Record keeping is a vital skill taught by 4-H, extending beyond the program year. Members are encouraged to pick methods that suit them, highlighting their goals, achievements, and plans.
Benefits of Accurate Record-Keeping
Learning to keep accurate records can greatly benefit youth later in life, aiding in money management, checkbook balancing, or business operations. Record books help youth set and review goals, tracking their progress and achievements.
Record Keeping and the Life Skill Wheel
On the 4-H Targeting Life Skills wheel, record keeping falls under the “head” category, emphasizing cognitive skills and resource management, including better time, resource, and talent utilization. (Click the graphic to expand.)
Record Keeping at the County Fair
Maintaining record books is a crucial aspect of the annual fair, teaching youth this vital skill early on. Developing good record-keeping habits can lead to success in various life areas. Events like the Brevard County Fair and 4-H Market Poultry Show require participants to maintain record books for projects such as poultry or horsemanship. All participants use a standard format and are judged within their age groups, including the youngest members, Cloverbuds, who also submit record books.
Contents of a 4-H Record Book
A typical 4-H record book includes equipment inventory, expenses, profits, and depreciation calculations for equipment investments. It should document successes, challenges, lessons learned, and potential improvements for the future.
Judging Record Books
Expert judges review youth’s record books, evaluating them against a common rubric, and constructive feedback is given. Scores are assigned, with blue ribbons for scores of 90 and above, red ribbons for scores between 80 and 89, and white ribbons for scores under 79. Cloverbud members (under age 8) receive participation ribbons instead of scores.
For more information on 4-H record keeping, the annual fair, or any of our programs, contact your local 4-H staff member or call us in Brevard County at telephone 321-633-1702.
G. Koerner, G. Whitworth-New, 2024.
Sources:
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/record-keeping
- Wisconsin 4-H, Division of Extension: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/2022/06/01/4-h-record-books-are-important/
- University of Florida / IFAS Extension, 4-H Record Books…Simplified!, B. Estevez (banner photo credit), Sept. 2017, https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/4hn/2017/09/14/4-h-record-books-simplified/
- Florida 4-H Poultry Project Record Book https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H038
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