Youth Development (Socorro County)

Horse program Through a variety of events brought about by the 4-H clubs 85 youth participated in the Socorro County Horse programs. Tumbleweed 4-H started a gymkhana series as a cool fundraiser that the club members could also participate in. With this came a need to provide some horsemanship trainings, so Enterprise for Progress initiated riding clinics for its members and anyone else. The Agent was asked to provide these clinics, and due to the high attendance the agent asked two other leaders to come in and provide instruction. 80% of these youth showed a noticeable improvement in Horsmanship skills by the end of the 3 clinics. Mustang 4-H club also got in on the action putting together a gymkhana of their own. 10 youth participated in District 4-H Horse show, 2 went on to the State Fair Show. Several adults made comments that these were great programs it gave us something to do with our horses besides just feeding them. After watching the youth participate over the year it was great to see the progress many of the youth made in self-confidence being evident in their times turned in at the competitive events.

National 4-H Week During National 4-H Week Agents promote the 4-H program in hopes of recruiting new members. 4-H banners are displayed in various business windows around town. The 4-H County Council Officers hosted a 4-H Fun Day at the City of Socorro Youth Center. Council Officers lead a variety of activities that taught youth teamwork, communication and decision making skills. In addition, the Agents had a 4-H Bowl competition, testing the youth’s knowledge of the 4-H program. 25 youth attended the Fun Day and increased mastery in leadership, teamwork, character, problem solving, communication and cooperation.

Kids, Kows & More Socorro County Extension Service hosted their 5th Annual Kids, Kows & More on April 21, 2011. 562 youth and 50 teachers attended the event which was an educational and hands-on learning experience that introduced children and adults to the agriculture industry and where their milk comes from. The program was open to all 3rd and 4th graders in Socorro County. Students rotated through 7 fifteen minute presentations, topics included: Food for America: Where do we get our meat?, Cattle Ranching; Sheep Shearing, Farming, Water Conservation, Weaving, and Where our Milk comes from. Following the event, we have an essay contest and the winner of the essay contest wins a $100 savings bond and an ice cream party for their entire class. 4-H materials are sent home with each student and teacher by putting a pencil and brochure into each goody bag.

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 be 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 secure some sponsorship money and with that every kid that participated was given a clipboard as a keepsake.