The goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging 150,000 youth by 2013. 4-H SET activities and projects combine non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET activities and projects combine the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards.

4-H Horticulture & Plant Sciences

The 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in the scientific study of plant life. The 4-H Program teaches youth …

• Applied biological/agricultural sciences including production of all plants.
• Insight into agriculture and develop understanding of the basic principles of plant physiology as they relate to plant growth and development.
• An understanding of the methods and values of scientific research and its influence on plants and soils.
• The use of biotechnology as it pertains to the development of new and improved plant varieties.
• The role of plant nutrients, water and soil in plant growth and the geographic areas suited for plant growth growth.
• The use of integrated pest management practices (IPM) as part of an overall crop production system.

State 4-H Plant Science Committee

• Dan Hogan (San Mateo 4-H Volunteer), DHogan@calcas.com
• Amanda Crump (Fresno Environmental Horticulture Farm Advisor), acrump@ucdavis.edu
• Alex Culp (Orange 4-H Volunteer), aculp@datahunter.com
• Daniel Berke (Yolo 4-H Member), berke.daniel@gmail.com
• Lora Carey (Santa Clara 4-H Volunteer), gardenprincessjmg@yahoo.com
• John Roncoroni (Napa Weed Science Farm Advisor), jaroncoroni@ucdavis.edu
• Robin Hogan (San Mateo 4-H Member), robinihogan@hotmail.com
• Rachel Taylor (Orange 4-H Program Representative), rytaylor@ucdavis.edu
• Terry Berke (Yolo 4-H Volunteer), terry.berke@seminis.com

2009 State 4-H Plant Science Contest - May 30, 2009 at UC Davis.

The State 4-H Horticulture Contest is offered to all 4-H members during the State 4-H Field Day at UC Davis. Plant science activities provide opportunities and potentially motivate youth to increase their knowledge of horticultural plants, and horticultural/plant science techniques and knowledge, greatly expands their ability to identify various plants and allows for interaction with other youth interested in plant science.

NJHA Study Manual (PDF)

Contest Coordinators
Alex Culp, Orange County, aculp@datahunter.com
Daniel Berke, Yolo County, berke.daniel@gmail.com

4-H Staff Liaison
Rachel Taylor, Orange County 4-H Program Rep, rytaylor@ucdavis.edu

October 2008
California 4-H'ers Make History

2008 State 4-H Plant Science Contest Results (Word) (PDF)

This past year's State 4-H Field Day Plant Science competition lead four 4-H'ers on a journey across the country to Spartanburg, SC. It was here that they participated in the (NJHA) National Junior Horticultural Association's convention and competitive events.

What makes their story so special is just how well they did! These four young ladies; Abigail Berke of Yolo county, Amelia Aerastad of Alameda county, Anna Bedford of Yolo county, and Alyssa Taylor of Riverside county competed as a team in the 4-H division. For the past four years, the California 4-H teams have scored among the top five in the nation and for the first time ever, they've taken first place. By coming in first, they are eligible to compete in next year's Honors Division, which they are already preparing for.

There was also another first for California this year. Past 2005-2006 4-H team member Alex Culp of Orange county served the past year as Western Director of NJHA, and while many Californians have held office since California first participated with NJHA in the year 1952, with this next year marking the convention's 75th anniversary, no Californian had yet to hold the office of President. NJHA is proud to announce Alex Culp as the organization's 2008-2009 President.

California's dazzling participation with NJHA certainly speaks true of 4-H being the best of the best. Congratulations to such exemplary young women!

The state motto, "Eureka!" can only begin to describe the golden youth California 4-H counts among its members. Congratulations to all.