Supporting 4-H Exhibitors at Major Shows Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Objectives General overview Which shows should an agent attend? Room reservations Fitting or grooming for show Management prior to show Travel/Hauling livestock to show Supporting exhibitors at the show Texas 4-H and Youth Development

General Overview Agents should support youth by watching youth show their projects and make each show a learning experience Expertise on a specific animal project is not necessary to keep a program growing. County Extension Agents should manage the program and offer learning opportunities to youth Volunteers play a crucial role in providing these learning opportunities. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Which shows should an agent attend Vary from county to county Consult with Commissioners‘ court, key leaders, 4-H families County travel budgets affect travel Provide support whenever possible to youth exhibiting livestock projects Consider local expectations, travel budget, number of 4-H members entered, and experience level of 4- H members/families when determining shows to attend Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Room Reservations County Extension Agents should inform families about show dates and make recommendations for hotels to stay in. It is not the responsibility of the CEA to reserve rooms for parents and youth. Information should be provided late summer or early fall. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Fitting or Grooming for Show County Extension Agent should assist any young person and family in fitting their animal for show. Providing clinics or workshops to teach families and youth to fit their animal are excellent ways to provide learning opportunities. Provide facilities and equipment to fit animals Schedule times for fitting Communicate to families whether or not equipment is available from county or if others need to be located CEAs and volunteers should assist any inexperienced youth in fitting their animals Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Management Prior to Show CEA should send absente notice to schools with dates and any academic eligibility issues. Developing a good line of communication with school administrators is very important Car passes should be given to families and 4-Hers prior to show Should include show information, arrival deadlines, weigh-in schedule, and show times Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Travel/Hauling Livestock to Show Not typically the responsibility of CEA to haul animals to major shows, however, they may have to assist CEA should organize transportation, volunteers, and set up times for all projects to leave. Information should be communicated clearly and confirmed so no one is left out. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Travel/Hauling Livestock to Show Must be aware of 4-Hers who need assistance and determine how they can accommodate them Compensation should be considered for travel costs Most county entries will not be penned together unless they arrive together. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Travel/Hauling Livestock to Show Advantages of counties traveling together: –Parents and volunteers can assist in the care of projects –Penning assignments can meet the needs of the county and 4-H exhibitors –More efficient transportation of livestock projects and exhibitors –Enhance teamwork among county 4-H families and creates more support for local exhibitors Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Supporting Exhibitors at the Show Activities CEAs should assist 4-Hers with: –When arriving pick up county packet from show superintendent –Agents should serve as liaison between exhibitor and show officials –Assist with the tagging of entries, if required –Supervise official weigh-in of entries or completion of weigh-in cards –Assist in feeding and watering of animals Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Supporting Exhibitors at the Show Assist inexperienced exhibitors in grooming their project for show Support exhibitors by watching them exhibit their projects Record results from the shows, use in news releases and newsletters in a timely manner. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Conclusions Agents should understand the importance of being involved in attending stock shows with youth Agents are limited in their budget and may not be able to attend all shows. Information should be sent to families about room reservations Assistance should be given to youth who are unable to fit their animals Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Conclusions Agents should communicate with all individuals who are attending major shows Agents should communicate how animals will be hauled to shows. Supporting exhibitors by watching shows aiding in feeding and watering is important Texas 4-H and Youth Development