The average American is at least three generations removed from the farm. Many do not know where their food comes from, nor do they know how livestock thrive on family farms. The Warren County 4-H Club has been established for 29 years and has taught many 4-H members about animal agriculture and how to engage in livestock projects. 

In recent years, two programs, Livestock Skillathon and YAIP (Youth Agriculture Incentives Program) have elevated the knowledge and skills of Warren County 4-H Livestock Club Members and provided them with the opportunity for hands-on agriculture projects. The skillathon program taught 8 youth about livestock production including identifying different breeds of animals, recognizing various tools and equipment used on livestock and reasons for their use, analyzing hay test reports and deciding which hay would be best to feed in a livestock feeding scenario, and evaluating EPD’s (expected progeny difference) to be used in breeding scenarios. The information covered in a livestock skillathon contest is expansive and it takes months to prepare youth, 9-18 years old, to grasp the concepts they will be tested over.  In the past 2 years, 8 4-H members have prepared for the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest. In comparing scores from 2024 and 2025, members increased their level of knowledge by 50%. Members excelled at identification, evaluation, and overall scores. Award highlights included two members to receive 2^nd and 3^rd place in top 9-10 year old category, five individual award placings including 1^st overall in senior evaluation, and 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th place junior team placings. 

The 2^nd program that has elevated livestock club engagement with livestock is the YAIP program. This program allows youth to “dip their toes” into agriculture production projects to see if they like it. It is a 50-50 cost share project where members can receive up to $1500 in funding. A total of 13 livestock club members have benefited from this project. Projects have included purchases of livestock, equipment purchases, show supplies and barn improvements. Nearly 70% of these members have received cost-sharing funding for two years or more and of the 13, eleven members have maintained or grown their herd size, improved their herd genetics, shown at county fairs, district livestock shows and the Kentucky State Fair.  Funding partners include the Warren County 4-H Council, administrator of the YAIP program, Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund who provides funding and Warren County Agriculture Development Council who approved funding for the project.