Extension is expanding its online education and resources while in-person events and classes are canceled.
4-H Stock Talks 2020
4-H Stock Talks 2020 is a new virtual animal science presentation experience for all Minnesota 4-H youth (grades K-13). A stock talk is a short video presentation about an animal science topic of your choice (beef, dairy, dog, goat, horse, lama, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine). This is a great way to practice for animal science demonstrations and horseless horse or horse-related projects. What a great way to step into future learning!
Giving a stock talk is an opportunity for you to share your learning with others. The potential topics for your stock talk are endless! No matter what topic you choose, remember that the most impactful presentations are both accurate and engaging. Be creative, be funny, be serious, just be you! Think about something you learned in your animal science project or something that you enjoy doing and prepare to share it with your peers.
Videos must be submitted between June 1 and June 30.
How it works
Creating a good 4-H animal science presentation starts with identifying a topic. The best presentations are focused, timely, to the point and leave a lasting impression. Here are some topic ideas:
- How to clip a rabbit’s toenails
- Designing a llama costume
- How to shear a sheep
- Ingredients found in chicken feed
- Training your dog with agility obstacles
- Building playground equipment for a goat
- How to catch your heifer for the first time
- Checking your horse’s hooves for soundness
When planning your presentation, keep your video to a reasonable length. Research has shown that audiences tend to drop off significantly when videos exceed 4-5 minutes in length. Keeping your video focused and moving will keep your audience engaged. Here are some additional guidelines:
-
All youth (grades K-13) are welcome, but must be enrolled in 4-H. Join 4-H!
-
Once you sign up, you will receive details on how to upload your video.
-
One entry allowed per 4-H member.
-
4-H members must star in the video (videographer may be another youth or adult).
-
Immediate 4-H family members may team up in a presentation. The presentation should be entered under the oldest members age division.
-
4-H members should introduce themselves only by first name and county in the video.
-
Videos must be 5 minutes or less and can be edited or filmed as one continuous shot.
-
Videos should use only original material and obey copyright laws.
-
Virtual presentations may be completed with or without a live animal.
-
Cloverbud live animal entries must follow Cloverbud rules and have an adult or responsible youth leader in control of the animal.
-
For help creating, filming and submitting your stock talk, consult this 4-H Stock Talks 2020 resource.
Submissions received by June 30 will be reviewed in July. The first 100 submissions will receive a 4-H Stock Talks 2020 t-shirt for participating. The top 10% of entries in each division will receive a special award and may be featured on Minnesota 4-H social media.
Judging categories
Virtual presentations including a live animal
- Cloverbud (K-2)
- Junior (3-5)
- Intermediate (6-8)
- Senior (9+)
Virtual presentations without a live animal
- Cloverbud (K-2)
- Junior (3-5)
- Intermediate (6-8)
- Senior (9+)
Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Passion/energy about topic
- Content
- Creativity
- Communication
Check out the Stock Talks evaluation form.
View a printable version of 4-H Stock Talks 2020 information.
4-H Stock Talks is supported by a generous contribution from AgCountry.