Blair County 4-H Youth Compete at Agriculture Challenge

Four Blair County 4-H members, making up the Blair County 4-H Science of Agriculture Team, competed against 10 other teams from across the state June 19-21.

Team members Kase Smith, Garrison Dibert, Darcy Heltzel and Dana Heltzel gave their presentation titled "Something Fishy" to a panel of judges as a culmination of several months of research, data-collection, and experimentation.

The team researched the effects of using goldfish to clean livestock tank waterers to decrease the amount of algae present on the sides and bottom of the tank. They also conducted water testing to ensure safe water quality for the livestock via test strips as well as sampling for laboratory testing.

The team's presentation included how they decided upon their topic, how they conducted their experiment and collected evidence, and their results using quantitative and qualitative data. The team also put together a research poster outlining their project.

Wayne County 4-H teens were named the winners of the event, hosted by Penn State Extension's 4-H Youth Development program, after competing amongst more than 40 4-H youth from throughout the commonwealth, in grades six through twelve.

"The Pennsylvania 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge offers youth throughout the commonwealth the opportunity to discover solutions to real challenges being faced in their communities and the agriculture industry," Dr. Joshua Rice, assistant program director for Penn State Extension's 4-H and Youth Development program, said. "This program helps equip youth with invaluable skills needed to prepare them for careers in the food and agriculture field."

Blair County is currently recruiting for its 2019-20 4-H Science of Agriculture team. Youth in grades six through 12 who are interested in research, public speaking, and science are encourage to call the Blair County Extension Office at 940-5989 and ask for Kristy Bigelow, 4-H coordinator.