4-H and FFA Youth Field Days: Building Competencies for Success in Youth Livestock Producers

Mark D. Heitstuman, WSU Asotin County Extension; Janet L. Schmidt, WSU Whitman County Extension; & Kerry A. Sanford, UI Nez Perce County 4-H Program Coordinator

P.O. Box 9, Asotin, WA 99402

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

In Southeastern Washington and Northern Idaho, there is a need for additional Extension programming to meet the needs of youth participating in 4-H and FFA Livestock and Equine projects. Due to the rural nature of the counties, and the limited availability of youth livestock educators, these collaborative programs efficiently use Extension time and expertise to deliver educational programs and maximize impacts. Since 2004, individuals from a 14-county area have participated in youth field days offered by the Washington State University Asotin and Whitman County Extension Offices, in collaboration with the University of Idaho Nez Perce County Extension Office.

Participants have included: •Beef - 329 participants at 4 field days •Sheep - 189 participants at 3 field days•Swine - 257 participants at 3 field days•Horse - over 100 participants at 2 field days

•Each field day used a “hands-on” experiential approach to provide research-based information to youth, parents and leaders. Whenever possible, small group discussions and demonstrations were used to teach key concepts.

•Field Day instructors include Extension Faculty; Veterinarians, FFA Advisors; experienced Producers, Trainers, Feed Representatives, WSU Students, FFA Students and 4-H youth.

•Topics covered during the fields days have included: •Project Selection•Health Care•Feeding and Nutrition•Quality Assurance •Safe Handling of Animals•Fitting and Showing

IMPACTSBased on Pre and Post Surveys, both youth and adults increased their level of knowledge on the following indicators:

•Selection of project animals to meet industry standards•Feeding and Nutrition•Health care of Youth Livestock Projects•Principles of Fitting and Showing •Quality Assurance

89% of participants indicated that they would be able to immediately apply the following practices:

•Read and follow label instructions for feeds and medications•Keep accurate records to prevent drug residues•Use low stress handling to prevent dark cutters and bruising•Apply selection and feeding principles to meet industry quality standards and prevent under finished lambs•Fitting and showing techniques that meet judges expectations

RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSIONS

METHODOLOGY

1. It is recommended to use additional small group presentations and interactive demonstrations whenever possible to present information to the youth participants.

3. It is recommended to incorporate additional activities where youth can learn the wholesale and retail cuts of meat, and the yield grade and quality standards demanded by the industry.

5. The Youth Livestock Field Days are an effective model to deliver quality animal science programming to 4-H and FFA youth over a large geographical area.

7. The Youth Livestock Field Days are well attended and receive strong support from key stakeholders, including industry representatives and livestock experts.

Circle of Participation includes youth and adults from 14 counties and 3 States.

In Southeastern Washington and Northern Idaho, over 60% of all 4-H youth are enrolled in market livestock or equine projects. With the public concern over food safety and quality assurance, animal welfare and personal safety of both youth and animals, there was a documented need to provide research based information to a diverse audience from a large geographical area. Since 2004, Youth Field Days have been conducted in different locations through out the region, focusing on providing knowledge and skills to youth, leaders and parents that will insure their success in animal projects. Topics for the field days included: selection, feeding, health updates, quality assurance, fitting and showing, conformation and judging, the Danish System of Judging and more. Speakers for the field day included: extension faculty and staff, FFA Advisors and youth, veterinarians, 4-H leaders and members and WSU college students. Registration was a nominal $5 per person and lunch was provided. All field days were well attended with audience size ranging from 45 to 90 adult and youth participants. Each field day was evaluated using a retrospective evaluation. Knowledge gains were reported in the following areas: selecting and feeding market animals, steps to take to ensure food safety and quality assurance, enhanced skills in fitting and showing animals for fair, animal first aid and health care. Participants rated the field days as an excellent opportunity to gain relevant knowledge, skills and competencies for the various 4-H projects and contribute to a successful 4-H experience.