Youth Development (Lea County)

At State 4-H Conference 98% of the youth mastered skills in home economics, agricultural issues, demonstrations, judging, and public speaking. The youth also participated in a variety of workshops during the event. In these workshops the 76% of the youth mastered skills in teamwork, planning recreational activities, occupational skills, extra curricular campus activities and local employment resources.

Youth who attenede Senior Leadership Retreat were asked what was the most important leadership skill they learned during the retreat. 73% of the youth stated teamwork, 45% stated communication and 44% stated leadership traits were the skills they mastered by attending the workshops.

Youth at Teen-Get-Away were asked what the most important skill was to them when working with others in a team setting, 74% of the youth stated that communication was the most valuable skill to have.

Impact: Agent in conjunction with Home Economist/4-H Agent conducted its first annual Farm Safety Day training. This program was a two day event that was held at the Lea County Fairgrounds. The program was conducted for all thrid graders that reside in Lea County. Those communities are Jal, Eunice, Hobbs, Lovington, and Tatum. In the two days we had over 900 students that received information that pertains to safety. Topics of discussion were 1) livestock safety, 2) water recreational safety, 3) ATV safety, 4) 911 safety, 5) bike safety, 6) wildlife safety, 7) household chemical safety, 8) roadway safety, and Lawnmower safety. All presenters followed the curriculum established by Progressive Ag. Safety.

Evaluations remain positive, with many teachers very impressed with the program. Also many community leaders were present for the program and insisted that we continue to make this program an annual event.

Impact: During the first quarter of the year Agent spent seven weeks holding in-school demonstrations covering crop identificaton, noxious weed identification and speech demonstrations. The Agent would met with these students twice weekly in school and after school helping in the development of these skills. In addtion Agent began work (in April) with Novice and Junior age members in preparation for judging events occuring in May and June.