Author: Regina Browning
Planning Unit: Shelby County CES
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Plan of Work: Agriculture Awareness and Sustainabilty
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Engaging youth in agriculture is critical to ensuring that we have educated future leaders in the agricultural industry. Livestock production, animal sciences, agricultural education and career pathways in agriculture are important building blocks for young people. The 4-H youth Development Agents partnered with the Ag & Natural Resources Agent to plan a Youth Stock Tour across seven states over Spring Break. 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. Youth were also able to visit college campuses and learn about career opportunities in agriculture.
Shelby County Extension Agents coordinated transportation, lodging, host sites, budgets and all required documents to travel. Youth and adults from Scott and Henry Counties were also invited to attend. Youth from these counties are tough competitors in Livestock Skillathon and Quiz Bowl competitions, but this was an opportunity to interact and build relationships in a noncompetitive environment.
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. An evaluation at the conclusion of the tour revealed that all the youth had a better understanding of production practice such as intensive grazing, bull testing, feedlots, reproduction practices, and genetics. Ninety seven percent of the youth indicated that they learned something that they intend to incorporate into their own farm or with their livestock. One hundred percent of the youth learned more about agricultural majors and careers in agriculture and seventy-percent plan to attend college and pursue a degree in agriculture.
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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