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Impact Report

For plan Youth Development (Torrance County)
Date November 1, 2011, 10:33 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report Junior Livestock Program The Agent spent a substantial amount of time in assisting 4-H members and parents within Torrance County and across the state with Junior Livestock Program. This program is designed to directly impact youth and increase their life skills. Members completed and competed with their projects at the Torrance County Fair, New Mexico State Fair, Eastern New Mexico State Fair, and National Western Livestock Show in Denver. In 2011 all 4-H members assisted by the agent had high placing animals with most making the sale at each show. The knowledge gained and showmanship improvement was very evident at each show as the members increased their understanding of selection, care and show preparation. 4-H members assisted by the agent won the top showmanship honors in their respective age groups at both the Torrance County Fair in market lambs, goat, and swine and New Mexico State Fair in market lambs. Many help sessions within the Junior Livestock program were developed and delivered to assist groups and individual members and help make their experience in the program a positive learning one. The agent offered his services to help members select animals at sales and farms. He also worked with individuals to determine the proper feed selection and program for each animal raised. The agent assisted approximately 25 members within the county and 40 around the state on different livestock projects. In January, the member attended and assited 4-H members at the National Western Livestock Show where 3 members the agent assisted made the sale with market lambs. This was a great learning experience for members not only in the livestock showring, but also in the Premier Exhibitor contest, and additional competition for only exhibitors making the sale. In this competition, the 4-H'ers were giving a test over the sheep industry, their lambs were evaluated for carcass quality, and each participant gave an interactive speech over an assigned aspect of the livestock industry. Though our participants didn't place, their level of competitive ability increased through this hands-on competition. During October's Eastern New Mexico State Fair, the agent worked with fifteen 4-H members, assisting five into sale slots in both the market lamb and swine barns. At the end of June, the agent worked at the 4-H lamb school where approximately 100 4-H members participated. The event was held over 4 days. The participants learned the basics of selection, feed, and care of market lambs. A significant amount of time was devoted to showmanship where the members showed amazing improvement from beginning to end. The agent stayed in contact with many members after the event when he offered his services to answer questions or provide advice. At least 20% of the participants followed-up with phone calls seeking guidance. Market Lamb Showmanship Clinic - The agent prepared and presented a lamb showmanship program to members, Cloverbuds, and parents over lamb showmanship. During the sessions over a 4-week period, the agent while focusing on showmanship, also taught participants the importance of consistent focused care, identifying condition, exercise, proper nutrition, and prevention of ringworm. At the Torrance County Fair, the agent worked with all 4-H members who made requests for assistance, helping approximately 30 exhibitors with their swine, sheep and goat projects. The agent also assisted with the 4-H barbecue, a major community service and fundraiser for the 4-H County Council. The agent spent four days assisting members at the New Mexico State Fair. Torrance County 4-H members in the market lamb barn earned success with multiple first, second, and third place honors. The agent made countless home visits throughout the year to assist members with their projects. While on home visits the agent evaluated the members' animals as well as assisting in tagging, tattooing, DNA extraction for the New Mexico State Fair and national shows. Home visits are a great way for the agent to interact with members and parents on a one-on-one basis in a comfortable setting where questions relating to the junior livestock program are answered and hands-on training occurs. County, District and State Contests The agent assisted with the county and the Torrance County hosted district contests. The agent also trained ten 4-H members in Consumer Decision-Making.