The 4-H Youth Development program has a rich history of building future leaders and strong citizens through the projects and programs it offers. This is evident through the numerous documented studies of the life skills youth develop as a result of their participation in a 4-H program (Anderson, Bruce, & Mouton, 2010; Fox, Schroeder, & Lodl, 2003; Seevers & Dormody, 1995). Life skills such as communication, decision-making, and problem solving are gained when 4-H members participate in hands-on learning activities (Pennington & Edwards, 2006).

4-H livestock projects may be one of the most labor intense hands-on projects offered to youth. 

The Boyd County 4-H Livestock Club began with one steer, one lamb and several chicks.  The steer and lamb were youth projects and the chicks were a petting zoo to attract youth to our club.  The club has grown and seen decline due to Covid 19 over the years.   This year youth experienced a Farm to Table that has never happened in Boyd County 4-H history.

Members fed, watered, recorded costs, nurtured, exercised their project animals for months. These animals sometimes are treated as pets.  The quality of the animals is excellent.  These are market animals raised to be sold and slaughtered.   Members send friends, relatives, business owners and others letters requesting their presence at the Boyd County Auction to purchase their animal.

This year a local business family purchased three champion animals at top dollar price. The business is a new restaurant in the local hotel.  The Winchester is a restaurant in Ashland, Kentucky known as a nicer, sit down dinner restaurant housed in the completely remodeled Delta Hotel in downtown Ashland. 

The owners promoted their 4-H purchases to differentiate their food from other chain restaurants and businesses.  They plan to continue buying local 4-H animals to guarantee great products, support local youth and have a distinct reputation as offering local farm to table products.