very excited to partner with 4-H to provide complimentary NYFB Student Memberships for High School Juniors & Seniors who are 4-H members.

NYFB recognizes that the future of the agricultural industry in New York is dependent upon engaging youth who are interested in pursuing agricultural careers. NYFB wants to provide these youth the opportunity to be involved in supporting the agricultural industry by being a NYFB Student Member. New York Farm Bureau has a Young Farmers & Ranchers Program which develops leadership skills while providing educational, social, and community service opportunities.

In order to receive a complimentary student membership, 4-H members who are Juniors and Seniors will need to register for this membership on their own.

Student members will receive a NYFB Membership card, a monthly copy of the NYFB newspaper “Grassroots” and information by email related to young farmer activities and the Agricultural Youth Scholarship Program.

Membership can be found here.  If you have questions on NYFB Student Membership and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, more information can be found on the NY Farm Bureau website.

Learning to give effective public presentations is one unique advantage of belonging to 4-H. Presentations should have an obvious connection to the 4-H program. Therefore, if your members are unsure of what topic to select, encourage them to try one that deals with a 4-H project that they are already familiar with. That way they can concentrate on the actual presentation because they do not have to worry about learning new content material. This will also help to reinforce the knowledge they have already learned.

Public presentation Categories:

• Formal Speech
• Demonstration / Illustrated Talk
• Recitations and Dramatic Interpretations
• Interview

4-H youth can get a head start on preparing for a job or college interview by participating in the New York State 4-H Public Speaking Program’s Interview Process. During the Interview Process, 4-H teens will undergo a simulated interview for a job or college entrance with a trained volunteer evaluator. Youth can choose to participate in a job or college entrance interview. The same format will be followed for either choice. The résumé, cover letter and application (written presentation) will be judged based on appearance and content. The oral presentation will be the actual interview using questions selected from a set list. The written presentation documents will be submitted for judging prior to the face-to-face interview. The face-to-face interview should last about 20 minutes. Afterward, the evaluator will review the youth’s evaluation sheet and provide positive feedback in a private consultation.

Job Interview:

Job Position: 4-H Summer Intern

Required Paperwork:

1. Completed Job Application
2. Resume
3. Cover Letter

College Entrance Interview:

College: Unnamed or 4-H’ers choice

Required Paperwork:

1. Universal College Application
2. Resume
3. Essay on why youth chose the college and future career path

If you would like more details about the different categories available, please contact Wendy Richardson at the 4-H Office.

Important Reminders/Guidelines for 4-H Public Presentations

1. Research your topic — include interesting information and facts.
2. Presentations should be a minimum of 3 minutes for Cloverbuds, 5 minutes for traditional members and maximum 15 minutes for the more experienced.
3. Experienced presenters should be able to give more information than beginners.
4. Note cards should be avoided – PRACTICE IS THE KEY. A poster may be used as an outline. (Please remember if you have a poster you must use it during your presentation). Have fun with posters; go wild!
5. Don’t forget any supplies – make and keep a list of equipment.
6. PRACTICE standing straight and tall on both feet – dress appropriately for your topic and be well groomed. (dress to enhance your presentation)
7. Parts of a Presentation:

Intro – Don’t just state your name! Use Catchy titles

Body – Using notes, referencing props and posters, Engage the audience, draw them in

Summary – clover sources and closing statements

Questions – Ask if any questions? Repeat the question before answering. What if I don’t know the answer? Say the same thing, only different (I am glad you asked!)

8. Describe your motions and procedures – tell why something is being done.
9. If you tend to get nervous, take a few deep breaths just before your turn.
10. Keep the space in front of you clear, so the audience can see what you’re doing.
11. Talk to the audience, not the table!!! Speak clearly so everyone can hear and understand (best solution…PRACTICE!)
12. Give sources of information.
13. SMILE!!! Evaluators are really nice people and they know exactly how you feel. Many of them have been through it too…or wish they had!
14. Evaluators’ comments are to help you—NOT criticize you.
15. No matter what award you receive, try again next year – it is a great experience and it gets easier each time.

For food demonstrations:

1. Long hair must be secured or in a net.
2. Actually measure at least two ingredients (1 dry, 1 liquid), the others may be pre-measured (presenter must state that the ingredients have been pre-measured).
3. Use transparent containers.
4. If using a mixer, a towel under your bowl will deaden the sound.
5. Include nutritional, storage, buying or other information as well as “how to.” Have recipe copies available for the audience.
6. Gloves must be worn for all food preparation/demonstrations (this means ALL foods whether for human or animal consumption).
7. Wear clothes appropriate for the kitchen. Aprons are optional.
8. Bring a table cover and cleaning supplies if your presentation is messy.
9. Where helpful, use sharply contrasting materials so it is easy to see what you are doing.
10. Do not use containers showing brand names – use separate container or cover the product name. Label products – “glue”, “flour”, etc.  Loosen or remove container lids before starting.
11. Tape a paper lunch bag to the back of the table for garbage during your presentation.
12. Arrange trays neatly, with taller items toward the outer edge of the tray.
13. A damp cloth or sponge to wipe spills and fingers is a must.
14. Keep finished product out of sight until you plan to show it.
15. Take time to clean up and cover trays before giving your summary and presenting the finished product.

SPECIAL NOTE TO CLOVERBUDS

Cloverbuds will not be judged on their presentation, but will receive a Certificate of Participation and credit toward completion for the year. Members may work individually, in pairs, or groups. Think “Show & Tell.”

SPECIAL NOTE FOR HORSE COMMUNICATIONS

Official rules for Horse Communications can be seen here.