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 Livestock Projects 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 Development Through 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 Development Through 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 Development Through 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