Creating hands on learning opportunities is key for youth interested in agriculture. By allowing a safe environment to learn the correct way to manage a beef cattle herd, better management strategies can be utilized in the future. Often, what we teach our youth is the first line of getting that information into the hands of their parents who are producers at home. While cattle working contest exists in the western part of our state, nothing similar occurs on the Eastern side. As a group, barriers were identified that could potentially prevent youth on this side of the state from participating in that contest.

To better prepare our regionally local youth, several Eastern Kentucky Extension Agents, Beef Specialist and Robinson Center Staff joined forces to create the first ever Eastern Kentucky Youth Cattle Working Clinic and Contest held at the UK Robinson Center. As a planning group, we wanted to focus on the education portion, ensuring students learned in a safe environment the correct way to perform standard industry practices. The day was divided into two pieces, education and then a contest to determine was learned. During the morning session, students attended a BQCA training taught by UK Beef Specialist Kevin Laurent. Additionally, each student attended a session with Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler where students learned about nutrition, body condition scores, as well as feed and equipment ID. Lastly, students went to a session with ANR Agents, Chad Conway, David Coffey, Reed Graham, Kristen Stumbo and Jessica Morris Denniston where each participated in simulations to demonstrate the correct way to band, give vaccinations as well as ear tag cattle. 

After lunch each student completed their BQCA test where each student received their BQCA Certification. During the contest, each content area that was taught that morning was tested. Students took a live calf through the cattle chute, checked temperatures, safely gave a vaccination and then was judged on its placement back into the holding pen. Additionally, each team was tested on Body Condition Scores, feed and equipment IDs, ear tagging , castration and completed a quiz where a medication label was read correctly. 

This day was a success before the contest ever began. As a result of the first ever Eastern Kentucky Cattle working Clinic and Contest, we had 82 youth attending from 7 counties. 82 Youth completed their BQCA training and certification. Scores determined a successful day at all testing stations. A fail rate of 0% was shown at all stations that were tested. More importantly, we received numerous comments from advisors and agents stating this was a great day for their teams and youth as well as a very hands-on educational day that they hope is offered for years to come.