4-H livestock programs and projects may seem to be about animals, but in reality they are about kids.  Young people are very important to us and we want to make sure that we provide the very best educational experience that we can.  For most, animal-related programs and projects will provide a variety of life lessons which will positively impact them for the rest of their lives, no matter what career path they choose to follow.  For a few, an animal science project will lead to a career.  While it is important for youth in livestock programs and projects to gain a basic understanding of selection and evaluation, animal anatomy, daily care, nutrition, reproduction, and marketing, it's the learning from hands-on experience---making decisions, seeing the results, and accepting the responsibility for the care of a living animal---where lives of youth are changed forever.

In an effort to make sure that every young person involved in a 4-H animal science program or project has the best possible learning experience, Kentucky 4-H developed and implemented the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Volunteer Certification Program.  This program put in place a system of "certification" for 4-H volunteers that work with livestock programs and projects.  In order for a county to offer livestock  programs and projects through 4-H, at least one volunteer per county club/group must attend a Certification Workshop and complete specialized trained.  That volunteer must then continue to hone their knowledge and skills in youth development and subject matter training through annual continuing education to continue as a "Certified Volunteer".  This program is a step towards providing the finest educational experience for youth that we can.

View the publication title below to learn more about the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Volunteer Certification Program.  This document provides the guidelines and policies for the program.

Kentucky 4-H Livestock/Horse Volunteer Certification Program Guidelines 

Below is the form pertaining to documenting recertification training that is needed annually by a County's Certified Volunteer Leader(s).  Please refer to the Kentucky 4-H Livestock/Horse Volunteer Certification Program Guidelines (provided above) for the appropriate use of this form and the submission of recertification training(s) that is attended by the Certified Volunteer Leader.

Recertification Training Form

Below are the dates and locations for the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Volunteer Certification Workshops that are scheduled for 2021-2022.  Workshops will begin at 8 am on Saturday (local time) and end not later than 4:30 p.m. on Saturday (local time).  Registration is limited to 60 total volunteers per session. Please contact your local County Extension Agent for assistance in registering for one of these workshops.

January 14, 2023
Grayson County (In- Person)

Virtual Courses also available