190 likes | 315 Views
Advanced Learning Opportunities in the Livestock Project. Billy Zanolini Jason Cleere. We are not looking to replace the youth livestock project!. Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program August 2, 2012. Mission The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program strives to provide
E N D
Advanced Learning Opportunities in the Livestock Project Billy Zanolini Jason Cleere
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