Youth Development

State Livestock School
Ten 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. Due to increased costs of the event as well as increased project input costs, many members and parents who planned on attending this event were unable to.

State Fair
12 youth participated in the New Mexico State Fair showcasing their development of life skills through livestock exhibits. 45 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $9,500.00 was paid to Chaves County 4-H members through the junior livestock sale and premiums. 60% 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
68 youth participated in the Eastern New Mexico State Fair showcasing their life skill development through livestock exhibits. Over 300 livestock projects were exhibited. 73% 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 20 youth representing Chaves County in the junior livestock sale received over $60,000.00 for their projects.

Local Club Meetings and Programs
53% of all youth involved in the 4-H program increase public speaking and communication skills through demonstrations and leadership roles in their local club.

Novice Day Camp
Novice Day Camp was offered to members aged nine to eleven as well as junior and senior age members with less than two years of 4-H experience. Council officers served as group leaders, while local leaders served as project presenters. A total of 46 youth and parents participated in the event, a 33% increase from the previous year. Youth were introduced to project areas such as Rocketry, Citizenship, NM Roundup, and Dairy Foods. Youth were involved in hands on activities and completed projects that meet exhibit requirements at the county fair. The second phase of the camp consisted of introducing the youth to four contest areas. Contests presented included land judging, horticulture, wildlife, and favorite foods presentations. The camp wrapped up with a 4-H Parenting 101 workshop. Twenty-two parents attended the workshop which covered the fundamentals of the 4-H program and what to expect as a parent of a new 4-H member. The agent covered the roles of the 4-H agent, the volunteer leader, the state 4-H office, the 4-H member, and the 4-H parent. Participants were also given information on 4-H record books as well as information on county, state, and national events and opportunities for youth and leaders alike. As a result of the camp, there was a 65% increase in participation in the project areas covered at the camp as indicated by member enrollment forms as well as completed projects turned in for exhibit. There was also a 45% increase in member participation in wildlife and horticulture contest areas. The agent has already observed positive results from the camp as two novice members and one junior member have completed demonstrations on how to make butter, which the youth learned in the Dairy Foods workshop.

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, livestock skill-a-thon, wildlife, horticulture, archery, demonstrations and dairy judging. 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
170 youth participated in the Chaves County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through livestock exhibits. Over 700 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $280,000 was paid to Chaves County 4-H members through the junior livestock sale and over $3,000.00 was awarded in fair related scholarships. 85% 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 group of kids is one of the best I have ever had the opportunity to work with. The quality of animals runs deep in every class. These animals could compete anywhere and do well.”

Youth Get Away
Ten 4-H youth attended Youth-Get-Away held at Inlow Baptist Camp. Youth participated in hands on workshops and activities designed to increase life skills related to leadership, teamwork, problem solving and cooperation. 86% of youth participants reported an increase in cooperation and teamwork. The agent has noticed the friendships the youth forged with other members from across the state.

All of the San Miguel County Council officers served as speakers, pledge leaders and presenters at the annual San Miguel County 4-H Banquet and pot luck, increasing their public speaking skills and giving leadership to the overall program. Members received plaques and completion pins in recognition of their achievements and project completion for 2010-2011. 78 members, leaders and guests attended the Annual Banquet and Pot luck held at the Luna Community College Cafeteria. Each family was asked to bring a dinner item for the pot luck. Door prizes were given throughout the evening and a slide show of 4-H events throughout the year was shown during the event demonstration the 4-H members had work and dedication in there projects. New officer where also installed by a local probate judge.

The agent complies a monthly newsletter that gets send out to all 4-H members. The newsletter is sent out in email and regular mail to those that don’t have internet access. The newsletter benefits 95% of all 4-H members by keeping them up to date with upcoming events and deadlines.

Youth work with adult parents and leaders to conducting fundraisers at the club level. The County conducted one main fundraiser to send youth on trips; provide for countywide trainings and socials; and maintain funds for general operations. Club fundraisers included: raffles, bake sales car washes, and club yard sales. The county councils main fundraiser was a Krispy Kreme doughnut sell. The county raised over $800 for upcoming 4-H activities that will be held both locally and state wide. Youth gained knowledge and skills in organizing fundraisers and managing money as well as constructive youth/adult partnerships. Although the youth or the parents don’t enjoy having fundraisers they know that it’s for good cause and fundraising at the club level benefits everyone in the club and fundraising for the council benefits every club in the county.