According to the 2023 University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment for Hardin County, local residents identified youth life skills, leadership development, and agricultural literacy as top priorities. Additionally, the need to foster responsibility and work ethic in youth was frequently cited. In response to these needs, the Hardin County 4-H Program continues to support agricultural education through hands-on livestock experiences that develop youth knowledge, confidence, and critical life skills.

To address these needs, the Hardin County 4-H Program continued to implement a comprehensive youth livestock education program. This included monthly 4-H Livestock Club meetings, preparation for competitive livestock judging and skill-a-thon contests, and a culminating livestock show at the Hardin County Fair. Strategic partnerships were vital to the success of this effort. Collaborators included Hardin County FFA chapters, local community sponsors who provided monetary and in-kind support, and the Hardin County Fair Board, which offered facilities and promotion for the event.

More than 14 youth actively participated in the Hardin County 4-H Livestock Club, which met monthly for business meetings, animal care education, and hands-on learning experiences. Participants included youth who competed on a 4-H State Skill-a-thon team and a 4-H State Livestock Judging team. A Novice Showmanship class, designed for youth who were not yet members of the 4-H Livestock Club, attracted more than 10 additional youth. The event also welcomed three new Cloverbuds (5-8 year old youth) who participated in their first show experience, helping lay the foundation for future involvement.

The program resulted in measurable impacts in both youth development and agricultural competency. Of the 14 exhibitors, 79% (11 youth) were returning 4-H exhibitors, showing sustained engagement and growth in livestock knowledge. 21% (3 youth) were first-year exhibitors, and all three demonstrated skills at a competitive level, placing among their peers with confidence and competence. Two of the first year exhibitors (first year showing competitively) won the Supreme exhibitor award for different animal species. This award is based on a 3-prong point system which combined their livestock judging, showmanship, and market class results. The inclusion of three new Cloverbuds (5-8 year olds) in the show marks successful early recruitment efforts and enthusiasm for future participation.

This year also marked the first partnership between the 4-H/FFA Livestock Show and Hardin County Farm Bureau to host a community partner and sponsor appreciation/media luncheon. This new initiative served as both a celebration and educational opportunity, strengthening community connections to local youth programming. During the luncheon, several 4-H youth participated in a panel discussion hosted by KY 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Melissa Miller, where they shared their experiences in 4-H, detailed the work involved in their livestock projects, and reflected on the personal growth they have experienced through their participation. Speaking in front of peers, community leaders, and agricultural professionals, these youth demonstrated elevated communication skills, leadership, and poise—clear indicators of the program’s impact beyond the show ring.

Parents, community partners, and volunteers also reported noticeable development in confidence, responsibility, and public speaking among participants. These outcomes directly support the priority areas identified in the 2023 Hardin County Community Needs Assessment, particularly in developing youth leadership, life skills, and agricultural literacy.