Success StoryFuture Veterinarians of Madison County



Future Veterinarians of Madison County

Author: Julia Reid

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

Plan of Work: Develop and Strengthen Leadership and Life Skills

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

It seems the most popular response when you ask young people, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a veterinarian. After discussing future career goals with our teen club, middle school club, ham club, and livestock club, 4-H Agent, Julia Reid, noticed this was certainly the case among her 4-Hers. In order to provide the youth with exposure to veterinary medicine, Julia called a local team of vets, Nick and Kate Werle.  They agreed to help lead the club and host half of the meetings at their clinic. 


The youth rotated between the extension office and the vet clinic and on their first meeting they witnessed a spay surgery on a cat. We had 15 spots in the club and all of them were filled. 4 of the members said they realized veterinary medicine was not for them after the spay surgery. This is wonderful to realize as a middle schooler rather than getting through a few years of undergrad before they come to this realization. Students were also able to practice injections, learn cattle handling and working practices, and routine horse care. Overall, the youth said they had gained new skills through the club and they had a better understanding of veterinary medicine as a career path. 






Stories by Julia Reid


Madison County 4-H Seed Library--Let's Get Growing!

Madison County 4-H Seed Library--Let's Get Growing!

about 1 years ago by Julia Reid

Madison County Extension Seed LibraryAccording to betterhealth.vic.org, youth learn about responsibi... Read More


Horticulture Judging

about 3 months ago by Julia Reid

Last year was the first year Madison County 4-H offered a Horticulture Judging workshop, and we had ... Read More


Stories by Madison County CES


Grain Rescue Tubes

Grain Rescue Tubes

about 3 months ago by Brandon Sears

Grain storage bins have been in use since their invention by Illinois farmer Fred Hatch who is thoug... Read More


Outdoor Adventure Camp

Outdoor Adventure Camp

about 3 months ago by Brandon Darst

Last year was the Pilot year for the 4-H Outdoor Adventure and our goal this year was to expand it t... Read More