Youth Development

At the 2011 San Miguel County fair there were 78 youth participating and showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. Over 175 indoor items and over 125 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition and feedback for continued improvement of knowledge and skills. Over $75,000 was paid out to the San Miguel County 4-H youth through the junior livestock sale. Sixty percent of County 4-H youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to home economics, creative arts, livestock and personal development as evidenced by quality baking products, garments made, products exhibited, animals shown, awarded, and sold at the San Miguel County Fair.

Seventeen 4-H members attended a countywide Clipping/Showmanship Workshop. Youth received hands on training related to grooming, showmanship techniques and appropriate attire. Ninety percent of youth reported an increase in knowledge related to clipping, dressing for the show and proper clipping techniques. Seventy five percent of youth reported an increase in mastery skills such as planning and organizing, self-motivation and goal setting skills. The workshop was held at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds. Most of the youth in attendance were accompanied by their parents.

State 4-H Conference is a week long summer event where senior age 4-H members can go and compete, learn, and make long lasting friendships. Agents goal is to have senior 4-H members participate in contests or workshops at State Conference. Agent chaperoned one youth and one adult to State Conference 2011. They competed in livestock skillathon and Horse. This was the first state conference for this youth. 100% of the youth learned life skills through the workshops and contests and they also learned how to interact with other kids from around the state. As a result, this youth benefited from the experience and knowledge gained from workshops. The Youth quoted: “ I had an awesome time and I will definitely go back next year

Local 4-H members serve as leaders during the annual Kids Kows and More expo. San Miguel County hosts the Kids Kows and More Expo annually for both Mora and San Miguel counties. The expo is for 3rd and 4th students each elementary school in the San Miguel and Mora is invited to participate. This year we had 12 elementary schools attend with about 520 students. During the expo the students saw presentations from Extension, South West Dairy, Beef Checkoff, and New Mexico Game and Fish Department. The students learn about agriculture and enjoy great demonstrations. Teachers that the agent spoke with after the expo stated that the students loved the expo and really enjoyed the demonstrations. The teachers said they were looking forward to returning to this expo in the future.

The agent participates in an annual Earth Day Celebration that is conducted through the Forest Service. The event is geared towards elementary students and all demonstrations and booths have something to do with the earth or keeping the earth healthy and beautiful. There were many other government and non profit agencies participating in the celebration. All eleven local elementary schools (K-5)were invited to attend. The Agent along with 2 4-H council members presented to the children all the fun activities that 4-H members get to do and take part in, students also go to do a hands on activity guided by the agent and the council officers. The students were able to plant a bean plant and take it home to grow it. Seventy five percent of the teachers that the agent spoke with after earth day said the students really enjoyed the hands on part and many of the students were still growing there beans.