The problem

Youth that have a beef project need to experience activities involving their project as well as have an ending goal/period for completion. The State Fair Youth Beef Show is the highlight as well as the end for most 4-H beef projects. This ANR agent wants all youth entered to have a positive pleasant experience so that youth will want to repeat the project again.

The educational program response

The educational experience is mostly done during the project. However, showing at state fair allows youth to learn how to fit and show cattle as well as how to evaluate them.

The participants/target audience

Participants are youth showing beef cattle with projects, their parents, livestock leaders, and state fair officials.

Other partners (if applicable)

This ANR agent works with and supervises 14 other Extension agents and high school ag teachers as well as collaborates with the Kentucky State Fair Board and its staff. 

Program impact or participant response.

One hundred fifty youth and their parents or guardians have to go through several procedures and deal with different policies to qualify animals for the show. Exhibitors learn how to follow rules and procedures as well as learn animal evaluations. Parents and volunteers see that Extension agents are the organizers and conductors helping make the experience a positive one.