4-H Animal Science Projects Culminates with Agricultural Fair:

Importance of Program

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, most Americans are three generations removed from the farm, and only 2% of the population are involved in farming. The CEDIK Ag and Food Profile highlights that 32% of land in Laurel County is used by 955 farm operations. Youth who raise market animals learn how to raise wholesome and nutritious food as they take on the responsibility of raising an animal that will become part of the food chain. Animal-sourced foods provide high-quality protein and key micronutrients essential for physical and cognitive growth and well-being. Having youth participation in 4-H livestock projects is important to the future success of our agricultural industry as youth grow to take jobs and industry leadership roles. Additionally, 4-H youth participating in livestock projects results in the acquisition of numerous benefits and life skills.

Response

The Laurel County 4-H program focused on increasing animal science opportunities for 4-H youth through clubs, competitions, and workshops. 4-H animal science project clubs offered included the Carrot Crunchers Rabbit Club, Poultry Pirates Club, Barnyard Friends Club for cloverbuds, Country Ham Club, and the 4-H Livestock Club which focused on beef, goats, lambs, and hogs. County Extension staff partnered with Extension Specialist Jacqueline Jacobs to offer a Poultry BBQ workshop and a Poultry Judging workshop.

Extension staff served in an advisory role on the Laurel County Agricultural Fair Committee. The committee is comprised of 4-H, FFA, and agricultural industry leaders and met routinely throughout the year to organize and host the Laurel County Ag Fair which is open to 4-H and FFA youth. The four-day Ag fair consisted of a Rabbit and Poultry Show, Skill-a-thon & Judging Clinics, District Lamb and Goat Shows, and Market Hog and Beef Shows.  The Ag Fair is a great way for 4-H to showcase the skills and knowledge they have gained by working with their animals.

Partners

The Laurel County Agricultural Fair success relies heavily upon community partners. Partners include Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Midsouth, Benge Farm Supply, local FFA chapters, KDA, and local farmers.

Results

The Laurel County Agricultural Fair saw large increases in participation in the rabbit, market goats, and poultry shows as well as the skill-a-thon. The Poultry and Rabbit shows returned to pre-covid numbers with 74 birds and 61 rabbits (49 youth) entered. Sixty-two youth showcased their knowledge on livestock judging, oral reasonings, and equipment identification in the skill-a-thon. The Market Goat Show also saw a significant participation increase with 16 youth showing 30 goats. For the first time, wool lambs were included in the Agricultural Fair with four youth participating. Additionally, 124 non-animal exhibits were entered and displayed throughout the fair.

According to an end-of-show survey (53 youth responded), youth reported increased knowledge regarding animal husbandry (89%), animal training (72%), and animal evaluation (91%). Youth also reported practicing life skills such as responsibility (96%), time management (93%), and leadership (64%).