The problem

Elliott County 4-H has a good 4-H Livestock program, but we would like to see more youth become involved in our club. The past 2 years we have had a lot of the same 4-Hers participate in the club and show, which is a good thing. My volunteers, parents, and 4-Hers expressed that they would like to  try and grow the club to get new members. 

The educational program response

I was able to work with some volunteers and parents to organize a 4-H Livestock Recruitment Day at the local schools. The parents and volunteers helped with organizing the event and bringing the animals and setting up at the school. They also took the initiative to talk with the school board and principals to get permission to do this activity. We tried to schedule this event twice, but it got cancelled due to weather and schedule conflicts. My parents and volunteers were not discouraged and we were eventually able to find a day that worked for everyone. Several of my parents/volunteers took off work early and brought all the animals that can be shown in 4-H Livestock to the Elementary, Middle, and High School. Animals included: chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, hogs, and a cow. 

The participants/target audience

Our target audience were youth in Elliott County that are 4-H age that might be interested in joining the 4-H Livestock Club. Current 4-H Livestock members presented about the species that they show and told the students how they took care of the animals and what they did to get them ready to show. Students were also able to pet some of the animals and make the connection that their field trip they take to our office at the end of August to see the animals is the 4-H Livestock Show and they could be involved in that too.

Other partners (if applicable)

I was able to work with our Ag Teacher and 4-H Livestock volunteer Makayla Lewis to schedule with the schools and help pass out 4-H enrollment forms and 4-H Livestock club information. Makayla also had some FFA members help us with making sure all the students got the 4-H paperwork to take home to their parents.

Program impact or participant response.

 After this event we had 19 new 4-H enrollments. This was a huge success for us! To make this event happen I had 2 certified livestock volunteers, and 4 parents/livestock council members, and 10 current 4-H Livestock members who participated and supplied the animals. We were able to talk to around 500 students about the local 4-H program! I am thankful for our amazing 4-H Livestock Volunteers and Parents who had this idea and worked to make this happen.