1. Life Skills Gained from Exhibiting Livestock Projects

2. 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)

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

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

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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)

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

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

19. 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)

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

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

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

23. 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.

24. 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, 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: Wooten, K., Rayfield, J., & Moore, L. (2013). Identifying STEM concepts associated with junior livestock projects. Journal of Agricultural Education, 54(4), 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: