Suffolk County 4-H

05/13/2026

Animal Crackers is an annual hands-on event hosted by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with NYS 4-H. The workshops give youth the opportunity to explore animal science through interactive activities and connect with faculty, industry experts, and fellow 4-H members from across the state.

This year, several members from Suffolk County 4-H attended - a first-time experience for many - and we’re thrilled to hear that everyone enjoyed!

05/06/2026

The NY State Junior Dairy Leader applications are now OPEN 🐄✨

If you know a youth who is interested in dairy, exploring careers in the dairy industry, or building personal and professional skills, this is an incredible opportunity. The program is open to students entering 11th or 12th grade this fall (ages 16–18) and is a selective, yearlong experience—welcoming its 28th class this year!

🗓 Applications are due June 30

🔗 Learn more and apply here:
https://cals.cornell.edu/pro-dairy/our-expertise/youth/junior-dairy-leader-program

Feel free to reach out to Debbie with any questions!

05/01/2026

Teens from across New York State are invited to join us for 4-H Career Explorations at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

There are two programs available based on grade level:
•University U – Open to youth entering grades 8 and up. Participants take part in six departmental workshops and campus tours, getting a broad introduction to Cornell and a variety of career pathways.
•Focus for Teens – Open to youth entering grades 10 and up. Participants spend the full conference immersed in a single Cornell department for a deeper career exploration experience. There are multiple tracks available and spots are first come, first served. Teens will select their top three choices in registration.

To learn more visit nys4-h.org/career-explorations-2026. You can also email [email protected] with any questions.

Don't wait - registration closes May 15! 4-H enrollment not required, so please share with friends and family 🍀

04/29/2026

04/24/2026

We're heading to the Tractor Supply Demo Days at the Medford, NY store this Saturday, and we're bringing some very special guests! 🐐

Stop by and meet our Suffolk County 4-H Livestock Program members and their goats from 10 AM to 1 PM. It's a great opportunity to see firsthand what our young people are learning and accomplishing through 4-H.

While you're shopping, please consider supporting local youth by donating to the Tractor Supply 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at checkout. For just $1 or more, you can purchase a paper clover at the register — and 90% of every dollar raised stays right here in New York State to directly benefit local 4-H youth. Paper Clover funds go toward scholarships, leadership training, public speaking programs, and educational opportunities for kids right here in Suffolk County.

Tractor Supply and 4-H have now raised more than $25 million together since 2010 Tractor Supply Company — and every clover purchased at your local store is part of that impact. This weekend is your chance to meet our members, see what 4-H is all about, and invest in the next generation of Suffolk County leaders.

We hope to see you there. 🍀

*Due to the predicted forecast, 4-H participation in Demo Days may be cancelled

04/16/2026

We’re excited to kick off the Spring 2026 Paper Clover Campaign in partnership with Tractor Supply Company - supporting youth in 4-H right here in our community!

Starting tomorrow through May 3rd, you can visit your local Tractor Supply store and purchase a paper clover at checkout. Every donation helps grow the next generation of leaders by supporting youth 4-H programs in agriculture, STEM, leadership, civic engagement, and more.

Every clover makes a difference helping young people gain confidence, build life skills, and discover their spark!

📍 Participating Suffolk County locations:

-Tractor Supply Co. Calverton
-Tractor Supply Co. Medford
-Tractor Supply Co. Islandia

💚 Donating is easy:

1. Visit your local Tractor Supply store
2. At checkout, ask to purchase a paper clover (usually $1, $5, or more!)

Your donation stays local and supporting 4-H youth right here in Suffolk County!

04/06/2026

🌟 Your Voice Matters! 🌟

New York State 4-H is supporting the National 4-H Annual Index Study to learn how our programs help youth thrive.

If you're 13-18 and participated in 4-H last year, share your 4-H experience through the online survey! Your feedback is key in shaping the future of youth programs. 💬✨

Check your inbox for the email titled:

"Be Heard: Share Your 4-H Experience in the 2026 National Index Study!"

03/04/2026

02/17/2026

Take a look at this awesome opportunity to get involved with International Exchange! 🇯🇵

🌏 Open your home. Open your world.

New York State 4-H is looking for caring families to host Japanese exchange youth (ages 13 –18) this summer through the **4-H International Exchange Program**!

🗓 July 23 – August 16 (4 weeks)

This is a truly special cultural experience — your family shares everyday American life while learning about Japanese traditions, food, and culture. Many host families participate year after year because of the lifelong friendships formed.

You do NOT need to be a 4-H member to participate!

Families must:
✔ Live in New York State
✔ Have a child of the same age & gender as the delegate

Learn more: https://www.nys4-h.org/international-exchange

Apply: https://www.states4hexchange.org/host-family/application

01/28/2026

🗣️ Suffolk County 4-H Members! 🎤

County Public Presentations is on Saturday, March 28th!

Registration will open early March. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your presentation, topic, structure, etc. - I’m more than happy to help you prepare!

You can reach me via email at [email protected]. Can’t wait to see what you create! 🍀