Success Story - Livestock Safety at Youth Safety Day

Livestock Safety at Youth Safety Day

Major Program: Agriculture

Plan of Work: Agriculture and Natural Resources Education for Youth

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

There are approximately 13, 600 head of cattle in Marshall County (USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service.) It is common knowledge that cattle and other large livestock often escape their enclosures but few members of the general population know how to safely interact with these escaped livestock. Many adults and children lack experience with large animals, having never been around livestock. A large number of those who have have experience with livestock, only have experience with large animals in low stress agri-tourism settings where they view tame livestock in a controlled environment.

On October 17th, the Marshall County Conservation District hosted a "Youth Safety Day." The Marshall County Extension Office was invited to give a presentation. Agriculture Agent, Nikki Rhein, volunteered to teach livestock safety. Nikki hoped to teach children about agriculture and how to safely interact with large animals. Nikki and Roxanne Lee, Extension Program Assistant, taught the 5th graders about the different types of livestock, each types safety related weaknesses, strengths, and how they can safely interact with them. 

Approximately 410 youth and 35 adults attended the event. Nikki and Roxanne replicated the lesson 20 times. After every lesson they surveyed the participants. 100% of the participants indicated gained knowledge relating to agriculture and livestock! After this great success, they plan to replicate this topic for future safety days. 