Youth Development (San Juan County)

San Juan County has 619 traditional 4-H members enrolled in community clubs of these 619, 241 were 1st year members, 186 were 2-3 year memers, and 192 were members for over 4 years. The county has thirty-six community clubs for members to join and be a part of. 98% of the members developed skills developed skills relating to the projects they were enrolled in as is evident through their project completion. 75% of the members display leadership traits through local club work by serving as officers, committee members, pledge leaders, etc.
The Agent is mainly responsible for the agricultural and natural resource side of the 4-H program. Programs this year include:
Youth Development

Junior Livestock Program
The Agent spent a substantial amount of time in assisting members, parents and volunteer leaders in the Junior Livestock Program. This program is designed to directly impact youth and increase their life skills. Members complete their projects at the San Juan County Fair, New Mexico State Fair, Arizona National Livestock Show, and National Western Livestock Show in Denver. In 2007 the San Juan County Fair Junior Livestock Auction raised over $400,000 in sale receipts and “add-on’s” to 4-H members that made the sale as well as members that had non sale animals. This past year in the county we had 76 market steers, 221 market sheep, 278 market swine, 38 market goats, 78 breeding animals (including beef, sheep, and goats), 60 show horses, over 120 poultry entries, and over 150 rabbit entries.
Many programs with in the Junior Livestock program were given to assist members and help make their experience in the program a positive one. Programs include:

• Market Steer Selection & Feeding Workshop- The agent presented a program in October to members and parents about selection, feeding, facilities and care of a market steer. A PowerPoint presentation was given to assist members before they purchased their animals. Many handouts were provided to families to assist throughout the year. Many examples were given to both positive attributes and negative attributes on many market steers. This program concluded with many question and answers. The agent offered his services to help members select animals at sales and farms and this offer was taken up by many of the members. The agent educated members and leaders on all aspects of raising beef for show and gave members valuable information to assist them in the learning process of raising show cattle. Over twenty-five members and parents attended the workshop.
• Monthly Steer Weigh Days- The agent held monthly steer weigh days to assist members with their market steer projects. Weights were recorded to show the amount of growth in a month and to assist members on feeding programs. The animals were evaluated by the agent and suggestions were given to help make the project a success. Seven weigh days were held from January through July at the County Fairgrounds on the certified scale that is used during the fair. All members in the beef project attended at least one weigh day throughout the year.
• Steer Jackpots- Members from the county attended jackpots in Portales, Las Cruces, and Farmington. The agent assisted members in preparation of their steers before leaving to attend the jackpots in Portales and Las Cruces. Grooming techniques were taught to members and parents. The agent was directly responsible for preparing and putting on the “Sno-Ball Classic” Jackpot in Farmington. The agent secured judges, facilities, prizes, and state contract with the NMCCA to sanction this jackpot. Although this jackpot is co-sponsored with the Aztec FFA Alumni, this year much of the responsibilities fell upon the agent. Over 85 calves showed up from Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. This represented the largest steer jackpot in New Mexico this year. The jackpot was a great experience and gave members an opportunity to exhibit their 4-H project and “Learn by Doing”.
• Market Swine Selection Workshop- The agent prepared and presented a program to members and parents on market swine selection, care, and feeding. A PowerPoint presentation was given to stress the importance of proper selection techniques in selecting market show swine as well as many feeding options. Issues relating to muscle, leanness, and structure were discussed. The agent covered proper facilities and show time preparation. Two feed representatives were present to discuss feeding options in our area and present the merits of their feed rations. Members left with a feeling of excitement as they prepared to purchase and raise their 4-H swine projects. Over fifteen members and parents attended the seminar.
• Market Lamb Selection Workshop- The agent recruited a local “expert’ in the show market lamb production industry to assist with the presentation of this workshop. This previous 4-H member’s parent has assisted many times in the raising of the grand champion at the state, region, and county level. He is a respected member of the community and his opinion is sought after my many about show lamb selection and feeding. This presentation included areas of nutrition, selection, facilities, and animal health. A PowerPoint presentation as prepared by the agent in conjunction with the expert to show actual lambs to discuss strengths and weaknesses. Many questions were answered and anxiety levels lowered as a result of this workshop. Over twenty five members and parents participated in this event.
• Pig & Lamb Jackpot- This year the agent was directly responsible for all aspects of the “Four Corners Pig & Lamb Expo”. The Agent recruited volunteers to assist with the jackpot with check-in, announcing, ring help, and computer work. The agent held many planning meetings to discuss judges, prizes, concessions, and general preparation for the jackpot. Many hours were dedicated to making this jackpot a positive experience for 4-H youth and make this a learning situation for youth in the junior livestock program. Over 150 swine were exhibited and 60 lambs were exhibited. 4-H members throughout the state as well as Colorado and Arizona gained experience in their 4-H projects through this experience.
• Steer Grooming and Showing Clinic- The agent arranged for an expert in New Mexico to present a grooming and showmanship clinic for the youth in the beef project. This clinic was held free of cost as a local cattleman sponsored this event for the youth. A youth assisted in the showmanship portion as she has won many showmanship competitions at the state and national level. This one day clinic was a full ten hour day assisting members in clipping, grooming, and showing. The Agent provided instruction as well as planned and secured an indoor facility for this event. This clinic was held one month prior to the county fair to assist members in preparation of the upcoming fair. Members gained valuable knowledge and skills that helped them at the fair.
• San Juan County Fair- The San Juan County Fair is the largest county Fair in New Mexico. The Fair runs eight days and members exhibit their animals as well as indoor entries for the entire length of the fair. Over 400 members exhibit 4-H animal projects. 126 entries qualify for the Junior Livestock sale that brought in over $420,000 dollars and another $80,000 dollars were brought in for add-on’s. This money went directly to the youth for their hard work and efforts. The agent assisted many members while at the show and assisted with shows and performed many odd jobs during the week. The agent was responsible for organizing and finding sponsors the County Bred Steer Show. The agent collected money and prizes and was instrumental in the presentation of the show. Our county fair provides a great economic value as well as a positive learning experience for the youth of San Juan County. Many of the members that do not make the premium sale receive a large sum of money for their animals from local business to assist in making the 4-H animal project a positive experience.
• New Mexico State Fair- The agent spent eight days assisting members at the State Fair. The Agent also assisted with the calf scramble show. San Juan County had twenty one members show animals at the state fair that included swine, beef, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry. Four members made the premium sale and sold their champion poultry, champion of breed beef, 2nd place steer and 4th place steer for a considerable profit. San Juan Co. entered 159 exhibits from 67 4-H members in the indoor 4-H projects. Members placed well and had a chance to exhibit the projects for many visitors to enjoy! The New Mexico State Fair is a great learning experience for the members to exhibit their projects that they have worked on for the entire year.
• Home Visits- The agent made countless home visits throughout the year to assist members with their projects. While on home visits the agent evaluated the member’s animals as well as trimmed cattle hooves, scrapie tagged sheep, tattooed animals, assisted in 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 setting they felt comfortable in and able to ask many questions relating to the junior livestock program.


San Juan County 4-H Council
The Agent works with the youth council especially the Treasurer with quarterly financial reports as well as an annual report and breakdown to the Board of Trustees. The Council meets four times a year to discuss county 4-H business and make decisions for the county program. An Annual Awards Banquet is held in November to recognize members and Leaders for their hard work throughout the year. The youth plan and execute the banquet and are responsible for all aspects of the annual banquet. The agent acts as a resource for the council officers.

4-H Horse Program
San Juan County 4-H has an active horse program. The special interest club is called the Hoofbeat Gang. This club holds monthly meeting and semi-monthly clinics. Hoofbeat has thirty-eight members. They elect officers and make club decisions at monthly meetings. The agent is responsible for finding adult leadership and for the past year two years; two volunteer leaders came forward to assume the duties of the club. The club raises money to assist member to attend State Horse School and to assist the members in their horsemanship abilities through fun shows and clinics. Two members participated in District and State 4-H Horse Show. One member participated in NMSF Horse Show. The club ends it year with a banquet and members are rewarded and recognized for their efforts. The agent works closely with the leaders to plan for facilities, events, and county fair youth horse show.

4-H Rodeo
San Juan County 4-H has an active rodeo club with 67 members that holds six monthly rodeos and two rodeos at the San Juan County Fair. These rodeos make up a series that include end of the year awards. This is a saddle series, but many prizes are given including belt buckles, blankets, equipment, and sweatshirts to name a few. Every member receives some sort of award and recognition at the end of the year for their hard work and dedication. This year the county hosted a State Sanctioned Rodeo in June. The Agent worked with the officials to ensure a quality rodeo for all the participants. Through this program members learn many life skills that include responsibility, safety, sportsmanship, and horsemanship. Through this club both adult and youth are elected to serve as officers and board members and decisions are made at monthly club meetings. Through the dedication of these individuals, a high quality program is delivered to over 60 participants. The agent works very closely with the leaders of the club to insure all rules are being followed and to assist in the preparations of the rodeos. The agent is also a liaison between the 4-H rodeo club and the fair board. The agent is called upon frequently to assist with situations which arise within the club. At the end of the year the club holds a banquet and members are rewarded for their efforts throughout the year. Rodeo safety is an important aspect of the sport. Every member is required to attend a safety class given by a certified county EMT. Proper paper work is required including a rodeo waiver and insurance information. The Agent is responsible for all correspondence between the insurance company and the rodeo members. Providing the safest environment is always in mind for the 4-H members participating.

4-H Shooting Sports

San Juan County has an active shooting sports program. Disciplines include shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, air rifle, compound archery and recurve archery. Our shooting sports program begins in late September with an organizational meeting presented by the agent and volunteer leaders. The agent is responsible for finding leaders in each discipline and working with the San Juan Wildlife Federation Range to schedule practices at the only range in the county. Every member is required to receive safety training and the agent always recruits leaders that emphasize safety above everything else. Bi-weekly practices are held in the fall and weekly practices are held in each discipline in the spring. 64 members participated in practices throughout the year and members participated in county contests as well as district for the novice and junior members and state for the senior members. 4-H members from San Juan County are always prepared for district and state competitions and display safety at all the events. The agent also served as the match director for the State Archery contest. Responsibilities included setting up the FIDA and 3-D courses to specifications and running the contest. Over 50 members state-wide participated in this event.

San Juan County has 619 traditional 4-H members enrolled in community clubs of these 619, 241 were 1st year members, 186 were 2-3 year memers, and 192 were members for over 4 years. The county has thirty-six community clubs for members to join and be a part of. 98% of the members developed skills developed skills relating to the projects they were enrolled in as is evident through their project completion. 75% of the members display leadership traits through local club work by serving as officers, committee members, pledge leaders, etc.
The Agent is mainly responsible for the agricultural and natural resource side of the 4-H program. Programs this year include:
Youth Development

Junior Livestock Program
The Agent spent a substantial amount of time in assisting members, parents and volunteer leaders in the Junior Livestock Program. This program is designed to directly impact youth and increase their life skills. Members complete their projects at the San Juan County Fair, New Mexico State Fair, Arizona National Livestock Show, and National Western Livestock Show in Denver. In 2007 the San Juan County Fair Junior Livestock Auction raised over $400,000 in sale receipts and “add-on’s” to 4-H members that made the sale as well as members that had non sale animals. This past year in the county we had 76 market steers, 221 market sheep, 278 market swine, 38 market goats, 78 breeding animals (including beef, sheep, and goats), 60 show horses, over 120 poultry entries, and over 150 rabbit entries.
Many programs with in the Junior Livestock program were given to assist members and help make their experience in the program a positive one. Programs include:

• Market Steer Selection & Feeding Workshop- The agent presented a program in October to members and parents about selection, feeding, facilities and care of a market steer. A PowerPoint presentation was given to assist members before they purchased their animals. Many handouts were provided to families to assist throughout the year. Many examples were given to both positive attributes and negative attributes on many market steers. This program concluded with many question and answers. The agent offered his services to help members select animals at sales and farms and this offer was taken up by many of the members. The agent educated members and leaders on all aspects of raising beef for show and gave members valuable information to assist them in the learning process of raising show cattle. Over twenty-five members and parents attended the workshop.
• Monthly Steer Weigh Days- The agent held monthly steer weigh days to assist members with their market steer projects. Weights were recorded to show the amount of growth in a month and to assist members on feeding programs. The animals were evaluated by the agent and suggestions were given to help make the project a success. Seven weigh days were held from January through July at the County Fairgrounds on the certified scale that is used during the fair. All members in the beef project attended at least one weigh day throughout the year.
• Steer Jackpots- Members from the county attended jackpots in Portales, Las Cruces, and Farmington. The agent assisted members in preparation of their steers before leaving to attend the jackpots in Portales and Las Cruces. Grooming techniques were taught to members and parents. The agent was directly responsible for preparing and putting on the “Sno-Ball Classic” Jackpot in Farmington. The agent secured judges, facilities, prizes, and state contract with the NMCCA to sanction this jackpot. Although this jackpot is co-sponsored with the Aztec FFA Alumni, this year much of the responsibilities fell upon the agent. Over 85 calves showed up from Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. This represented the largest steer jackpot in New Mexico this year. The jackpot was a great experience and gave members an opportunity to exhibit their 4-H project and “Learn by Doing”.
• Market Swine Selection Workshop- The agent prepared and presented a program to members and parents on market swine selection, care, and feeding. A PowerPoint presentation was given to stress the importance of proper selection techniques in selecting market show swine as well as many feeding options. Issues relating to muscle, leanness, and structure were discussed. The agent covered proper facilities and show time preparation. Two feed representatives were present to discuss feeding options in our area and present the merits of their feed rations. Members left with a feeling of excitement as they prepared to purchase and raise their 4-H swine projects. Over fifteen members and parents attended the seminar.
• Market Lamb Selection Workshop- The agent recruited a local “expert’ in the show market lamb production industry to assist with the presentation of this workshop. This previous 4-H member’s parent has assisted many times in the raising of the grand champion at the state, region, and county level. He is a respected member of the community and his opinion is sought after my many about show lamb selection and feeding. This presentation included areas of nutrition, selection, facilities, and animal health. A PowerPoint presentation as prepared by the agent in conjunction with the expert to show actual lambs to discuss strengths and weaknesses. Many questions were answered and anxiety levels lowered as a result of this workshop. Over twenty five members and parents participated in this event.
• Pig & Lamb Jackpot- This year the agent was directly responsible for all aspects of the “Four Corners Pig & Lamb Expo”. The Agent recruited volunteers to assist with the jackpot with check-in, announcing, ring help, and computer work. The agent held many planning meetings to discuss judges, prizes, concessions, and general preparation for the jackpot. Many hours were dedicated to making this jackpot a positive experience for 4-H youth and make this a learning situation for youth in the junior livestock program. Over 150 swine were exhibited and 60 lambs were exhibited. 4-H members throughout the state as well as Colorado and Arizona gained experience in their 4-H projects through this experience.
• Steer Grooming and Showing Clinic- The agent arranged for an expert in New Mexico to present a grooming and showmanship clinic for the youth in the beef project. This clinic was held free of cost as a local cattleman sponsored this event for the youth. A youth assisted in the showmanship portion as she has won many showmanship competitions at the state and national level. This one day clinic was a full ten hour day assisting members in clipping, grooming, and showing. The Agent provided instruction as well as planned and secured an indoor facility for this event. This clinic was held one month prior to the county fair to assist members in preparation of the upcoming fair. Members gained valuable knowledge and skills that helped them at the fair.
• San Juan County Fair- The San Juan County Fair is the largest county Fair in New Mexico. The Fair runs eight days and members exhibit their animals as well as indoor entries for the entire length of the fair. Over 400 members exhibit 4-H animal projects. 126 entries qualify for the Junior Livestock sale that brought in over $420,000 dollars and another $80,000 dollars were brought in for add-on’s. This money went directly to the youth for their hard work and efforts. The agent assisted many members while at the show and assisted with shows and performed many odd jobs during the week. The agent was responsible for organizing and finding sponsors the County Bred Steer Show. The agent collected money and prizes and was instrumental in the presentation of the show. Our county fair provides a great economic value as well as a positive learning experience for the youth of San Juan County. Many of the members that do not make the premium sale receive a large sum of money for their animals from local business to assist in making the 4-H animal project a positive experience.
• New Mexico State Fair- The agent spent eight days assisting members at the State Fair. The Agent also assisted with the calf scramble show. San Juan County had twenty one members show animals at the state fair that included swine, beef, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry. Four members made the premium sale and sold their champion poultry, champion of breed beef, 2nd place steer and 4th place steer for a considerable profit. San Juan Co. entered 159 exhibits from 67 4-H members in the indoor 4-H projects. Members placed well and had a chance to exhibit the projects for many visitors to enjoy! The New Mexico State Fair is a great learning experience for the members to exhibit their projects that they have worked on for the entire year.
• Home Visits- The agent made countless home visits throughout the year to assist members with their projects. While on home visits the agent evaluated the member’s animals as well as trimmed cattle hooves, scrapie tagged sheep, tattooed animals, assisted in 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 setting they felt comfortable in and able to ask many questions relating to the junior livestock program.


San Juan County 4-H Council
The Agent works with the youth council especially the Treasurer with quarterly financial reports as well as an annual report and breakdown to the Board of Trustees. The Council meets four times a year to discuss county 4-H business and make decisions for the county program. An Annual Awards Banquet is held in November to recognize members and Leaders for their hard work throughout the year. The youth plan and execute the banquet and are responsible for all aspects of the annual banquet. The agent acts as a resource for the council officers.

4-H Horse Program
San Juan County 4-H has an active horse program. The special interest club is called the Hoofbeat Gang. This club holds monthly meeting and semi-monthly clinics. Hoofbeat has thirty-eight members. They elect officers and make club decisions at monthly meetings. The agent is responsible for finding adult leadership and for the past year two years; two volunteer leaders came forward to assume the duties of the club. The club raises money to assist member to attend State Horse School and to assist the members in their horsemanship abilities through fun shows and clinics. Two members participated in District and State 4-H Horse Show. One member participated in NMSF Horse Show. The club ends it year with a banquet and members are rewarded and recognized for their efforts. The agent works closely with the leaders to plan for facilities, events, and county fair youth horse show.

4-H Rodeo
San Juan County 4-H has an active rodeo club with 67 members that holds six monthly rodeos and two rodeos at the San Juan County Fair. These rodeos make up a series that include end of the year awards. This is a saddle series, but many prizes are given including belt buckles, blankets, equipment, and sweatshirts to name a few. Every member receives some sort of award and recognition at the end of the year for their hard work and dedication. This year the county hosted a State Sanctioned Rodeo in June. The Agent worked with the officials to ensure a quality rodeo for all the participants. Through this program members learn many life skills that include responsibility, safety, sportsmanship, and horsemanship. Through this club both adult and youth are elected to serve as officers and board members and decisions are made at monthly club meetings. Through the dedication of these individuals, a high quality program is delivered to over 60 participants. The agent works very closely with the leaders of the club to insure all rules are being followed and to assist in the preparations of the rodeos. The agent is also a liaison between the 4-H rodeo club and the fair board. The agent is called upon frequently to assist with situations which arise within the club. At the end of the year the club holds a banquet and members are rewarded for their efforts throughout the year. Rodeo safety is an important aspect of the sport. Every member is required to attend a safety class given by a certified county EMT. Proper paper work is required including a rodeo waiver and insurance information. The Agent is responsible for all correspondence between the insurance company and the rodeo members. Providing the safest environment is always in mind for the 4-H members participating.

4-H Shooting Sports

San Juan County has an active shooting sports program. Disciplines include shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, air rifle, compound archery and recurve archery. Our shooting sports program begins in late September with an organizational meeting presented by the agent and volunteer leaders. The agent is responsible for finding leaders in each discipline and working with the San Juan Wildlife Federation Range to schedule practices at the only range in the county. Every member is required to receive safety training and the agent always recruits leaders that emphasize safety above everything else. Bi-weekly practices are held in the fall and weekly practices are held in each discipline in the spring. 64 members participated in practices throughout the year and members participated in county contests as well as district for the novice and junior members and state for the senior members. 4-H members from San Juan County are always prepared for district and state competitions and display safety at all the events. The agent also served as the match director for the State Archery contest. Responsibilities included setting up the FIDA and 3-D courses to specifications and running the contest. Over 50 members state-wide participated in this event.

San Juan County has 619 traditional 4-H members enrolled in community clubs of these 619, 241 were 1st year members, 186 were 2-3 year memers, and 192 were members for over 4 years. The county has thirty-six community clubs for members to join and be a part of. 98% of the members developed skills developed skills relating to the projects they were enrolled in as is evident through their project completion. 75% of the members display leadership traits through local club work by serving as officers, committee members, pledge leaders, etc.
The Agent is mainly responsible for the agricultural and natural resource side of the 4-H program. Programs this year include:
Youth Development

Junior Livestock Program
The Agent spent a substantial amount of time in assisting members, parents and volunteer leaders in the Junior Livestock Program. This program is designed to directly impact youth and increase their life skills. Members complete their projects at the San Juan County Fair, New Mexico State Fair, Arizona National Livestock Show, and National Western Livestock Show in Denver. In 2007 the San Juan County Fair Junior Livestock Auction raised over $400,000 in sale receipts and “add-on’s” to 4-H members that made the sale as well as members that had non sale animals. This past year in the county we had 76 market steers, 221 market sheep, 278 market swine, 38 market goats, 78 breeding animals (including beef, sheep, and goats), 60 show horses, over 120 poultry entries, and over 150 rabbit entries.
Many programs with in the Junior Livestock program were given to assist members and help make their experience in the program a positive one. Programs include:

• Market Steer Selection & Feeding Workshop- The agent presented a program in October to members and parents about selection, feeding, facilities and care of a market steer. A PowerPoint presentation was given to assist members before they purchased their animals. Many handouts were provided to families to assist throughout the year. Many examples were given to both positive attributes and negative attributes on many market steers. This program concluded with many question and answers. The agent offered his services to help members select animals at sales and farms and this offer was taken up by many of the members. The agent educated members and leaders on all aspects of raising beef for show and gave members valuable information to assist them in the learning process of raising show cattle. Over twenty-five members and parents attended the workshop.
• Monthly Steer Weigh Days- The agent held monthly steer weigh days to assist members with their market steer projects. Weights were recorded to show the amount of growth in a month and to assist members on feeding programs. The animals were evaluated by the agent and suggestions were given to help make the project a success. Seven weigh days were held from January through July at the County Fairgrounds on the certified scale that is used during the fair. All members in the beef project attended at least one weigh day throughout the year.
• Steer Jackpots- Members from the county attended jackpots in Portales, Las Cruces, and Farmington. The agent assisted members in preparation of their steers before leaving to attend the jackpots in Portales and Las Cruces. Grooming techniques were taught to members and parents. The agent was directly responsible for preparing and putting on the “Sno-Ball Classic” Jackpot in Farmington. The agent secured judges, facilities, prizes, and state contract with the NMCCA to sanction this jackpot. Although this jackpot is co-sponsored with the Aztec FFA Alumni, this year much of the responsibilities fell upon the agent. Over 85 calves showed up from Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. This represented the largest steer jackpot in New Mexico this year. The jackpot was a great experience and gave members an opportunity to exhibit their 4-H project and “Learn by Doing”.
• Market Swine Selection Workshop- The agent prepared and presented a program to members and parents on market swine selection, care, and feeding. A PowerPoint presentation was given to stress the importance of proper selection techniques in selecting market show swine as well as many feeding options. Issues relating to muscle, leanness, and structure were discussed. The agent covered proper facilities and show time preparation. Two feed representatives were present to discuss feeding options in our area and present the merits of their feed rations. Members left with a feeling of excitement as they prepared to purchase and raise their 4-H swine projects. Over fifteen members and parents attended the seminar.
• Market Lamb Selection Workshop- The agent recruited a local “expert’ in the show market lamb production industry to assist with the presentation of this workshop. This previous 4-H member’s parent has assisted many times in the raising of the grand champion at the state, region, and county level. He is a respected member of the community and his opinion is sought after my many about show lamb selection and feeding. This presentation included areas of nutrition, selection, facilities, and animal health. A PowerPoint presentation as prepared by the agent in conjunction with the expert to show actual lambs to discuss strengths and weaknesses. Many questions were answered and anxiety levels lowered as a result of this workshop. Over twenty five members and parents participated in this event.
• Pig & Lamb Jackpot- This year the agent was directly responsible for all aspects of the “Four Corners Pig & Lamb Expo”. The Agent recruited volunteers to assist with the jackpot with check-in, announcing, ring help, and computer work. The agent held many planning meetings to discuss judges, prizes, concessions, and general preparation for the jackpot. Many hours were dedicated to making this jackpot a positive experience for 4-H youth and make this a learning situation for youth in the junior livestock program. Over 150 swine were exhibited and 60 lambs were exhibited. 4-H members throughout the state as well as Colorado and Arizona gained experience in their 4-H projects through this experience.
• Steer Grooming and Showing Clinic- The agent arranged for an expert in New Mexico to present a grooming and showmanship clinic for the youth in the beef project. This clinic was held free of cost as a local cattleman sponsored this event for the youth. A youth assisted in the showmanship portion as she has won many showmanship competitions at the state and national level. This one day clinic was a full ten hour day assisting members in clipping, grooming, and showing. The Agent provided instruction as well as planned and secured an indoor facility for this event. This clinic was held one month prior to the county fair to assist members in preparation of the upcoming fair. Members gained valuable knowledge and skills that helped them at the fair.
• San Juan County Fair- The San Juan County Fair is the largest county Fair in New Mexico. The Fair runs eight days and members exhibit their animals as well as indoor entries for the entire length of the fair. Over 400 members exhibit 4-H animal projects. 126 entries qualify for the Junior Livestock sale that brought in over $420,000 dollars and another $80,000 dollars were brought in for add-on’s. This money went directly to the youth for their hard work and efforts. The agent assisted many members while at the show and assisted with shows and performed many odd jobs during the week. The agent was responsible for organizing and finding sponsors the County Bred Steer Show. The agent collected money and prizes and was instrumental in the presentation of the show. Our county fair provides a great economic value as well as a positive learning experience for the youth of San Juan County. Many of the members that do not make the premium sale receive a large sum of money for their animals from local business to assist in making the 4-H animal project a positive experience.
• New Mexico State Fair- The agent spent eight days assisting members at the State Fair. The Agent also assisted with the calf scramble show. San Juan County had twenty one members show animals at the state fair that included swine, beef, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry. Four members made the premium sale and sold their champion poultry, champion of breed beef, 2nd place steer and 4th place steer for a considerable profit. San Juan Co. entered 159 exhibits from 67 4-H members in the indoor 4-H projects. Members placed well and had a chance to exhibit the projects for many visitors to enjoy! The New Mexico State Fair is a great learning experience for the members to exhibit their projects that they have worked on for the entire year.
• Home Visits- The agent made countless home visits throughout the year to assist members with their projects. While on home visits the agent evaluated the member’s animals as well as trimmed cattle hooves, scrapie tagged sheep, tattooed animals, assisted in 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 setting they felt comfortable in and able to ask many questions relating to the junior livestock program.


San Juan County 4-H Council
The Agent works with the youth council especially the Treasurer with quarterly financial reports as well as an annual report and breakdown to the Board of Trustees. The Council meets four times a year to discuss county 4-H business and make decisions for the county program. An Annual Awards Banquet is held in November to recognize members and Leaders for their hard work throughout the year. The youth plan and execute the banquet and are responsible for all aspects of the annual banquet. The agent acts as a resource for the council officers.

4-H Horse Program
San Juan County 4-H has an active horse program. The special interest club is called the Hoofbeat Gang. This club holds monthly meeting and semi-monthly clinics. Hoofbeat has thirty-eight members. They elect officers and make club decisions at monthly meetings. The agent is responsible for finding adult leadership and for the past year two years; two volunteer leaders came forward to assume the duties of the club. The club raises money to assist member to attend State Horse School and to assist the members in their horsemanship abilities through fun shows and clinics. Two members participated in District and State 4-H Horse Show. One member participated in NMSF Horse Show. The club ends it year with a banquet and members are rewarded and recognized for their efforts. The agent works closely with the leaders to plan for facilities, events, and county fair youth horse show.

4-H Rodeo
San Juan County 4-H has an active rodeo club with 67 members that holds six monthly rodeos and two rodeos at the San Juan County Fair. These rodeos make up a series that include end of the year awards. This is a saddle series, but many prizes are given including belt buckles, blankets, equipment, and sweatshirts to name a few. Every member receives some sort of award and recognition at the end of the year for their hard work and dedication. This year the county hosted a State Sanctioned Rodeo in June. The Agent worked with the officials to ensure a quality rodeo for all the participants. Through this program members learn many life skills that include responsibility, safety, sportsmanship, and horsemanship. Through this club both adult and youth are elected to serve as officers and board members and decisions are made at monthly club meetings. Through the dedication of these individuals, a high quality program is delivered to over 60 participants. The agent works very closely with the leaders of the club to insure all rules are being followed and to assist in the preparations of the rodeos. The agent is also a liaison between the 4-H rodeo club and the fair board. The agent is called upon frequently to assist with situations which arise within the club. At the end of the year the club holds a banquet and members are rewarded for their efforts throughout the year. Rodeo safety is an important aspect of the sport. Every member is required to attend a safety class given by a certified county EMT. Proper paper work is required including a rodeo waiver and insurance information. The Agent is responsible for all correspondence between the insurance company and the rodeo members. Providing the safest environment is always in mind for the 4-H members participating.

4-H Shooting Sports

San Juan County has an active shooting sports program. Disciplines include shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, air rifle, compound archery and recurve archery. Our shooting sports program begins in late September with an organizational meeting presented by the agent and volunteer leaders. The agent is responsible for finding leaders in each discipline and working with the San Juan Wildlife Federation Range to schedule practices at the only range in the county. Every member is required to receive safety training and the agent always recruits leaders that emphasize safety above everything else. Bi-weekly practices are held in the fall and weekly practices are held in each discipline in the spring. 64 members participated in practices throughout the year and members participated in county contests as well as district for the novice and junior members and state for the senior members. 4-H members from San Juan County are always prepared for district and state competitions and display safety at all the events. The agent also served as the match director for the State Archery contest. Responsibilities included setting up the FIDA and 3-D courses to specifications and running the contest. Over 50 members state-wide participated in this event.

Craig Painter has signed on to support Youth Development within San Juan County.