4-H Cattle Prospect Show: Expanding Youth Livestock Education Through Competitive Events
4-H and Youth Programming
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Catherine Whitehead
ANR & Livestock Agent 1
UF/IFAS Extension
Starke
Abstract
Local youth with cattle projects often have limited opportunities to practice showing their animals and receive feedback before their county fair or primary livestock exhibition. To address this need, Bradford County 4-H developed the Bradford 4-H Beef Bash Prospect Show in 2015. What began as a small local show has grown to attract 4-H and FFA youth from surrounding counties and neighboring states. This program targets youth ages 8–18 with the objective of providing opportunities to practice showmanship skills, receive feedback on cattle quality, and prepare youth for upcoming livestock exhibitions while also generating financial support for the county 4-H program. The two-day program includes a Friday evening showmanship competition for junior, intermediate, and senior divisions, followed by breed and market classes on Saturday, including brahman heifers, American-influence heifers, commercial heifers, bulls, and steers. Youth receive direct feedback from an industry professional serving as the judge. Organizers coordinate facilities, sponsorships, vendors, and awards while ensuring the event is operated in compliance with UF/IFAS Extension and 4-H policies. Participation has grown steadily over the past three years, with approximately 167 youth exhibitors and 226 head of cattle in 2024, 101 youth and 158 cattle in 2025, and 122 youth and 144 cattle in 2026, including youth from Bradford County as well as surrounding counties and states. The event has also generated between $15,000 and $23,000 annually to support Bradford County 4-H programming through entry fees, sponsorships, and vendor participation. The Bradford 4-H Beef Bash Prospect Show offers youth the opportunity to practice showmanship, develop livestock evaluation skills, and receive individualized feedback as they prepare for their county fairs. The program also strengthens relationships between Extension, agricultural producers, and local businesses while serving as a sustainable fundraiser for the 4-H program. This model demonstrates how county Extension programs can combine youth livestock education, community engagement, and generate program funding through a prospect show.
Authors: Lizzie Whitehead, Dr. Cindy Sanders, Bailea Scarbrough
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Lizzie Whitehead Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32091
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Dr. Cindy Sanders County Extension Director and Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32669
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Bailea Scarbrough 4-H Youth Development Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32091