At the request of the Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association to have an educational livestock project for youth, a Youth Heifer Chain Program was developed and implemented. The goals of the program are to encourage involvement in the dairy and beef industries, learn proper animal husbandry, and personal responsibility and pride. The program has appealed to youth and families beyond traditional livestock producers. Since the 2007 inception of the program, 80 youth have participated.

The Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association has administered $140,345 grant funds from the Tobacco Master Settlement Funds to support the program. A committee of seven dairy and beef producers oversee the program in conjunction with the Taylor County 4-H and Agriculture Agents. To receive a heifer, the youth must sign a contract agreeing to attend educational sessions on animal safety, nutrition, health, reproduction and showmanship clinic. In addition, the youth are required to show at the Taylor County Fair and return a heifer to the program.

Of the 80 participants, 42 youth have never owned livestock before, 57 youth are still engaged in livestock production and 11 youth are showing in county, state and national livestock shows.

Many parents have commented that the Heifer Chain Program has been the best activity their child has ever been involved in. Many grandparents have commented this program has brought their child’s family closer together.