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
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Prepare youth to serve in leadership capacities in junior livestock
programs across Texas.
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Prepare youth for the experience of the University setting, through
intensive science based instruction and experiences.
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Prepare and provide opportunities for youth to serve in advocacy
roles for animal agriculture, 4-H, and junior livestock programs.
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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
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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
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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
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Limited to 25 students
July 15-18
Applications due June 22
Contact Billy Zanolini for information
• Texas Tech University
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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
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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