Youth Development

Fairs: 56 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. 336 indoor items and 171 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 $68,000 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.

Judging: 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. 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.

In June, Socorro County 4-H hosted the SW District 4-H contest. 190 youth and their parents attended the two day event in Socorro. The agent spent time planning and organizing to ensure a successful event. The agent worked within school officials to secure a location and rooms within the building in order to hold contests. Registration information was mailed out and gathered prior to the event and all data was compiled and distributed to the agents in charge of contests. The agents planned a social event for the first night and where in charge of putting together the horse and livestock contest. The agents were also responsible for providing a concession stand for contestants, their families, agents and judges. A final awards assembly was held to present youth ribbons for their success. Agents were able to suture some sponsorship money and with that every kid that participated was given a clipboard as a keepsake.

Project Days: 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. 80 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.

Home Ec School- Housing and Interior Design: During the NM State 4-H Home Ec School, the Agent served as an instructor to the Housing and Interior Design track. 18 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 mini 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.

NM Boys and Girls Ranch program: The Agent spent time this year meeting with the administrators of the Boys and Girls Ranches. Up until now they have always participated in the Valencia County 4-H program but have recently begun inquiring about our program. The Ranches is located in Socorro County but they have a Belen address and their school falls under the Belen School District so they have always participating in Valencia County. However Valencia County has been experiencing a lot of friction between the 4-H and FFA and the Fair board and The Ranches did not feel that it was a healthy environment for their youth. We sat down with them and explained to them how we run our program and they made a decision to switch to Socorro County 4-H with the thought that it was a much better fit for their youth. We are very excited to have them in our program and have not heard a single word of opposition from anyone in the county thus far.