The U.K., Cooperative Extension Service and Kenton County 4-H certified livestock volunteers plan and execute the educational meetings required for livestock participants in Kenton County.  Cooperative Extension surveys conducted in 2011, 2015, and 2018, re-affirmed the importance of youth learning about livestock and animal health by raising market and production animals.  Although the number of farms and average size of farms in Kenton County continues to steadily decline according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the number of youth involved and the number of animals raised remains consistent.  The 4-H livestock project involves raising and caring for live animals while learning about animal health, nutrition, breeding, selection and marketing. Animal projects offer outstanding opportunities for individuals to gain experience in decision making, record keeping, responsibility, and leadership. Kenton 4-H members have demonstrated knowledge of sound breeding, feeding and management practices, they have explored career and job opportunities in agricultural related industries, and have learned the principles of marketing and public speaking.  The market animal project allows youth to make a relatively short term commitment with lambs or hogs and learn about livestock.  Property in Kenton County is approximately 97% urban/suburban, since 2008, ten 4-H members who participated in livestock projects have majored in agriculture and 49 4-H’ers have used earnings from the annual market livestock auction (total 2008 to 2015 = $684,335.00) to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities receiving Associates, Bachelors, Masters Degrees, and currently a PhD reaching a long term goal. Since 2008, ten 4-H members have received scholarship support from the Northern Kentucky Cattleman’s Association among other scholarship pursuits. Since 2009 thirty three 4-H members and fourteen past livestock project members have presented informational livestock speeches to the Independence Business Association. This activity is informative for the business owners and provides a direct marketing opportunity for the 4-H members. The livestock program is further validated by the involvement of graduated 4-H livestock members and their effort to ensure the continued success of the program by serving as presenters.  Since 2011, three former livestock members have been recognized as Governor's Scholars.  The GSP distinction provided significant funding for their education and their 4-H recordbooks were vital when completing the application process for Governor's Scholars.  25 different livestock youth who participated in 2008 to present 2019 are currently serving in a 4-H or Cooperative Extension volunteer service role.