4-H Canada Science Technology Winners Announced
Ottawa, ON – April 8, 2015 – 4-H Canada is pleased to announce the winners of the 4-H Science & Technology Contest.
Last October, 4-H Canada encouraged youth to explore the amazing world of science and technology by applying skills and innovation in their own lives. 4-H clubs nationwide were challenged to submit entries based on the question:
“If you could invent something that would change the world of agriculture, what would it be?”
Individual Category:
Charlene Elliott of Kitchener, ON is the winner, with her 'Lugano 100' invention. This machinery cleans free-stall cow beds faster and more efficiently, which means a cleaner barn and greater comfort for dairy cows. Scientifically speaking, the tool could also help reduce Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in the cows’ milk, which is one of the indicators for milk quality. She receives a prize package including a $750 gift card courtesy of Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture in Truro, Nova Scotia.
“I love science and being able to invent things related to agriculture”, said Elliott. “I would like to see the world of agriculture evolve and develop so that everyday chores are made easier for the farmer.”
The second place winner in the individual category was Isaac Boonstoppel of Scotchlake, NB for his Dairy Stall Cleaner. He has big dreams of working on a prototype with a large dairy manufacturer. Thanks to Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture, Isaac receives a prize package including a $250 gift card.
Club Category
The Abbey-Lancer 4-H Beef Club of Pennant, SK is the winner. Their invention simplifies the cattle identification process by creating an improved ear-tagging system for beef cattle. Farmers and ranchers attach ear tags to every animal in their herd as a method of herd management as well as to trace the animal’s history from the farm to the processing plant. The club receives a prize package including a $750 gift card courtesy of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture.
This contest was the first initiative that introduces Science and Technology programming to 4-H youth. With support from Bayer CropScience, the lead 4-H Canada Science and Technology partner, 4-H will be awarding scholarships at the Canada Wide Science Fair for significant achievement in the field of agriculture.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 4-H Science & Technology Contest,” said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. “These opportunities not only help young people get inspired about science and 4-H, but also display the creativity of the great young minds at work every day in our 4-H clubs.”
To learn more about the winning inventions, please visit www.4-H-Canada.ca.
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About 4-H Canada
For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H Canada has more than 25,000 members and 7,700 volunteers. Our goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, engaged and confident leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit www.4-H-Canada.ca.
For more information, media may contact:
Jennifer Austin, Marketing and Communications Director
4-H Canada
jaustin@4-H-Canada.ca
613-759-1013 (ext. 29)