Advanced Learning Opportunities in the Livestock Project Billy Zanolini Jason Cleere We are not looking to replace the youth livestock project! Mission The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture. Objectives • Prepare youth to serve in leadership capacities in junior livestock programs across Texas. • Prepare youth for the experience of the University setting, through intensive science based instruction and experiences. • Prepare and provide opportunities for youth to serve in advocacy roles for animal agriculture, 4-H, and junior livestock programs. • Develop a heightened awareness of career opportunities in animal agriculture and advocacy. Background Problems – Livestock project clinics focused on novice families – Teenage Flight from the 4-H Program – Limited opportunities for advanced livestock production knowledge – Limited use of qualified young adults to assist with agricultural education – Need for a youth voice – Need for more activities that reflect the college experience – County Extension Agents need the help (Comal) Background-Pilot • July 14-16, 2008 • Madison/Grimes County 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course – – – – – • Home Economics Building (9) youth ages 11-15 Madison, Grimes and Walker 3-day animal science workshop- 20 hours of instruction Speakers: County agents, Extension livestock specialists, veterinarians and industry representatives – Introductory Animal Science-TAMU ANSC 107 – Frozen Pig, cattle reproductive tracts and a donated sheep (6) Completed the program Anatomy of the Short Course • What does it take to be a Livestock Ambassador? – 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding their livestock projects – Students with a profound interest in animal science and Livestock production – Students who have shown advanced leadership qualities and the a willingness to help others. – Good grades • Application process – Student must complete an application to their selected short course – *Student must be approved by the County Agent – Participant Fee $100 Program • Contribute 30 hours in a year – Service • Helping novice 4-H Families • Disseminating information • Actively engaging the public • Advocating for animal agriculture – Continued education • Livestock Camps • Short Courses • Distance learning • State Meetings – Accountability • Online reporting Future • Increase educational contact with Ambassadors – – – – Additional face-to-face courses Distance education Curriculum/support materials State meetings/courses • Provide financial support for Ambassador’s educational efforts – Travel to events or courses – Educational materials – Short courses • Increase staff – Add more county agent contribution Future • Increase educational contact with Ambassadors – Additional face-to-face courses – Distance education – Curriculum/support materials – State meetings/courses • Provide financial support for Ambassador’s educational efforts – Travel to events or courses – Educational materials – Short courses • Increase staff – Add more county agent help So what? • These are good young adults – They have always been here – They work for free – Families and communities made them who they are, we capitalize on their raising • Release their energy – They are young, passionate, smart and hungry to accomplish big things – Invest their energy in preserving animal agriculture – “We should be” They are and have been – No sticker and not bake sale leadership – Why do they do it? 2013 Short Courses • Texas A&M University – – – – Limited to 25 students July 15-18 Applications due June 22 Contact Billy Zanolini for information • Texas Tech University – – – – Limited to 25 students July 22-24 Applications due June 22 Contact Andy Hart for information Livestock Judging • Major Livestock Show Contests – San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo • February 16, 2013 – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo • February 24, 2013 – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • March 11, 2013 – Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo • March 23, 2013 Additional Livestock Show Contests • • • • • • Agricultural Public Speaking Beef Skillathon $$$ Sheep Skillathon $$$ Swine Skillathon $$$ Beef Quiz Bowl HLSR Public Speaking $$$ San Antonio Skillathon Contests • Entry Deadline – December 1, 2012 • Contest Dates – Beef Skillathon – February 13, 2013 – Sheep Skillathon – February 12, 2013 – Swine Skillathon – February 6, 2013 Commercial Steer and Heifer Projects • More applied production practices • Winners selected upon: – Cattle Quality – Record books – Interview