Youth Development (Socorro County)

55 4-H youth participated in the Socorro County Fair showcasing their development of life skills through indoor and livestock exhibits related to over 200 project areas. 278 indoor items and 218 livestock projects were exhibited. Youth received recognition through ribbons, belt buckles and trophies and were given feedback for continued improvement and knowledge of skills. Over $66,000 was paid to 4-H members who made the Jr. Livestock Sale through the purchase of their animals and add-ons from the community. 30% of Socorro County youth showed an increase in knowledge and skills related to market swine, market steer, market lambs, meat goats, poultry, rabbits, housing and interior design, baking, sewing and arts and crafts as evidenced by the quality of projects being exhibited. The quality of livestock being exhibited at the Socorro County fair continues to increase each year this is evident by the placing they are receiving at the other State and regional fairs. Tommy Thompson judge of the Socorro County Fair stated during the Socorro County Swine Show that Socorro County needs to commended for the quality of livestock being raised.

In order to prepare some of the youth for the show, the Agent hosted a show clinic at the rodeo grounds in Magdalena. Youth received hands on training related to grooming, showmanship techniques and appropriate show attire. 100% of the youth who attended the show clinic were able to clip their own animals for show and were in the top 10 in the showmanship contest. Youth reported gaining knowledge in clipping, feeding for show week, and proper use of a show stick. 100% of youth increased mastery skills such as self-esteem, teamwork, cooperation and goal setting.

County Competitive events and contest training were conducted to expand life skills and knowledge. 25% of novice, 5% of junior and 10% of senior youth advanced to District and/or State level competition. Contest areas included horse, entomology, horticulture, wildlife, public speaking, crops and consumer decision making. Youth increased knowledge in the following areas self discipline, critical thinking, decision making, teamwork, problem solving, and subject matter knowledge. During district contest every youth can home with a ribbon and only 2 youth did not come home with a blue ribbon. The novice and junior youth worked very hard, practicing every Monday and Tuesday from April to June. One parent was reported telling the Agent after district contest that she had really seen a change in her daughter. She said that they couldn’t get their daughter to be very competitive and after all the practice and competitions she has become more competitive at rodeo, soccer and even school.

The Agent provided three 4-H project days during the summer months. Youth came and completed 4-H projects to be entered in the county fair. The Agent provided all of the ideas and materials and the 4-H youth paid $5 to complete the projects. The projects are required to stay at the Extension Office and are entered in the fair by the Agent. We continue to see an increase in the number of 4-H indoor exhibits at the County Fair, because of the amount of kids participating in the project days. 75 youth participated in the project days increasing knowledge in the sharing, decision making, planning/organizing, wise use of recourses, and cooperation. This is all evident through observation during project days and by the quality and creativity displayed in their 4-H projects.

During the NM State 4-H Home Ec School, the Agent served as an instructor to the Housing and Interior Design track. 19 youth participating in the track learning different techniques of decorating their bedroom. The Agent taught them about colors and determining which color is best suited for their personality and what colors look best together. Youth were taught about house safety and how to contact emergency personnel in case of a fire or other natural disaster. Youth completed 2 projects, a covered can and a tack board, out of the 4-H project book. Items were exhibited a various county and state fairs around the state. Through this activity youth learned about using resources wisely, planning/organizing, cooperation, sharing and decision making.

A large number of youth enrolled in the Socorro County 4-H program are cloverbud age, so the Agent made it a priority to do a special program just for them. Once a month the Agent hosted a Cloverbud program where we focused on the Welcome to Cloverbud project. During the program we completed the activities within the project book, made arts and crafts and played games. Youth learned about the 4-H clover, the 4-H pledge, what the 4-H colors are. They also had the opportunity to learn a little bit about judging items, public speaking and being a leader. The arts and craft items that they made were entered into the county fair. 25% of Socorro County Cloverbuds attended the programs and gained skills related to sharing, character, cooperation and accepting differences.