Author: Corinne Belton
Planning Unit: Shelby County CES
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Plan of Work: Livestock Production & Profitability
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Livestock production, animal sciences, agricultural education and career pathways in agriculture are important building blocks for young people with an interest in the agricultural industry. Rather than on a beach or in the mountains, 4-H members from Shelby, Scott, Henry and Crittenden counties spent their spring break week in barns and on feedlots across five states to learn about these topics.
Youth Stock Tour provided 4-Hers the opportunity to visit farms and ranches in various locations and to learn how livestock production is both similar and different due to geography, climate, available forages and other factors.
Forty-six adults and youth traveled to 16 locations, including
In all, 32 youth and 14 adults traveled more than 2,600 miles through 7 states and visited 16 locations learning about agriculture and livestock production.
Quotes from youth participants:
My favorite thing about attending this trip was seeing agriculture through a different lens and making industry connections with top tier livestock professionals. Also, getting to share this experience with other passionate livestock individuals.
The most valuable thing I learned from this tour was that you can start your operation small and grow from there and that all things other producers do that make their operation more efficient may not be what works for my operation.
I learned that every operation has a different story and that we can create our own with hard work, an education, mentors, and the valuable experiences we have had.
I learned that agriculture is different in different states but I can appreciate those differences. Connections are valuable.
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