Success Story4-H Livestock



4-H Livestock

Author: Lora Stewart

Planning Unit: Gallatin County CES

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: County Phase I Tobacco Settlement Efforts

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Gallatin County 4-H Livestock Program is a unique opportunity to use animals and educational projects to enhance youth development.  This year approximately 40 youth plan on showing 25 cows, 28 goats, 14 hogs, and 8 sheep plus chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and ducks;  a record number of animals. The quality of the animal has increase due to the 4-H Livestock Club. Several have aspired to go on to compete at the district, state and open shows.  But the main objectives of the program deal with the young people, not the animals. Participants not only learn about agriculture and livestock production but they develop an appreciation for the livestock industry as well as teach life skills and help 4-H'ers become productive citizens of our society. The experience of children owning and working with animals; being responsible for their care, health, and growth; and exhibiting them in a competitive environment is a tremendous character-building process. These children are learning how to produce video presentations of their animals to help market their project,  complete record books, improve letter writing skills, as well as interviewing skills.   This is a diverse group of children – from traditional, to grandparents raising grandchildren, special needs, and social economical differences. Ten children have a better understanding of the reality of how much things cost with credit, youth loans, and opening up savings accounts for the first time.  






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