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Impact Report

For plan Youth Development (Chaves County)
Date October 21, 2010, 4:03 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report County Showmanship Clinic 42 4-H members attended a countywide Showmanship and Selection workshop. Youth received hands on training related to animal selection, grooming, showmanship techniques, and appropriate attire. The workshop covered market swine, market lamb, market goat, dairy heifer and market steer projects. Based on observation, 89% of youth reported an increase in knowledge related to selection, showmanship techniques, and dressing for the show. 75% of youth reported an increase in mastery skills such as planning and organizing, and self-motivation. State Livestock School 21 4-H members attended State Livestock School. Youth received hands on training related to selection, feeding, grooming, and showmanship techniques. 96% of youth reported an increase in showmanship techniques, show preparation, and clipping and grooming and nutrition. 90% of youth reported an increase in mastery skills such as goal setting, planning, and self-discipline. One parent wrote: “This was a great experience! Every member and parent should attend this school. The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful and the kids have fun while learning. We will be attending next year!” County Competitive Events County competitive events and contest trainings were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. 96% of novice youth advanced to district level competition. Contest areas included livestock judging, rifle, air rifle, wool, livestock skill-a-thon, meats identification, favorite foods, wildlife, clothing revue, home economics skill-a-thon, horticulture, demonstrations, consumer decision, and home economics bowl. 100% of youth participating in competitive events increased mastery and independence related to teamwork, character, and critical thinking as evidenced by team camaraderie, positive sportsmanship and completion of project related activities. County Fair 160 youth participated in the Chaves County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through livestock exhibits. Over 500 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $315,000 was paid to Chaves County 4-H members through the junior livestock sale and over $4,000.00 was awarded in fair related scholarships. 87% of Chaves County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to livestock, horse, rabbit, and poultry projects as evidenced by the quality of animals shown, ribbons won, and showmanship awards received. One judge stated: “This is one of the best fairs I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. The quality of animals runs deep in every class and the kids are a pleasure to work with.” State Fair 18 youth participated in the New Mexico State Fair showcasing their development of life skills through livestock exhibits. 58 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $15,000.00 was paid to Chaves County 4-H members through the junior livestock sale and premiums. 65% of Chaves County youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to livestock as evidenced by the quality of animals shown and ribbons won. Eastern New Mexico State Fair 63 youth participated in the Eastern New Mexico State Fair showcasing their life skill development through livestock exhibits. Over 275 livestock projects were exhibited. 75% of Chaves County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to their livestock projects as evidenced by recognition received and positive feedback for continued improvement. The 19 youth representing Chaves County in the junior livestock sale received over $50,000.00 for their projects. Local Club Meetings and Programs 52% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club. County 4-H Council Meetings and Programs 5% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through leadership roles at the county level. Community Service 75% of local clubs conduct community service projects and 65% of 4-H youth participate in service projects at the county level. Examples of County Community Service Projects include: trash pickup, fairgrounds clean-up, and many other creative community contributions. Youth increased knowledge and skills relate to generosity and service learning, contributions to group efforts and responsible citizenship as evidenced by willingness to serve, appreciation of service opportunities and youth assuming leadership roles related to service. Results were observed by the agent as well as reported by club leaders and in member record books. Awards and Recognition 12 4-H youth served as keynote speakers, emcees, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual County 4-H Banquet, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received plaques and medals in recognition of their achievements and increase in life skills related to mastery, belonging, generosity and independence throughout the 2009-2010 program year. 108 members, leaders and guests attended the event. Sponsorships and Fundraising Youth work with adult partners to solicit donations and sponsorships for 4-H programming, scholarships, and county fair needs as well as conducting fundraisers. Chaves County conducted a variety of fundraisers to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Fundraisers included raffles, dances, and a dessert auction. The county rose over $5,000.00 toward providing quality programs. Youth gained knowledge in organizing and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships. Project Visits Youth involved in animal projects in Chaves County make up a large part of the Chaves County 4-H program. The 4-H agent made visits to approximately 65 residences throughout Chaves County visiting projects this summer. Some of these visits were made with local FFA advisors and representatives of the New Mexico Livestock Board. Projects seen while making these visits were: market swine, market lamb, beef heifer, market steer, meat goat, horse, poultry, rabbit and dairy heifer projects. Animal projects’ progress was documented throughout the summer and advice was given to 4-H youth, parents, and leaders on feeding, exercise, and showmanship with these projects. Kids & Kows & More The Chaves County and Eddy County Extension Offices cooperated with Southwest Dairy Farmers and local businesses and individuals to co-sponsor the Kids & Kows & More Program for Chaves and Eddy County fourth grade students and their teachers. The Kids & Kows & More program provides both urban and rural children with a taste of the farm. This program educates youth on area natural resources and local agriculture production, while also impressing upon the youth the importance of New Mexico agriculture and our natural resources. The three day program, held at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Roswell, consisted of eight educational stations including the “Mobile Dairy Classroom,” “Insects,” “Pecans,” “Chile,” “New Mexico Beef,” “Bees and Pollination,” and “Sheep and Wool.” The agent assisted with sponsorship of the program, coordinated group leaders and volunteers, and provided interviews for the local television stations. A total of 1240 students, teachers and parents gained knowledge of the area’s agriculture products. Youth learned that milk, other food products, and many of our clothing items do not just “come from the store,” but are produced by farmers and ranchers who strive to produce safe and wholesome products. Students gained positive attitudes about agriculture products due to the knowledge gained. These positive attitudes result in an educated public that supports and protects agriculture. One teacher wrote “AS always, I have been truly impressed with all of the exhibits. Thank all of you for the time dedicated to educating our children. Job well done!” Progressive Agriculture Safety Day The annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day that was held at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Roswell. Students from public and private schools and those home-schooled in the Roswell community attended the camp over a two-day period. Youth received instruction on ten topics ranging from traditional Agricultural Safety Day topics of “Electrical Safety” to more “non-traditional” but pertinent topics of “ATV Safety” and “Meth Awareness.” Approximately 1000 elementary school students along with their teachers and chaperones attended the day camp and gained information that can prevent serious accidents or health problems from occurring. The 4-H agent was responsible for coordinating media coverage as well as group leaders and volunteers. Evaluations completed by the group leaders and volunteers showed the topics were relevant to not only farm safety but safety in all aspects of life and they gained information that could save their lives or will assist them in keeping healthy. State Livestock School The 4-H agent served as an instructor for the State 4-H Lamb School. There were approximately 75 youth participating in lamb school with 40 being considered beginners with less than 2 years of lamb showing experience. The agent was responsible for teaching 13 beginner youth. This group was made up entirely of youth who had never shown a lamb previously. During the showmanship contest, 3 youth out of the agent’s beginner group placed in the top 10 in the beginner showmanship class. Through this program the agent has learned several teachings techniques to help local 4-H members and parents with their lamb projects. The agent also made contacts with other instructors and group leaders which have proved to be beneficial in professional development. State 4-H Conference The 4-H agent served as superintendent/co-superintendent for the dairy judging, dairy bowl, and livestock judging contests. The agent was responsible for putting classes together for the dairy contest and coordinating reasons order. The agent also worked closely with specialists in the state office to ensure all contests ran smoothly and efficiently. Egg to Chick School Enrichment County Extension personnel provide quality educational experiences through cooperation with classroom teachers in area elementary schools. 230 kindergarten and first grade youth gained knowledge related to embryology through the Egg to Chick curriculum as well as the Cloverbud chicken curriculum. Youth gained life skills related to generosity and mastery by learning to learn and nurturing relationships as evidenced by youths’ concern for the chicks and increased ability to reason and follow logical steps in completing tasks.