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Impact Report

For plan Youth Development (Union County)
Date October 31, 2011, 11:37 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report NM 4- H Rodeo Board The extension home economist has served on the NM 4- H Rodeo Board for the past seven years. She has worked with the NM 4-H Rodeo board with rules, regulations, assisting with rodeos, serving as Recording Secretary. 4-H Rodeo is more than a competitive event. It is a 4-H project. It has the guidelines of a 4-H project. 4-H members increase their skills and knowledge I n competitive events. But, first of all it gives 4-H members life skills that they will carry through with them. 4-H members learn teamwork, sportsmanship, social skills. I have heard 4-H rodeo project members state that they really enjoy the competition but they enjoy meeting new friends and keeping touch with them throughout the year more. This agent’s daughter competes in 4-H rodeo and she has made friends that she will have throughout her life. This agent has heard other parents discussing 4-H rodeo versus other rodeos and they feel that 4-H is friendlier and allows youth who are just beginning to rodeo to excel and learn through their rodeos. Through the dedication of various extension agents, rodeos have expanded into the southern area of NM. In 2011, the participation in 4-H rodeo increased by30%. The rodeo board limited the number of rodeos that can count towards the 4-H rodeo finals given contestants a level playing field where they do not have to make all the rodeos in order to be competitive. 70% of the families expressed their appreciation of the change in the number of rodeos. They stated that they could now compete without having to haul all over the state. Eastern New Mexico State Fair and New Mexico State Fair Youth from Union County have not been competing at the ENMSF and the NMSF as much as they have in the past. When a 4-Her makes the junior livestock sale in Union County, they are guaranteed money on their project. It is not a given that they will make the sale at the NMSF or the ENMSF and many are choosing to just sell at county. Union County had 3 4-H members compete at the NMSF (2011) and two at the ENMSF (2010). Livestock families can choose to go on to regional and national stock shows. Union County has a few that do this, but not many because of the expense and the time out of school. Progressive Farmer Safety Day Progressive Farmer Safety Day are a series of safety days that are held on the eastern side of New Mexico. Union, Harding and Colfax County Cooperative Offices along with Southwestern Public Service, Sedan and Clayton Fire Departments, ENMR Plateau-Telecommunications, State Parks and Recreation, Union County Sheriff’s Posse all provide volunteers who do a 30 minute program on topics such as lawnmower safety, ATV safety, Gun Safety, Electrical Safety, Germ Detective – Hand Washing, Fire Safety, Water Safety., Grain Entrapment. Two hundred third graders, teachers, bus drivers, teacher assistants along with eight group leaders participate in these workshops. Schools that attend are: Clayton, Des Moines, Roy, Springer, Maxwell in NM, Home School students, Felt, Keyes and Boise City Oklahoma, Texline, Texas and the Stateline Christian Schools. Parents report that their children have stopped them doing unsafe practices because the “farm safety teacher told us”. Teachers and administrators ask us each year if we are going to have the safety day again, they feel the workshops and presenters keep the students engaged and interested in the content of the workshops. Although originally for farm and ranch students, the safety day has expanded the topics that can be taught so that urban youth along with rural youth can benefit from the safety day. All youth, rural and urban need to have an awareness of dangers they can be exposed to. The extension home economist along with her co-coordinator and the ICAN nutrition educator help to plan and organize this event. They also work together to set up and cleanup the facility – which is the Union County Fairgrounds. This was the tenth year for safety day in Union County. In coordination with Farm Safety Day – the extension home economist and the co-coordinator for the safety day attended a coordinators training. At these trainings, coordinators learn about new topics that can be used and meet with other coordinators from around the nations. Record Books New record book CD’s were developed and provided to each 4-H family by the extension home economist. Record book workshops were given in Clayton and Des Moines with 20 youth and parents attending. The workshop was held to familiarize the members with changes in record book forms so that they can be prepared when it is time to do their record books. The CD’s were redone this year to include Word 97-2003, since in 2010 it was discovered that many of the 4-H families do not have Word 2007. This year 100% of the members were able to use the cd’s as they are and comment were made that it makes it a lot easier to do the record books with the cd’s and the workshops. Record Books are an important part of the 4-H experience. Members learn how to keep records, determine whether a livestock project is profitable or not and what to do to improve their livestock practices. They also learn to keep track of their project activities and leadership events. Competitive Events: 2011 was the third year for the combined Union County 4-H/Clayton FFA judging practice. This was thought of on the way to Denver to the National Western 4-H Roundup. This agent and 4-H leader Sug Farrington discussed the number of practices that our youth are able to participate in during the spring. After coordinating with the Clayton FFA Advisor – the practice day was set up for after District FFA and before State FFA, all counties and FFA chapters are invited. According to the advisors and agents, the quality of the livestock, horses and contests helps them to better prepare for their future judging contests. 4-H members begin in the spring with contest practices. This year, the extension agent and a head 4-H leader traveled to all the 4-H clubs to introduce them to various contests. Hands on workshop were given in livestock judging, consumer decision making, home ec skillathon, livestock skillathon and horticulture judging. A 25% increase in the number of 4-H members competing from 2010 to 2011 was directly related to the workshops that were held. 4-H County Contests were held to determine which 4-H members would compete at District and State Contests. District Contest was held in Raton with fifteen youth attended the district contests held in Raton. This agent assists Shelly Porter with the Favorite Food Contest and organizes the Consumer Decision Making contest. The Consumer Decision Making team (Junior) was first, Livestock Judging Jr lst, Horse Judging 2nd, Fashion Revue Mix and Match lst, Novice Public Speaking 2nd, Favorite Foods Junior lst, Novice 3rd and 5th, Horticulture lst, Shooting Sports Target lst, Light lst. State 4-H Contest saw 13 Union County 4-H members competing. This year was a rebuilding year with many first year Senior members. 4-H members still did a good job and we look forward to many more good years with this young bunch. The Horse Judging Team from 2010 competed at the National Western Stock Show Horse Judging in Denver in January 2011. 4H members also participated in workshops. One member placed in the top five in Halter and the team placed in the top 10 overall. Team members participated in various fund raising events including selling pinto beans, onions, green chili, concession stands at the 4th of July and the Hayden Labor Day rodeo. They served a banquet for the Elk’s Lodge. 4-H Council, Happy Rock 4-H and NM 4-H Foundation also helped fund the trip. Members raised enough money over what was donated to pay for their judging clothes, room, registration and meals. They were exposed to horses different from what they see here on their ranches and what they ride. They also judged classes that we don’t see very often in New Mexico. The team members also went ice skating, and to the Denver Aquarium. Sug Farrington, Tricia Riley and myself accompanied the team and gave them lots of support. Leadership: Senior Leadership Retreat and Youth Getaway Three Union County 4-H members attended the Senior Leadership Retreat held in Albuquerque in January. Youth participated in hand on workshops in leadership, communication, teamwork, social skills and speaking workshops. These workshops are designed to increase life skills. The goal of SLR is to help senior age 4-H youth to succeed in personal and group leadership roles. Activities and workshops led by the New Mexico State 4-H Officer team and others have the three Union County youth who attended the day and a half retreat the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills, which will in turn enhance the Union County Program. The members interact with other youth from throughout the state. One member stated that she was glad that the retreat started on Saturday because she would not have been able to attend on Friday because of basketball. Three youth attended Youth Getaway held at Inlow Baptist Camp. Youth participated in hands on workshops and activities which enable youth to increase their life skills in leadership, teamwork, problem solving, communication and cooperation. 90% of the youth reported an increase in teamwork and self-esteem. They also related that they learned how to appreciate someone for their difference. Because of various events, none of the members from 2010 attended but the three who attended in 2011 stated they plan on attending in 2012 and getting their fellow 4-H members to come also. Home Economics School This is the first year Union County has sent any members to Home Ec. School. The one member who attended has a wonderful time. She participated in various activities which will help her in her various projects. She stated that she will definately go back in 2012. She will also encourage other members to attend. Beef Quality Assurance: The Steer Performance program in Union County is in its third year. Northeastern NM Extension Livestock Specialist, 4-H leaders and fair board members have fine turned the program for its second year. One of the requirements in the program is that all members 4-H and FFA who participated must attend a Beef Quality Assurance program. This gives the youth information on how to take care of their animals responsibly and that those animals will reach the food supply healthy and with quality meat for the consumer. Five youth and their parents attended the workshop. Members and parents both stated that they were using livestock practices contrary to the BQA and were planning on changing those practices to meet with the BQA guidelines. Only members who have not participated in the BQA program before have to attend. This program is being used as a basis for a new 4-H Beef project. County Fair The extension home economist serves as the general superintendent for the open and 4-H home economics and creative arts department at the county fair. She along with 4-H parents and leaders, Extension Association of NM members and volunteers set up for the county fair. They also serve as superintendents of the various departments. This year saw an increase in the exhibits in the open and 4-H divisions. 100% of the youth enrolled in 4-H entered their projects are required in the livestock and indoor exhibits. The youth showcased their development of life skills through the indoor and livestock exhibits. 250 educational exhibits and 210 livestock projects were exhibited. 80% of the 4-H youth showed an increase in the knowledge and skills in home economics and creative arts projects. This was shown through the baking products, leathercraft, photography, etc. which were exhibited at the county fair. The extension home economist serves as an advisor to the Union County Fair Board, There are new members on the board and they have lots of new ideas. This agent works with the fair board members to make decisions that will be serve the youth and adults in the area. Many changes that were made this year were positive and an increase in participation in the fair was seen. Union County 4-H Welcome to New Mexico 4-H This program was presented to all 4-H members who have been a member for less than three years. In 2012, it will be done for all new members. Members and leaders participated in the various section of the project and in a Welcome to 4-H quiz prepared and presented by the home economist. 15 members and 25 parents took part in the workshop. Many members who had been in 4-H for more than one year stated that they learned more about the basic 4-H organization after participating in the workshop. 4-H members learn about the pledge, motto, slogan, community service, colors, and leadership. They also were introduced to judging and demonstrations, public speaking. Project were also discussed, what is available and what is required in each project. National 4-H Week 4-H Clubs were encouraged to put up window displays, posters at school, PSA's on the radio to promote national 4-H week. All clubs did at least one of the above and 4H members went to elementary schools and the junior high to talk about 4-H and invite and encourage youth to join 4-H. From that effort we added 10 new members in 2011. Union County 4-H Council Union County 4-H Council meets three times a year. This is the governing body for the county and clubs are encouraged to attend. Each club has 6 votes. Programs are presented and discussed, community service projects etc. 90% of youth actively involved in the County Council gained mastery of skills related to leadership as evidenced in increased willingness to serve as officers in their local clubs. Several members of council have gone on to run for Student Council officers at school and FFA offices. 4-H Achievement Night Seven 4-H Council officers served as the keynote speaker, emcee, pledge leaders, and presenters at the Annual Leaders 4-H Achievement Night Banquet. This activity helps to increase officer’s public speaking skills, and gives them ownership of the program and the banquet. 4-H Council president took photos and made the annual slide show. 100 members, parents and guests attended the event. 4-H members help to set up and organize the banquet. Families bring the sides for the meat and bread provided by Council. This allows more families to attend because the cost is less than having to purchase a meal for each person. Baking Workshop; With several new members enrolled in Baking I, a workshop was held for those members. Seven members participated in the workshop where they learned skills such as measuring, using liquid and dry measure, importance of various ingredients, food safety, how to read directions, oven preparation, baking pan preparation etc. Because one group did not read their directions – they had an “experiment” on one set of cookies. They were able to see what happens when an ingredient is left out. 4-H Senior member, Tessa Franz assisted the extension home economist with the workshop. 4-H members baked three different cookies, muffins and biscuits. They learned how to determine a quality product. They used their own products to determine what they could do the next time they baked to have a better finished product. The members also helped to wash dishes and clean up after the workshop. The parents came towards the last of the workshop and were involved in the evaluation of the products. The members and parents commented on how much fun they had, how much they learned and “when are we going to do ti again?” Clothing Construction One member who was taking Sew Much More Fun brought her capris to me to look at. We determined that they would not work at all for the county contests and so we set up a couple of sewing workshops. So, we started all over and that meant ripping out a lot of seams. It was a very interesting set of workshops. The young lady worked hard and we completed the capris and a chef’s apron. She is interested in sewing again in 2012 and I hope that we get in on the ground floor and don’t have to redo her garments. She learned about cutting out fabric on the grain, the importance of measuring, fabric selection, sewing supplies, controlling her sewing machine, how to thread a needle, the importance of pressing and ironing correctly.