Describe the Issue or Situation.

Pendleton County 4-H identified a need to strengthen its livestock judging program and develop a pipeline of skilled and confident participants from an early age. Historically, older youth involved in livestock judging faced challenges due to limited foundational experience in the intricacies of animal husbandry, decision-making, and public speaking. Additionally, the absence of structured opportunities for younger members to engage with livestock judging in a meaningful, age-appropriate manner hindered the long-term growth of the program. To address this gap, the Pendleton County 4-H Cloverbud Livestock Judging Program was introduced for the 2024-2025 program year. .

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The Cloverbud Livestock Judging Program introduces 10 youth, aged 6-8, to the basics of livestock judging, animal husbandry, and public speaking. Practices occur for two hours every Tuesday from October to June, featuring interactive lessons, hands-on livestock handling, and farm visits to enhance learning.

A unique aspect of this program is the involvement of older 4-H livestock team members, who serve as mentors to the Cloverbuds. These mentors assist during practices, teach foundational livestock judging techniques, and help create a supportive and engaging community. This mentorship not only builds relationships between older and younger members but also provides leadership development opportunities for the older 4-Hers.

The program also collaborates with a variety of local and regional farms, offering participants exposure to diverse livestock breeds, management practices, and farm operations. These partnerships enrich the learning experience by giving participants firsthand opportunities to apply their skills in real-world agricultural settings.

Additionally, parents travel with the Cloverbuds, fostering a family-centered learning environment. Activities such as reading, writing, and speaking assignments are integrated to build communication skills alongside agricultural knowledge.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

The program served 10 Cloverbud members aged 6-8, representing diverse backgrounds, from rural farming families to first-time agricultural learners. Seventeen older 4-H members, aged 13-17, participated as mentors, helping with practices and sharing their expertise with younger members. Additionally, 5 parents actively supported their children by attending practices and facilitating travel.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Evaluation data and feedback from participants, parents, and mentors demonstrate significant outcomes for the inaugural year of the program:

1. Cloverbud Development:

   • 100% of Cloverbud participants showed measurable improvements in livestock evaluation knowledge, as evidenced by pre- and post-program assessments.
   • 90% of Cloverbuds reported feeling more confident expressing their opinions during judging activities and group discussions.

2. Mentorship and Leadership Growth:

   • 100% of older 4-H mentors indicated growth in their leadership, teaching, and communication skills through their involvement with the program.
   • Mentors reported feeling more connected to the 4-H community, with 90% expressing pride in their ability to contribute to younger members’ success.

3. Strengthening Community and Family Engagement:

   • Parents noted increased enthusiasm and understanding of agriculture among their children, with all planning to continue their involvement in 4-H programs.
   • The collaboration between Cloverbuds, mentors, and parents created a stronger sense of community within the Pendleton County 4-H program.

4. Program Legacy and Growth:

   • The program established a pipeline for future livestock judging participants, with all Cloverbud families expressing interest in advancing to the next level of 4-H livestock judging.
   • The mentorship model fostered a culture of collaboration and learning, setting a standard for future initiatives.

The Pendleton County 4-H Cloverbud Livestock Judging Program not only builds foundational skills for its youngest members but also strengthens the community by empowering older youth to lead and fostering family engagement in agricultural education. Partnerships with local and regional farms ensure diverse and practical learning experiences, setting the stage for long-term program success.