Livestock projects support positive youth development

With the 2021 fair season coming soon, it allows for a time of reflection on accomplishments achieved, challenges overcome and learning opportunities our county’s youths have experienced over the last year.

As the Extension agent responsible for the 4-H livestock project areas, I was constantly talking with 4-H’ers, parents and the general public at the fairs. A highlight during these discussions was watching 4-H’ers interact with the public to discuss their projects. Frequent topics included during the conversations were the project’s name and temperament, production challenges and how much they enjoyed raising their animals. Livestock projects have numerous benefits to 4-H’ers. Of these, I would like to reflect on a few highlighted over the course of the fairs this year.

• Responsibility — Daily feeding and grooming of an animal develop skills to care for others. Our county youths were constantly checking on animals, providing water and grooming. All 4-H projects require perseverance to follow through with a project to completion. Probably one of the most long-term endeavors is the beef project, requiring an animal be raised for 14-16 months to market weight. Through each 4-H’er’s diligent efforts, the livestock auction sale price was the reward for a job well done.

• Planning — 4-H’ers are required to plan for each 4-H year’s project entries. At the start of the 4-H year (Oct. 1), members start considering what projects they would like to explore for the year. Thereafter, the project entry forms and deadlines are a constant reminder of real-life expectations. The ability to take care of personal organization is a life skill 4-H promotes. There have been numerous research studies on the emphasis employers place on people accepting responsibility for planning and meeting deadlines; 4-H assists with this life skill to meet deadlines and accept personal responsibility.

• Family Involvement — Livestock projects should be a family affair. Ideally, 4-H livestock projects should be a balanced family affair that places an emphasis on youth development and less on winning. The support of adults is needed for transportation and positive mentorship. Many of our Garland County families chose to spend a day at a livestock show and support each other. This community of project support truly demonstrates learning by doing.

• Coping Mechanisms — Daily challenges require daily solutions. It was a pleasure to discuss with 4-H’ers their challenges involved with a project and the decisions made to remedy them. One example was the decision of which animal to bring to the fair. Being fortunate to have multiple animals, this 4-H’er had the tough decision on which two animals to bring (out of five) to the county fair for showing. After about 10 minutes of discussion, I realized the decision-making process of this 12-year-old was supported (not dictated) by 4-H parents. The animals that came to the fair were selected based on how the animal handled (led/cooperated) and favorites — not necessarily the best animal to win at the show. The parents stated that they decided to emphasize a positive experience for the first year and less on winning.

• Sportsmanship — There is only one Grand Champion in a given project area. It was a breath of fresh air to see some of our 4-H’ers shake the hands of the judge and fellow competitors in a given class at the end of the judging. True sportsmanship is the ability to support fellow participants regardless of class placing. Most participants have experienced the emotions of exceptional efforts and extreme disappointment through the course of a livestock project. More than one of our fair judges made comments to me about the graciousness of our 4-H’ers.

As Youth Development agent of Garland County, I enjoy working with our 4-H’ers as they learn problem-solving skills that can make a positive impact upon their home, community, county and world. For more information, call County Agent Jimmy Driggers at 623-6841, or email him at jdriggers@uada.edu.

Master Gardener information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. The meetings are open to the public, and guests are welcome. For more information, call the Extension office at 623-6841 or email Alex Dykes at adykes@uada.edu.

EHC information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call 623-6841 or email Alison Crane at acrane@uada.edu. Follow Alison on Facebook @garlandEGF and @Garland FCS, and EHC on Facebook @GarlandCountyEHC.

4-H information

For information about Garland County 4-H Club membership or program benefits, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, call 501-623-6841, or email cmcafee@uada.edu. Additional information is available at http://www.uaex.edu/garland.