Concept of Mastery taught through the 4-H Feeder Calf Project

 “In order to develop self-confidence, youth need to feel and believe they are capable, and they must experience success at solving problems and meeting challenges.  By exploring 4-H projects and activities, youth master skills to make positive career and life choices.  Additionally, youth need to have a safe environment for making mistakes and getting feedback, not just through competition, but also as an ongoing element of participation.  Finally, youth need the breadth and depth of topics that allow them to purse their own interests” (Kress, 2004).  Cathann Kress, former Director of Youth Development at National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA, identified four key concepts of youth development programs as belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.   The Daviess County 4-H Feeder Calf Project offers participants the opportunity to build upon several of the key concepts considered necessary for positive youth development.  Mastery, the building of knowledge, skills and attitudes and the demonstration of the competent use of the knowledge and skill by a proficient practitioner stand at the forefront of these key concepts.   

The Daviess County 4-H Feeder Calf Program is a twenty-year collaboration between Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H, the Daviess County Cattlemen’s Association, and the Farm Service Agency.   In a nutshell the project involves youth purchasing one or two feeder calves in early April.    The Farm Service Agency works with participants to provide low interest, short-term loans for the project.   Participants are responsible for feeding, handling, and general care of the animal(s) through project completion in August when the calves are sold at the Green River Area CPH Sale.  Most calves are halter broken and shown in a special class at the county fair.  In addition, participants must keep detailed records, pay back their loan, and submit a record book at the conclusion of the project.  Those record books are evaluated and awards are given based on the information submitted.  Many of the participants include narratives though they are not required to do so.   They share the hours of work required to halter break their calves, along with the difficulty encountered.  A fifteen year old participant shared how he is learning about budgeting:  “I was very conscious of how my project loan money was spent this summer and it was a good thing, as I didn’t make as much as last year in my overall profitability, but I am excited to continue my projects in the coming years.”  Another fifteen year old first year participants shared, “This was the best first year project ever”.   

The project averages about 20 participants, with over two thirds returning each year.  The number of returning participants, along with the number of younger siblings who participate once they reach the age of nine, serves as evidence participants feel a sense of belonging.  Independence is illustrated in the stories shared by parents and participants of self-determination including working to prepare their location for calves, learning to back a trailer and load the calves by themselves when dad has to work, and, for some, ultimately deciding to keep a heifer and start their own cow herd.

*This project was able to function during the COVID 19 pandemic due to the dedication and planning of the volunteer leader.  For the two weigh-ins, participants did not get out of their vehicle.  A limited number of volunteers unloaded, weighed and reloaded the cattle.   The exhibition show required masks and social distancing.   Exhibitors could be accompanied by one parent or guardian.  Spectators were not allowed.