Youth Cattle Summer Camp
4-H and Youth Programming
Erin Jones
Live Oak
Abstract
The Youth Cattle Camp was designed to allow participants to learn about the history of the Florida Cattle Industry and the segments involved in the industry today. My goal for this camp was to educate youth participants about the industry that founded our state’s agriculture, provide them with first-hand learning opportunities using practices that could change their home operations, and allow them the opportunity to connect with advanced livestock producers. Many youth livestock participants enrolled in our county’s 4-H program are engaged in raising show animals but are not aware of traditional industry practices. There was a combination of educational methods used in this four-day camp with time spent in the classroom and supplemental day trips to experience first-hand a variety of industry segments. Camp participants experienced a walk-through of the Florida cattle industry with a visit to a local livestock market; had tours of the University of Florida Beef Teaching Unit, the Animal Science Department, a cow-calf operation, a feeder cattle backgrounding yard, a purebred bull selling operation, and a ranch whose focus is replacement heifers; and demonstrations of cattle semen collection and oocyte collection used to create embryos. Twelve youth participants attended the camp. At the end of camp, 95% of participants reported knowledge gain of segments impacting the cattle industry, 50% reported an understanding of reproductive practices, and 25% indicated an intention to implement a new practice demonstrated during camp. One participant’s family made a production practice change based on knowledge gained during camp, choosing a different breed of bull to purchase to enhance their cattle operation. In addition to industry education, our visit to the University also gave students an opportunity to be on campus and make connections for future enrollments.
Authors: Erin Jones Dasher
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Erin Jones Dasher Livestock Extension Agent , Suwannee County , Florida, 32056