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The 4-H Breakfast Club: Developing a Successful Livestock Project for Underserved Audiences

4-H and Youth Programming

Melissa Beermann
County Director
Monona County Extension
Onawa

Abstract

Swine and poultry production are important enterprises in the State of Iowa. Swine production has declined in West Central Iowa, with only one pig shown at the Monona County Fair in 2010. Teaching youth life skills while participating in hands-on learning about these industries is foundational to rural Iowa.  As the nation’s demography shifts, it is important to reach all audiences.  The livestock project – 4-H Breakfast Club – provides an opportunity for low-income, non-farm families and underrepresented, culturally and ethnically diverse youth.  Diverse audience recruitment has been key to the success of the program.  Females make up 65% of the participants. 85% of participants are non-rural, while minority youth make up 20% of the club.  A hands-on approach to learning and partnership with the ISU Western Research Farm were key to drive results. Financing was needed, pigs sourced, project location identified, participants recruited, a training program curriculum was developed and trainers were identified.  The guiding principles are empowered with interpersonal skills and exposure to AgSTEM experiences.  Participant Jocelyn Ramos commented “With this program, it really did open my eyes. Maybe I could pursue something in this career. This ag major, this field is not very diverse. But, as a Senior in High School now, I could potentially do this. Now it is a possibility.”  Other participants are now County Extension Council members, 4-H Youth Committee members, volunteers or donors. Education includes several hands-on workshops.  Record keeping, showmanship, judging, financing, nutrition, biosecurity and meat cut identification are examples of the activities. The summer field day features Swine Specialist Dave Stender’s GloGerm challenge used to illustrate biosecurity and a group quiz bowl. Weekly chores, high standards of herdsmanship and a team environment are expected.  Media recognition, industry & public support and grant awards have solidified the impacts. Iowa State representative Randy Feenstra attended the Research Farm field day  -  with our minority participants reporting how they valued the program.  By lowering the barriers, the 4-H Breakfast Club reaches an average of 32 youth each year and has created a successful environment for all youth to be involved in 4-H in new ways.

Authors: Melissa Beermann
  1. Melissa Beermann County Director, Iowa State University NACAA, Monona County Extension, Iowa, 51040