Youth Development

Leadership events, judging practices, day camps, and one on one work with livestock exhibitors resulted in many members participating in county contest, district contest, district shooting sports, state conference, and county fair.
17% of all members enrolled participated in local county contests.
34% of all members enrolled participated in district or state wide contests/project or leadership event.
26% of all members enrolled completed a record book.
35% of all members enrolled competed in county fair with a livestock exhibit.

One of the highlights for the county 4-H program this year was the implementation of project enrichment classes. The enrichment classes addressed project work in a hands-on learning environment. The classes were conducted by 4-H leaders and focused on areas that tend to lack a project leader. Leaders identified, planned, and delivered the classes. The classes were very well attended with approximately 60 participants. Classes included knitting, crochet, photography, food preservation, dog, livestock, and small animals.

This year 26% of all enrolled 4-H members completed a record book.

The youth agriculture program in Santa Fe County continues to grow year after year. Despite the fact that the majority of the population lives in urban areas there are still many members that focus on the agricultural related projects. Members participated in numerous activities throughout the year that developed their skills related to their project work.

This year approximately 235 animals were tagged, an increase of 7% from the previous year. Many hours were spent throughout the show season working with these exhibitors and their livestock.

This year the agent hosted the 2nd annual lamb and goat showmanship clinic for members within the county. The agent arranged for experts within each field to deliver instruction to members relating to showmanship, health, nutrition, grooming etc. The agent also arranged to have a sheep shearer on hand to shear any lambs that might need it. The clinic was very hands-on and very successful. Over 45 members and their parents were in attendance. Several participants requested more clinics in the future.

Santa Fe County livestock exhibitors were very active this year. Many participated in jackpot shows throughout the summer. Santa Fe County sent 10 participants to the state livestock school and 8 participants to state horse school.

A culmination of the project work done throughout the 4-H year was evident at the County Fair. At the county fair 67 4-H members exhibited livestock with 192 entries, a 5% increase from the previous year. The junior livestock auction at the county fair generated at total of $84,901.87. 64 exhibits were sold through the auction this year belonging to 45 different exhibitors.

Santa Fe County also sent 15 livestock exhibitors to State Fair this year. One of the major accomplishments for the county livestock program is that five members sold livestock through the junior livestock auction at the state fair. This is the largest representation that Santa Fe County has ever had for this event.

The agent also worked extensively with the small animal project areas within the county. In response to the success of the livestock clinic the agent hosted the 2nd annual small animal clinic to address much of the same need. The agent arranged for a rabbit and poultry leaders and members from the county to answer questions about breed, sex, variety etc. Members were able to bring their rabbits and poultry and learn more about them in a hands-on environment. Rabbits were also tattooed with identification numbers. 40 members attended the clinic, a 40% increase from the previous year. Members became more excited about their project and asked for more learning opportunities such as this.

Youth development research emphasizes the importance of meeting the four basic human needs of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. The Valencia County 4-H Youth Development Program strives to ensure that every youth involved will have the opportunity to participate in 4-H experiences that strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Through projects and activities in 4-H, youth have many opportunities to develop life and leadership skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork and decision making. These skills are introduced, developed and expanded throughout a lifetime.
During the 4-H program year, youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter and develop life skills through hands-on experiences via project work, competitive events, real-life situations, and career exploration opportunities. Youth will also gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events. Finally, youth in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to countywide events.

Enrollment:
This year in Valencia County, there was 76 new 4-H members, 159 returning regular members and 44 Cloverbud 4-H members enrolled in the program, resulting in a total enrollment of 279 youth. There was also a total of 89 enrolled adult Volunteer leaders to assist in programming. The Agent is responsible for overseeing the entire program and its membership.

Newsletter & Communication Efforts:
Newsletter: The Agent prepares a monthly newsletter that is sent electronically to approximately 300 4-H Members, Leaders and Supporters in Valencia County. By sending the newsletter electronically, the Agent was able to send the newsletter monthly instead of bi-monthly. The newsletter is the most effective way of communicating information to 4-H’ers and highlights 4-H’ers and their accomplishments as well as upcoming news and events for 4-H members, Leaders and Supporters to get involved in. Increased awareness about upcoming County, District and State events through the newsletter is indirectly evident by the participation from 4-H’ers in these events.

E-Newsletter: The Agent contributes articles and information about the 4-H program to the bi-monthly Valencia County e-Newsletter. The agent uses this avenue to inform and recruit potential new 4-H’ers and Volunteers to the program. This newsletter is distributed to a minimum of 250 Valencia County residents.

Website: A county website is kept up to promote and provide information for the Valencia County 4-H program. The website provides information to 4-H members and their families on events and deadlines as well as information to potential 4-H members on enrolling in the program. The Agent works with CES Staff to provide information for and maintain the website.

Facebook: The Agent created a Valencia County 4-H Facebook page to communicate news and information to 4-H families, Volunteers and Supporters. Keeping current with media trends and outlets is important in reaching today’s clientele. The Agent regularly posts information and announcements about the 4-H program on the Facebook page and encourages Volunteers, youth and Leaders to share information as well.

Open House:
An annual Open House/Ice Cream Social was used to promote the County 4-H Program, Clubs and Projects. Again, this year the Ice Cream Social was used to attract attendance to the Open House. 4-H’ers were present to answer questions about the 4-H program to potential 4-H’ers. 19 4-H’ers and Volunteers attended this event and approximately 22 new youth were recruited to join the 4-H program.

Competitions:
In order to prepare for 4-H competitions, the Agent works with CES Staff and Volunteer Leaders to plan and conduct practices and workshops which enhance the 4-H’ers knowledge of the contest areas and prepare them for the contests themselves. These practices and workshops are designed for the 4-H’ers to learn not only the subject materials, but to learn friendly competition and decision making life skills. While not all of the practices and workshops are highly attended, those 4-H’ers who do attend express their increase in knowledge after attending. The youth who participate in these practices and workshops demonstrate the increase in their knowledge through their participation and placing in the competitions.

National Contests: Eight 4-H’ers traveled to Denver, Colorado to compete at the Western National Roundup in the Home Ec. Skill-A-Thon and Horse Bowl contests. The Home Ec. Skill-A-Thon team placed 2nd High with one member of the team placing 4th High Individual. The Agent was responsible for helping the 4-H’ers secure funding for their trip as well as coordinating practices with other CES Staff and Volunteers to help the youth prepare for their competitions.

County Contest: This year, 75 4-H’ers enrolled and participated in Valencia County Contests. Decision making and public speaking/communication skills are among the many life skills 4-H’ers develop while participating in these competitive events. These contest help prepare 4-H’ers for future competitions where they compete as teams. County Contest is used as a qualifier for District and State Contests. The Agent works with Volunteer Leaders, judges and CES staff to help 4-H’ers prepare for these contest with the goal of building the 4-H’ers self-esteem and self-confidence through positive constructive criticism and advice for future competition. Currently 27% of 4-H’ers enrolled in the county participate in County Contests.

District Contest: This year, 24 4-H’ers participated in the Northwest Districts 4-H Contests in Estancia, NM. Building on the decision making and public speaking/communication skills 4-H’ers developed while participating in County Contest, 4-H’ers developed essential team work skills while preparing for and participating in these contests. The Agent works with other CES Staff and Volunteers to help prepare 4-H’ers for their competitions. The Agent is also responsible for promoting, coordinating youth registrations for the event as well as organizing three of the contests during District Contest. Approximately 8% of 4-H’ers enrolled in the county participated in District Contests.

State 4-H Conference: This year, 9 4-H’ers participated in State 4-H Conference held in Las Cruces, NM. Through contests, workshops and meetings this week long event allows 4-H’ers to increase the development of their team work, public speaking, leadership and decision making life skills. The Agent works with other CES Staff and Volunteers to help prepare 4-H’ers for their competitions. The Agent is also responsible for promoting, coordinating youth and adult registrations and helping find chaperones for the event. An understanding for 4-H subject matter is evident through the Hippology, Home Ec. Skill-A-Thon and Home Ec. Bowl teams all taking top honors in their respected competitions. These three teams have earned the right to compete at the national level in January 2012. Two 4-H’ers who attended this event returned with goals of running for a State 4-H Leadership Team position. 3% of 4-H’ers enrolled in the county participated in State 4-H Conference.

Record Books:
One record book training and five Club visits were held to give an overview of the record book guidelines and to emphasize the importance of record keeping and how it will help 4-H’ers in future endeavors like college and career application. 4-H’ers received information on what should be included in record keeping and how to complete a record book. Along with record keeping, the Agent teaches 4-H’ers the difference between achievement, citizenship and leadership and how these apply to 4-H project work. Ten 4-H’ers and one Cloverbud completed record books this past year.

Horse Activities:
State 4-H Horse School: 12 (28% of youth enrolled in a Horse Project) 4-H’ers from Valencia County applied to attend State 4-H Horse School. The Agent is responsible for promoting, coordinating registration and finding chaperons for the event. 4-H’ers who attended received hands-on training on their horse and horsemanship through riding sessions as well as workshops on both animal and youth care and health issues. The 4-H’ers who participated in this weeklong event were able to use the knowledge gained while participating in District and State Horse Shows as well as with our local 4-H Horse Council.

Livestock Activities:
State 4-H Livestock School: Six (5% of youth enrolled in a livestock project) 4-H’ers from Valencia County attend this year’s State 4-H Livestock School. The Agent is responsible for promoting, coordinating registration and finding chaperons for the event. 4-H’ers who attended received hands-on training on how to care for their 4-H livestock animals as well as feeding, veterinary needs, nutrition, selection, and showmanship. 4-H’ers who attended this event were able to take the knowledge gained from the school and help other 4-H’ers with their livestock projects in preparation for the County Expo. Improvement in showmanship by youth who attended livestock school was evident during the Showmanship Awards at the 2011 Valencia County Community Expo. Three of the 4-H’ers who attended Livestock School are regularly called upon by the Agent to help less experienced 4-H’ers with their Livestock Projects. The youth have expressed how helping younger 4-H’ers has improved their showmanship skills.

Two “Prepare for Fair” livestock project workshops were presented to 4-H youth enrolled in livestock projects. These workshops provided youth with information on livestock selection, nutrition and feeding, veterinary care, showmanship, and preparing for the various fairs the youth can participate in. For these workshops, the Agent utilized specialists from NMSU to teach selection, nutrition, veterinary care and showmanship. The 4-H Home Economist presented information on marketing their Livestock Projects to potential buyers. The Agent presented information on Livestock Bio-Security and how to prevent the spread of disease. Twenty-three youth participated in one of the two workshops presented. A pre-test showed that the majority of youth attending knew little about how to keep from spreading livestock diseases and other Bio-Security issues. The post-test results showed a 95% increase in knowledge of Bio-Security issues including how to prevent the spread of livestock diseases. 80% of youth surveyed felt that the information gained was very beneficial in helping them prepare for fairs this year and in the future. Some of the comments on the surveys indicated that 4-H’ers learned the “importance of routine” when feeding their animals, and how to “select animals without disease.”

The Agent offered several “Weigh Days” for 4-H’ers with Livestock Projects. Home visits were conducted throughout the summer. The Agent helped 4-H’ers weigh their Livestock Projects and offered advice on feed adjustments, exercise routines and grooming. On average, the Agent would visit 10 homes on weigh days. 4-H’ers expressed their appreciation of having livestock scales available to their family as well as advice on how to improve their projects. The Agent enjoyed the visits with these families and seeing the improvements of not only the livestock but the enthusiasm of the 4-H’ers.

Project Activities:
The Agent hosted four Project Day Camps for 4-H’ers to complete indoor projects to be entered in the Valencia County Community Expo. The Agent provided materials and guidance for 4-H’ers wishing to complete their Scrapbooking, Arts & Crafts, Housing & Interior Design, Welcome to NM 4-H, and Leathercraft Projects. The Agent also provided materials and guidance for 4-H’ers with Livestock and other Animals Projects to create posters about their projects. Fourteen 4-H’ers took advantage of the Project Day Camps.

Fair Activities:
Tagging Days: Three tag days were coordinated and set up by the Agent and the New Mexico Livestock Board. These dates were coordinated for the 4-H and FFA youth of Valencia County. One steer tagging date was set in April and two tag dates were set in May for pigs, goats, lambs and dairy heifers. The Agent was responsible for coordinating dates and locations with the 4-H and FFA members showing livestock.

Valencia County Community Expo: The 3rd Annual Valencia County Community Expo (VCCE) was held in Los Lunas, NM. This event was the venue for 4-H’ers to showcase their 4-H Indoor and Livestock Projects. Twenty-seven 4-H’ers (10% enrolled) exhibited 148 indoor projects at the Expo. An additional 45 4-H’ers (16% of 4-H’ers enrolled in livestock projects) exhibited their livestock projects at the Expo.

Fall Farm Festival:
The 5th Annual Fall Farm Festival is sponsored by the Valencia County 4-H Program, CES staff and Staff from the NMSU Agriculture Science Center, to promote the agriculture industry. The Agent works with CES Staff to coordinate 4-H Club booths and Agricultural demonstrations. With a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and several agricultural demonstrations, visitors to this event learn about agriculture and the 4-H program. Individual 4-H clubs put on game and activity booths, to promote their clubs, while booths and materials from the Southwest Mobile Dairy, Farm & Livestock Bureau, New Mexico Beef Council, Master Gardeners, New Mexico Game and Fish and Costanza Orchards to promote agriculture. Approximately 800 people attended the event. A total of $3,264 was raised for the 4-H program.

Shooting Sports
Twelve Valencia County 4-H’ers (15% of Senior youth enrolled in shooting projects) participated in the State 4-H Shooting Sports contest in Raton, NM. The Agent is responsible for coordinating with other CES Staff and Volunteer Coaches to prepare 4-H’ers for this competition, as well as coordinate youth registrations for the event. By participating in the different shooting competitions, 4-H’ers further developed their teamwork self-confidence and self-discipline life skills. This event is used as a qualifier for the National Shooting Sports Contest. The Air Rifle Team and .22 Rifle Teams both took top honors with several 4-H’ers brining home top honors as Individuals. The Air Rifle Team went on to compete at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Contest in San Antonio, TX. One 4-H’er received top honors in two of his shooting events and placed as the 2nd High Individual overall in Air Rifle.

4-H Record Book Judging

The agent, County Director, 4-H agent, and five leaders worked together to judge over 50 Colfax County 4-H record books. The agent judged the Market Lamb, Market Swine, Range Management, and Archery sections.