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The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition Limited written documentation on where and when livestock exhibition was introduced Elkanah Watson “father of U.S. agricultural fairs ” (International Association of Fairs & Expositions, 2002) –First sheep fair in 1807 in Pittsfield, Mass. –Wanted to prove U.S. sheep produced equal quality wool to that of England Today well over 3,000 fairs across the country annually. Texas 4-H and Youth Development
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History and Goals of 4-H Livestock & Horse Projects
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Objectives
• The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition• The Growth of Livestock Projects• Life skill development through livestock
and animal science participation
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition
• Limited written documentation on where and when livestock exhibition was introduced
• Elkanah Watson “father of U.S. agricultural fairs”(International Association of Fairs & Expositions, 2002)– First sheep fair in 1807 in Pittsfield, Mass. – Wanted to prove U.S. sheep produced equal
quality wool to that of England• Today well over 3,000 fairs across the
country annually.
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition
• Provide industrial exhibits, demonstrations, and agricultural commodities aimed to increase quality of agriculture
• Provide competition for youth to exhibit livestock for show
• Most importantly, raising and exhibiting livestock has proven to develop and enhance life skills in youth
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Growth of Livestock Projects
• Calf, swine, and dairy clubs increased significantly during World War I through 4-H due to increased support of private donors
• 1917 states began to have youth shows• First youth show in Minnesota (Wessel and
Wessel, 1982)• Minnesota State Livestock Breeders’ Association
was first show to offer youth cash prizes to help counties hold calf and colt shows.
• T.A. Erickson and W.A. McKerrow joined this livestock breeders association to establish first junior livestock show
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Growth of LivestockProjects
• 2000, Texas 4-H and FFA members accounted for over 75,000 county livestock show entries for cattle, swine, meat goats, and sheep across the state.
• Roughly half were from the Texas 4-H program.
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Life Skill DevelopmentThrough Livestock Projects
• Six major benefits as a result of competition through showing livestock:– Social relations– Character– Family– Competition– Learning new cultures and environments– Helping finance the youth’s education
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Life Skill DevelopmentThrough Livestock Projects• Study done with 4-H alumni showed specific life
skills that included:– Ability to make decisions– Development of a spirit of inquiry– Ability to relate to others– Maintaining of records– Public speaking – Give positive self-esteem– Help accept responsibility
• 4-H animals science programs have a positive influence on life skill development
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Life Skill DevelopmentThrough Livestock Projects
• Boleman (2003) asked parents of youth exhibiting livestock projects their perceptions on life skill development
• Parents stated life skills were enhanced and the following skills were increased:– Accepting responsibility– Setting goals– Develop self-discipline– Self motivation– Knowledge of the livestock industry– Build positive self esteem– Decision making
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
Conclusions• Understanding the history of Livestock
projects is important for County Extension Agents
• Life skill development is an important topic that should be discussed with stakeholders.
• The ultimate goal for County Extension Agents is to develop youth!!
Texas 4-H and Youth Development
