Hoof to Hook Youth Steer Feedout & Carcass Contest
Extension Education
Jennifer Patterson
Ext Ed Ag/4H
Stilwell
Abstract
In today’s society there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of beef production practices between the cow/calf producers and beef consumers. The Payne County Hoof to Hook Youth Steer Feedout Program is a hands-on educational initiative designed to provide youth and families with real-world experience and knowledge in beef production. Throughout the 150-day finishing period, youth participated in educational programs focused on animal selection, nutrition, husbandry practices, and management factors influencing carcass quality. This program emphasized education for both youth and adults, recognizing that family and industry engagement strengthens learning outcomes. Participants, families, and industry partners attended educational experiences including tours of a local feed mill and the OSU Willard Sparks Feedlot Research Station, as well as a meat taste-testing session demonstrating differences in quality grades, a cattle handling contest to emphasize beef quality assurance practices, and a livestock field day featuring interactive, hands-on learning rotations. Including entire families in educational opportunities helps strengthen understanding of beef production and reinforces the value of agriculture across generations. The program concluded with collecting the steers final weights and processing at Oklahoma State University’s Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC). Joel Jackson, Plant Manager at FAPC, taught youth about beef quality grades, toured the processing facility, and evaluated their own carcasses, connecting management decisions to final product outcomes. Youth participated in exit interviews over their steer projects from industry professionals. The inaugural year for this program saw tremendous support from community with $9600 in monetary donations, as well as facility fees waived to host educational opportunities. This support allowed us to award $4128.40 in carcass premiums and $1875 in cash prizes, in addition to the banner and buckle awards. Evaluations reported that 100% of participants surveyed indicated a positive impact on knowledge and skills learned. All the youth responses indicated an interest in exploring careers in agriculture and participation in future livestock projects. Through experiential learning and industry engagement, the Payne County Hoof to Hook program strengthens youths’ understanding of the beef industry, supports development of future agricultural leaders, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the livestock industry.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Jennifer Patterson, Earl Ward
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Patterson, J. Ext Ed Ag/4H, OSU Extension, Oklahoma, 74960
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Ward, E. OSU Extension Area Livestock Specialist, OSU Extension, Oklahoma, 74401