What does it cost to raise a market animal? How can raising a market animal teach positive financial management? What does learning how to present and market have to do with an animal project?
Most young people in 4-H market animal projects are focused on basic animal science, care and management. But market animal projects also have the potential to teach youth valuable life skills.
Through this curriculum, youth will gain knowledge about marketing and advertising their products. Participants will also explore and practice production, management and distribution skills. In addition, it provides a venue to explore what it takes to be successful in business and view the world of animal science and agribusiness as a viable career option.
Intended for 12-19 year olds, the Youth Business Guide to Success (YBGS) curriculum is very adaptable to 4-H and non-4-H audiences working with animals. Purchase your copy now in the MSU Extension bookstore!
Lessons and Life Skills
Curriculum units include goal setting, record keeping, budgeting, communication (verbal and non-verbal) and marketing. These lessons help to foster important life skills such as:
- Responsibility
- Goal setting
- Planning and organizing
- Record-keeping
- Budgeting and financial management
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Marketable Skills
- Teamwork
- Communication (written and verbal)
For more information on what the Youth Business Guide to Success can do for you check out this MSU Extension article:
Youth Business Guide to Success and Career Exploration
“This is great for kids with an animal project. I had two new kids without prior fair/market knowledge who were able to link the concepts with an entrepreneur class from school. I was able to link SMART goals to what I do at my job, giving the lesson more of a “true to life” feel.” - Pilot volunteer facilitator
“It was easy to understand and a really good way to learn.” - Pilot youth participant
For more information, contact:
Janice Zerbe, Extension Educator
269-657-8213 or rajzerj@anr.msu.edu
Also view the Careers & Entrepreneurship page for more information on career exploration!
News
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Youth business guide to success – Make the most of your 4-H market animal project curriculum teaches entrepreneurship and marketing
Published on June 1, 2021
This MSU Extension curriculum provides unique learning opportunities for all involved in 4-H market animal projects. -
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Youth Business Guide to Success – Make the Most of Your 4-H Market Animal Project Curriculum
Published on October 26, 2020
4-H entrepreneurship curriculum enhances experience of 4-H volunteers and members working with market animal projects.
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