Life Skills Gained from Exhibiting Livestock Projects

Livestock Shows Introduction of livestock fairs in 1807. Since, they have expanded to over 3,000 fairs held annually in the U.S. Allow for raising and exhibition of livestock by 4-H and FFA members. Develop and enhance life skills in youth. Texas 4-H (2012)

Primary Purpose Develop Life Skills Responsibility Decision making Goal setting Leadership skills Boleman, Cummings, and Briers (2005)

Development of Life Skills Livestock industry knowledge Animal Science Meat Science Build relationships with industry professionals Boleman , Cummings, and Briers (2005)

Who’s responsible - YOU ARE! Facilities – provide protection of livestock from predators. Daily Care -Water -Feed -Exercise -Health Production of a safe meat animal product – exhibitors are expected to be responsible producers. Increase knowledge and skills – under the guidance of your CEA and adult project leaders. Following the rules and ethical guidelines. It is important for the success of the project for the exhibitor to be responsible for his/her animal(s).

Decision making skills Decision making skills are gained throughout the project Selection – making decisions based on quality and projected growth. Daily Care – feed, exercise, grooming, and more…. Weight management – how much to feed and when. Shows – to which shows will you take your project. Outside the show ring opportunities – judging teams, quiz bowls, and skill-a-thons.

How to Set Goals 1. Think of something you want to do or work towards. Long-term vision and short-term motivation. 2. Write it down. Carefully consider your goal, and work with an adult leader or your CEA to help ensure it is attainable. 3. Tell someone. Telling someone we know about our goals seems to increase the likelihood that we will stick to them.

How to Set Goals 4. Break down your goal. 5. Keep going. 6. Celebrate. Attacking your goal in steps will help you attain the goal one step at a time. 5. Keep going. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Don’t stop chasing your goal, even when there are some tough points. 6. Celebrate. Know the difference between improvement vs. winning in the show ring and celebrate both of those successes. Understand gamesmanship vs. sportsmanship.

Raising Livestock and Development of Life and Project Skills Raising and exhibiting livestock benefits youth by teaching skills that can be applied at: School – time management on education and school projects Home – responsibility in chores Job – professional skills and knowledge The livestock project also teaches youth to be: Dependable – feeding animals everyday Confident – in the show ring Qualified – learning life and project skills Rusk, Machtmees, Talbert, & Balschweid (2003)

Raising Livestock and Development of Life and Project Skills Responsibility gained from raising 4-H livestock projects can be applied to complete homework and school projects on time. Livestock exhibitors are able to see what things need to be done and do those chores without being asked by parents or an employer. Rusk, Machtmees , Talbert, & Balschweid (2003)

Raising Livestock and Development of Life and Project Skills Livestock exhibitors can use information about animal science in their science classes at school. The 4-H livestock experience gives more of a hands-on approach to various life processes like reproduction, birth, death, disease, etc. What many kids read in books, livestock exhibitors have seen and done. Rusk, Machtmees , Talbert, & Balschweid (2003)

Raising Livestock and Development of Life and Project Skills Caring for livestock projects can help improve people skills for youth exhibitors. Talking to prospective buyers and livestock breeders, helps exhibitors to prepare for job interviews, scholarships, student council, etc. Rusk, Machtmees , Talbert, & Balschweid (2003)

Raising Livestock and Development of Life and Project Skills Caring for livestock projects improves decision making and problem-solving skills. Livestock exhibitors learn that in order to make a good decision, they have to think through the possible consequences and then make a logical decision. Rusk, Machtmees , Talbert, & Balschweid (2003)

Raising Livestock and Development of Life and Project Skills Livestock exhibitors learn to exhibit their animals honestly, play fair and try to do their best. Exhibitors must help produce a safe food supply for consumers. Youth livestock exhibitors understand that winning isn’t everything. Learning is the best part of the 4-H experience. Rusk, Machtmees , Talbert, & Balschweid (2003)

Management of Livestock Projects Animal Selection Muscle – choose heavier muscled animals Structure – sound on feet and legs Balance – eye appeal Breed/Age Differences – which is best for the exhibitor Facilities and Equipment Barn/Pasture – protection from predators Exercise – track, dog, ATV, treadmill Chute/Stands – talk to CEA on what is available

Management of Livestock Projects Nutrition and Feeding Starter/Grower/Finishing Rations Ruminant vs. Monogastric Nutrition Health and Disease Management Vaccination Programs Prevent, Treat and Cure Illness and Diseases Always consult your CEA and a veterinarian when determining any medical treatments for your projects

Management of Livestock Projects Grooming and Handling Techniques Showmanship Animal Presentation Halter Breaking – should be completed by the exhibitor and their family. Exhibitor Etiquette Ring Presence General Grooming – should be completed by the exhibitor, family, or under the supervision of the CEA.

Leadership Opportunities Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program Quiz Bowl Contests Skill-A-Thon Competitions Judging and Evaluation Contests

TX 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program Learning experience for senior age 4-H members Further develops: Leadership skills Livestock production knowledge Agricultural career development Career development Higher education Zanolini, Rayfield, and Ripley (2013)

Quiz Bowl Contests Beef Swine Horse Overall knowledge of industry Medical Feeding Fast-paced

Skill-A-Thon Competitions Sheep Beef Cattle Swine Livestock Test Hands-On Identification

Judging and Evaluation Contests Livestock Meats Wool Decision Making Oral Reasons Selection and Quality

Summary 4-H and FFA livestock projects allow exhibitors to enhance life skills. Youth involved with livestock projects are responsible for producing a safe meat product for consumers. Knowledge and skills gained through livestock projects are applicable across categories (show, school, career). County Extension Agents should be utilized in managing livestock projects. Involvement in the 4-H livestock project provides opportunities for leadership and learning experiences.

References Boleman, C., Cummings, S., & Briers, G. (2005). An Assessment of Life Skills Gained from Youth Exhibiting Beef, Swine, Sheep, or Goat 4-H Projects. National AAAE Research Conference, 388-399. Rusk, C.P., Summerlot-Early J.M., Machtmes, K.L.,Talbert,B.A. & Balschweid, M.A. (2003). The impact of raising and exhibiting selected 4-H livestock projects on the development of life and project skills. Journal of Agricultural Education, 44(3), 11. Texas 4-H. (2012). College Station, TX. Retrieved October 20, 2014, from the World Wide Web: http://texas4h.tamu.edu/files/2011/12/livestock_101_intro_overviewoflivestockproject Wooten, K., Rayfield, J., & Moore, L. (2013). Identifying STEM concepts associated with junior livestock projects. Journal of Agricultural Education, 54(4), 31-44. Zanolini, W. F., Rayfield, J., & Ripley, J. (2013). Perceptions of Texas 4-H ambassadors on career development, higher education, and leadership development. Journal of Extension, 51(6). Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2013december/rb6.php