4-H/FFA/Grange

Dr. Mike has been the official veterinarian for the Ventura Country for almost 20 years.

What is 4-H, FFA, and Grange?

4-H (Head, Heart, Hands & Health), FFA (Future Farmers of America), and Grange programs are designed to mentor and develop lifelong skills for the youth involved within these programs. Members will experience speaking to the public, giving back to their community and lifelong financial recording. These skills can be acquired through projects such as raising Market Livestock to compete in their local County Fair. While raising the livestock, the youth members will learn what is required to raise, maintain, and sell the best produce possible to the local community through educational meetings with the leaders of the projects.

The exhibitor (youth) must purchase their Market Animal when the animal is a few months of age and raise this animal to its full potential by the time their local County Fair Auction day arrives.

Due to the animals becoming food, there are very strict rules about drugs and care. In the past, there have been issues with other veterinarian’s giving out incorrect drugs or drugs that the withdrawal time will disqualify the exhibitor from competition.

Dr. Mike does the EVT check at the beginning of the fair to ensure the animal is healthy for competition, as well as oversees the collection and testing of samples for substances.

Interested in getting involved in 4-H, FFA, and Grange?
Here are some resources to help you get more details:

Disclaimer: Please note as we get more information we will note the links below.

Large Livestock Entry Guide
Quality Assurance Program

Want more info? Feel free to contact us at 4HandFFA@hgae.com.