Daily: Wednesday - Friday, 4pm to 5pm
Superintendent: Christina DiCenzo
Telephone: 401-874-9412
Email: cdicenzo@uri.edu
What is Farm School?
4-H Farm School is a competitive speaking program at Washington County Fair which gives youth the opportunity to educate and entertain the public by showcasing their 4-H animal and/or agricultural projects. Farm School participants will talk with the general public, especially small children and families, about their chosen topic. Live animals are encouraged! Youth will talk about their project’s unique needs and characteristics, such as grooming, training, showing, anatomy, or care of an animal and methods or techniques related to an agricultural product (e.g. soap, milk, etc.).
Presentations should be lively and fun. This presentation is more like having a conversation than giving a speech. Some facts and information should be prepared, but the audience’s interest will guide the presentation. The more interactive, the better! No need to get stressed-out – It’s just you and your friends talking to people who want to learn more about what you do. You will be judged on not only the educational content of your presentation but also how interactive you are with the audience.
Prizes & Awards:
There will be 3 classes: Cloverbud, Jr. , and Sr.
Premiums & Rosettes in each class:1st – $25, 2nd – $20 3rd – $15 4th -$10 Cloverbuds will receive ribbons only and $5 Green Premium.
Each participant must register individually. Each speaker is allowed to have one helper in the ring. The helper can handle animals and help set up materials but should NOT deliver the presentation. The helper will not be evaluated or eligible for awards. Participation in Farm School can count towards Public Speaking and/or Community Service in Record Books and Big-E Applications.
Presentation Schedule:
Wed: 4pm to 5pm
Thurs: 4pm to 5pm
Fri: 4pm to 5pm
Rules & Regulations
- All participants must be enrolled in 4-H.
- All state
Animal Health Regulations apply for this program. Animals must be
inspected by the appropriate official and have current and correct health
certification to be unloaded and allowed on the fairgrounds. If your
animal is coming to the fair for this program only, plan to provide your
own containment for your animal while it is at the fair. Trailers will
have to leave the livestock parking area as soon as 4-H Farm School is
finished.
- Exhibitors
must be on the fairgrounds, checked-in with 4-H Staff, and ready to
present at least one hour before the assigned presentation time.
- Presentations
should be at least: Seniors- 10 minutes, Juniors- 5 minutes, Cloverbuds -
3 minutes. The talk should flow
smoothly and be well organized.
- Only
exhibitors who have registered before the deadline, through the official
WCF registration system are eligible for a premium and other prizes.
- Even
though there are three different days that the participant could speak on,
it is one competition and awards will be announced at the conclusion of
the fair.
- Exhibitors
must be dressed appropriately. Appropriate footwear when handling animals
is required.
- You will
present as an individual, you can have helpers. However the premium and prizes will go
to the individual that registered.
- Speakers will be required to use a microphone. A microphone
and PA system will be provided. No PowerPoint or digital presentations
will be allowed.
How to Register
- If you present with live animals, you may want to have a helper.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE your presentation ahead of time so that you are comfortable and prepared when speaking. Do not try to wing it.Use posters and props, when needed, to keep you on track and following your outline!
- Be enthusiastic and confident when speaking – you will be competing with the noise and distraction of the fair!
- Engage the audience with questions, props, demonstrations, etc. The more involved the audience feels, the better your presentation will be!
- If you need advice on topics or would like to practice your
presentation ahead of time, you can always contact the State 4-H Office
for help!
Helpful Tips
- You may want to present in teams of 2 to 4 members if live animals are present, so one team member can be speaking while the others are handling the animals. Remember that team members must take turns speaking!
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE your presentation ahead of time so that you are comfortable and prepared when speaking
- Be enthusiastic and confident when speaking – you will be competing with the noise and distraction of the fair!
- Engage the audience with questions, props, demonstrations, etc. The more involved the audience feels, the better your presentation will be!
- If you need advice on topics or would like to practice your presentation ahead of time, you can always contact the State 4-H Office for help!