The 2025 Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium
The 2025 Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium
Melissa Bright, Somerset County 4-H Agent, Rutgers University
Amelia Valente Minervini, Ocean County Sr Program Coordinator
The Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium—commonly referred to as “the Symposium”—is a flagship educational event held annually in collaboration with Rutgers University and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. This one-day program is dedicated to providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in the field of animal science for both youth and adults. Since its inception over 20 years ago, the Symposium has evolved to remain responsive to the ever-changing interests of its participants, while continuing to offer foundational knowledge in traditional and emerging areas of agriculture.
Each year, the Symposium attracts a diverse audience of youth participants from organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Scouts, and other agricultural programs. These youth are joined by educators, farmers, scientists, and industry professionals who share their expertise and experiences. Together, they form a vibrant community committed to learning, collaboration, and the advancement of agricultural literacy. Topics at the Symposium span a wide range of disciplines—including animal husbandry, equine and canine science, anthropology, urban farming, and both large and small ruminants—making the event relevant to both rural and urban attendees.
Strategic partnerships with Rutgers University, state and national agricultural organizations, and private industry enhance the quality of programming. These relationships enable the Symposium to deliver access to cutting-edge research, hands-on demonstrations, and one-on-one mentorship. The Symposium also prioritizes equity and access by offering scholarships, travel assistance, and outreach initiatives to underserved communities, ensuring all youth have the opportunity to participate.
Originally centered on purebred livestock breeding for 4-H and FFA youth, the Symposium has significantly broadened its scope. In 2025, the event featured an array of educational sessions across topics such as Apiary Science, Rabbitry, Equine Science, Canine Science, Swine Management, Small and Large Ruminants, Small Animal Care, and Anthropology. The content was thoughtfully designed to reflect both traditional agricultural interests and modern trends, including urban agriculture and sustainability.
A total of 32 dedicated organizers and 13 expert guest presenters worked together to make the 2025 Symposium a success. The event included interactive workshops, expert-led lectures, and guided tours of Rutgers University’s agricultural facilities, giving participants real-world exposure to the field of animal science and insights into academic and career opportunities.
The goals of the Symposium are to:
Increase participants’ understanding of current issues within the animal science industry.
Expand knowledge in animal care and management practices.
Foster interest in animal science careers and related fields.
Encourage higher education at institutions like Rutgers University.
Build life skills through peer engagement and collaborative learning.
Educate attendees on scientific principles that underlie animal science.
Inform youth of career pathways and academic programs in animal agriculture.
The 2025 Symposium was supported by key sponsors, including the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the Department of 4-H Youth Development, and the New Jersey Junior Breeder Program. Additional support from Farm Credit/Northeast Ag Enhancement, the Hart Agency - Farm Family Insurance, and corporate sponsors allowed for enhanced accessibility, including scholarship opportunities and support for hands-on activities.
In 2025, the Symposium reached new heights in participation, with 400 registrants from across New Jersey—including 19 of its 21 counties—and neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and New York. The event’s continued growth is a clear indicator of rising interest in animal science and the value of experiential education in agriculture.
Participant evaluations (n=219), using a Likert scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree), reflected positive learning outcomes:
91% increased their awareness of animal industry issues.
89% gained new knowledge in animal care and management.
80% expressed a desire to continue learning about animal science.
78% became interested in pursuing careers in this field.
55% showed increased interest in attending Rutgers University.
Participant feedback highlights the program’s impact:
“I learned how to identify and address barn hazards. I plan to restructure my barn based on what I learned.”
“I now understand udder structure and proper nutrition for ruminants. I’ll apply this when breeding my goats.”
“The poultry session helped me improve biosecurity in my chicken coop.”
“I gained knowledge about pasture rotation and how it improves conditions for my livestock.”
The Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium plays a critical role in developing future agricultural leaders. Through its commitment to diversity, innovation, and hands-on learning, the Symposium connects communities to agriculture and supports youth from all backgrounds.
As the event continues to grow, future goals include expanding into areas such as biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and precision farming. Continued outreach to underserved populations, enhanced partnerships with industry experts, and expanded mentorship opportunities will ensure the Symposium remains relevant and impactful.
We remain dedicated to listening to our participants and adapting based on their needs. Through this commitment, the Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium will continue to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of agricultural professionals.