Youth Development (Sierra County)

The State 4-H lamb school was held at the New Mexico State Fair ground in conjunction with the Steer, Swine, Goat, and Dairy Schools. As an instructor, the agent assists in training 4-H members on showing lambs for fair competition. About 92 participants attended lamb school in 2007 which was an increase from the past years. Youth learned skills such as showmanship, show ethics, feeding, rising, and care of animals. This year youth from Arizona and Colorado also attended the school.

The Southwest 4-H District annually participates in the District Judging contest for 4-H youth ages 9-13 years old. This year the Sierra County 4-H council and the agent hosted the event in Sierra County. Youth from Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Dona Ana, Socorro, and Sierra Counties competed in seventeen different contests ranging from public speaking to wildlife. About 180 youth participated with the assistance of over 50 volunteers that run the contests. Participants gained a mastery level of knowledge in there respective contests over there 4-H career and develop good sportsmanship, public speaking skills, reasonability, and respect.

The agent conducted visits to 4-H members homes to advise youth on livestock projects in an effort to educate and assist 4-H members in the care, maintenance, and feeding of livestock show animals. 112 youth participated in livestock projects this year and competed at county, state, and national shows. Youth in livestock projects develop responsibility, leadership skills, and knowledge of livestock, self-esteem, as well as finance and marketing skills that will serve them later in life.

Showmanship in the 4-H steer and heifer project is important for youth to properly present their projects in a junior livestock show. Youth need experience in grooming, feeding, preparation for show, and showmanship prior to the show to increase their success and knowledge in the beef project. In an effort to educate these youth the agent conducted a steer and heifer training and jackpot for Sierra county youth. 9 youth worked on 10 beef animal projects and gained valuable knowledge in selecting, feeding, presenting, and demonstrating the best qualities of their livestock. Youth were presented awards for there efforts at the completion of the jackpot. This program helps to promote success in the Sierra County Beef project and assists new 4-H members with answers in presenting and demonstrating their projects.

The Sierra County 4-H Council annually hosts a 4-H camp in the Gila National Forest at Burn Cabin Flats. Youth from all over the county participate in educational games and presentations by junior 4-H leaders, County 4-H officers, the agent, and project 4-H leaders. 24 youth along with parents and presenters participated in 4-H camp this year. Youth gained knowledge in leadership by presenting workshops to the group and by leading the games and activities at the camp. Youth experienced a wildlife workshop, knot tying, archery, mapping, scavenger hunt, treasure hunt, using a compass as well as viewing a forest restoration project. Youth also experienced forest wildlife, plants, and an appreciation for the great outdoors. 27 adult leaders and parents participated in and assisted with the camp.