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New Video's 03/13/2012
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A couple of 4-H livestock reminders
By Miles Dabovich CEA-AG Wichita County It's that time of year everyone is busy with school, sports and work and the everyday fast pace of life that many of us seem to have. In addition to the everyday grind many 4-H and FFA members are busy with 4-H Livestock Projects. Lamb and goat projects are already on feed and right now everyone is traveling the county trying to find the perfect pig. Youth livestock shows are very competitive in Texas and of course we all like to win. Competition is one of the many lessons in life. But the real purpose of livestock projects is not really about the competition, it's about youth development. Yes livestock projects do teach young people how to feed, care for and show their animals. However, their more important purpose is to encourage personal growth and development. By participating in livestock projects youth learn skills such as responsibility, respect, trustworthiness, sportsmanship and leadership just to name a few. And if you stop and think about it, it makes perfect sense if a young person can take on the responsibility of caring for an animal, have respect for the animal, be trusted by their parents and advisors to take care of that animal and provide leadership and help people, then I would think they would have a good start to success down the road in this busy world. Another thing I should mention is that livestock projects also provide a great opportunity for family interaction that we seem to have so little time for now. When the whole family becomes involved it builds lasting memories, and special family bond. In 2002 Texas FFA and 4-H organizations developed the quality counts program in order to strengthen the youth development process of the livestock program. The "Quality Counts Program" is designed to teach young people the importance of displaying good character in carrying out livestock projects and in every aspect of their lives. It will also teach them about proper livestock management and food quality and safety. The goal of the program is to have young people with unsurpassed character and integrity exhibiting high quality animals. On Oct. 27 the Quality Counts program will be implemented in Wichita County for any FFA or 4-H member. There will be six sessions between now and December and our plan is to make this a fun learning experience for the youth involved. We hope everyone involved makes plans to attend. In summary 4-H and FFA livestock projects like most youth activities is a positive thing. It's not about the money or trophies, it's about that young person and who they will be long after their stock showing is done. Date: 10/25/07
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