1. Advanced Learning Opportunities in the Livestock Project Billy Zanolini Jason Cleere

2. We are not looking to replace the youth livestock project!

4. Mission The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture. Objectives Prepare youth to serve in leadership capacities in junior livestock programs across Texas. Prepare youth for the experience of the University setting, through intensive science based instruction and experiences. Prepare and provide opportunities for youth to serve in advocacy roles for animal agriculture, 4-H, and junior livestock programs. Develop a heightened awareness of career opportunities in animal agriculture and advocacy.

5. Background Problems – Livestock project clinics focused on novice families – Teenage Flight from the 4-H Program – Limited opportunities for advanced livestock production knowledge – Limited use of qualified young adults to assist with agricultural education – Need for a youth voice – Need for more activities that reflect the college experience – County Extension Agents need the help (Comal)

6. Background-Pilot July 14-16, 2008 Madison/Grimes County 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course – Home Economics Building – (9) youth ages 11-15 – Madison, Grimes and Walker – 3-day animal science workshop- 20 hours of instruction – Speakers: County agents, Extension livestock specialists, veterinarians and industry representatives – Introductory Animal Science-TAMU ANSC 107 – Frozen Pig, cattle reproductive tracts and a donated sheep (6) Completed the program

7. Anatomy of the Short Course What does it take to be a Livestock Ambassador? – 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding their livestock projects – Students with a profound interest in animal science and Livestock production – Students who have shown advanced leadership qualities and the a willingness to help others. – Good grades Application process – Student must complete an application to their selected short course – *Student must be approved by the County Agent – Participant Fee $100

10. Program Contribute 30 hours in a year – Service Helping novice 4-H Families Disseminating information Actively engaging the public Advocating for animal agriculture – Continued education Livestock Camps Short Courses Distance learning State Meetings – Accountability Online reporting

11. Future Increase educational contact with Ambassadors – Additional face-to-face courses – Distance education – Curriculum/support materials – State meetings/courses Provide financial support for Ambassador’s educational efforts – Travel to events or courses – Educational materials – Short courses Increase staff – Add more county agent contribution

12. Future Increase educational contact with Ambassadors – Additional face-to-face courses – Distance education – Curriculum/support materials – State meetings/courses Provide financial support for Ambassador’s educational efforts – Travel to events or courses – Educational materials – Short courses Increase staff – Add more county agent help

13. So what? These are good young adults – They have always been here – They work for free – Families and communities made them who they are, we capitalize on their raising Release their energy – They are young, passionate, smart and hungry to accomplish big things – Invest their energy in preserving animal agriculture – “We should be” They are and have been – No sticker and not bake sale leadership – Why do they do it?

14. 2013 Short Courses Texas A&M University – Limited to 25 students – July 15-18 – Applications due June 22 – Contact Billy Zanolini for information Texas Tech University – Limited to 25 students – July 22-24 – Applications due June 22 – Contact Andy Hart for information

16. Livestock Judging Major Livestock Show Contests – San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo February 16, 2013 – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo February 24, 2013 – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo March 11, 2013 – Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo March 23, 2013

17. Additional Livestock Show Contests Agricultural Public Speaking Beef Skillathon $$$ Sheep Skillathon $$$ Swine Skillathon $$$ Beef Quiz Bowl HLSR Public Speaking $$$

18. San Antonio Skillathon Contests Entry Deadline – December 1, 2012 Contest Dates – Beef Skillathon – February 13, 2013 – Sheep Skillathon – February 12, 2013 – Swine Skillathon – February 6, 2013

19. Commercial Steer and Heifer Projects More applied production practices Winners selected upon: – Cattle Quality – Record books – Interview