History and Goals of 4-H Livestock & Horse Projects

1. History and Goals of 4-H Livestock & Horse Projects Texas 4-H and Youth Development

2. Objectives • The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition • The Growth of Livestock Projects • Life skill development through livestock and animal science participation Texas 4-H and Youth Development

3. The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition • Limited written documentation on where and when livestock exhibition was introduced • Elkanah Watson “father of U.S. agricultural fairs”(International Association of Fairs & Expositions, 2002) • First sheep fair in 1807 in Pittsfield, Mass. • Wanted to prove U.S. sheep produced equal quality wool to that of England • Today well over 3,000 fairs across the country annually. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

4. The Beginning of Livestock Exhibition • Provide industrial exhibits, demonstrations, and agricultural commodities aimed to increase quality of agriculture • Provide competition for youth to exhibit livestock for show • Most importantly, raising and exhibiting livestock has proven to develop and enhance life skills in youth Texas 4-H and Youth Development

5. Growth of Livestock Projects • Calf, swine, and dairy clubs increased significantly during World War I through 4-H due to increased support of private donors • 1917 states began to have youth shows • First youth show in Minnesota (Wessel and Wessel, 1982) • Minnesota State Livestock Breeders’ Association was first show to offer youth cash prizes to help counties hold calf and colt shows. • T.A. Erickson and W.A. McKerrow joined this livestock breeders association to establish first junior livestock show Texas 4-H and Youth Development

6. Growth of LivestockProjects • 2000, Texas 4-H and FFA members accounted for over 75,000 county livestock show entries for cattle, swine, meat goats, and sheep across the state. • Roughly half were from the Texas 4-H program. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

7. Life Skill DevelopmentThrough Livestock Projects • Six major benefits as a result of competition through showing livestock: • Social relations • Character • Family • Competition • Learning new cultures and environments • Helping finance the youth’s education Texas 4-H and Youth Development

8. Life Skill DevelopmentThrough Livestock Projects • Study done with 4-H alumni showed specific life skills that included: • Ability to make decisions • Development of a spirit of inquiry • Ability to relate to others • Maintaining of records • Public speaking • Give positive self-esteem • Help accept responsibility • 4-H animals science programs have a positive influence on life skill development Texas 4-H and Youth Development

9. Life Skill DevelopmentThrough Livestock Projects • Boleman (2003) asked parents of youth exhibiting livestock projects their perceptions on life skill development • Parents stated life skills were enhanced and the following skills were increased: • Accepting responsibility • Setting goals • Develop self-discipline • Self motivation • Knowledge of the livestock industry • Build positive self esteem • Decision making Texas 4-H and Youth Development

10. Conclusions • Understanding the history of Livestock projects is important for County Extension Agents • Life skill development is an important topic that should be discussed with stakeholders. • The ultimate goal for County Extension Agents is to develop youth!! Texas 4-H and Youth Development