Selecting/Purchasing Livestock Projects Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Overview Expectations of County Extension Agents Financial Resource Management Policy Supporting 4-H Members and Families Some Important Factors to Consider in Selection Other Considerations Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Expectations of County Extension Agents CEAs are not expected to purchase livestock projects Historically they have helped in selection and purchasing Has created an expectation among 4-H leaders and families Agent should clearly communicate their expectations Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Financial Resource Policy Texas AgriLife Extension does not allow agents to sign checks on local 4-H accounts or program area committee accounts Against policy to carry signed checks to purchase projects County Extension Agents cannot accept cash or checks for projects purchased through a local 4-H account Extension policy does not regulate the use of personal accounts Some agents have used their personal accounts to purchase projects for 4-H families. This is highly discouraged and agents should be mindful of the risk involved. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Supporting 4-H members and Families CEAs should be seen as a resource for 4-H families needing assistance in selecting projects –Does not require them to be an expert in all areas of livestock Selecting projects can be very time consuming Should work to coordinate purchasing with volunteers and parents Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Important Factors to Consider in Selection 1. Agents should recruit assistance from volunteers or other County Extension Agents if they lack the skills needed to select 4-H livestock projects or do not feel comfortable within a specific species. 2. The budget each 4-H family has allocated for purchasing livestock projects. 3. What are the goals of the 4-H member/family? Do they wish to compete at the county and/or major shows? 4. Breed and age of animals that are best suited for the show(s) identified H member’s preference on breeds and etc? Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Other considerations: 1. County Extension Agent should NEVER consider project acquisition as a potential source of income or profit! 2. If County Extension Agent owns or is a partner in a livestock operation, the agent must complete the Outside Professional Employment Form ( Form AG-406) and receive administrative approval. Agent should not sell livestock projects private treaty to 4-H or FFA members in the county they are employed. 3. If county vehicles and/or travel expenses are not provided, County Extension Agents may request that members pay for actual expenses associated with the County Extension Agent traveling to select and secure projects. Agreement should be obtained prior to the County Extension Agent making the trip, and expenses should be well documented and divided evenly by the number of animals purchased. 4. If possible, the parents and/or members should accompany the County Extension Agent when selecting projects. 5. County Extension Agent should advise in the selection process and make certain that animals selected will meet the show rules, including age and classification requirements. Texas 4-H and Youth Development