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UI/WSU Youth Livestock Field Days - Animal Science through Experiential Learning

4-H and Youth Programming

Audra Cochran
Extension Educator
University of Idaho
Orofino

Abstract

Since 2001, two to four Youth Livestock Field Days have been offered annually each spring in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington by University of Idaho and Washington State University Extension. The committee responsible for these events has grown from three 4-H professionals in 3 counties, to eight 4-H professionals in 5 counties. This regional approach to youth livestock education has resulted in a collaborative effort that is making an impact across regional and state lines. On average, each field day is attended by 80-150 youth and adults.  In 2024, three field days were offered – Beef, Sheep/Goat, and Swine.  They were attended by 105, 130, and 143 youth and adults, respectively.  At the conclusion of each field day, a simple evaluation is administered and collected at the end of the program. In 2024, the UI/WSU Youth Livestock Field Days increased the knowledge of participants 1 point on a 1-4 scale, and participants were over 90% likely/somewhat likely to use the knowledge in their projects.  The primary objective is to provide 4-H professionals with hands-on activities they can use to educate youth and adults in their counties on animal science. The secondary objectives are to improve youth knowledge to become advocates for the animal agriculture industry and to generate youth interest in animal agriculture careers. At county fairs, visitors often ask youth exhibitors questions about the livestock industry, youth should be prepared to answer those questions with confidence and accuracy. Also, with the increasing average age of farmers and ranchers, it is imperative to generate interest in the next generation, through exposure to the animal agriculture industries. This presentation will be comprised of three segments: prioritizing learning content, interactive activities, and event planning. As a result of the regional field day model, participants from a large geographical area have been able to access high-quality training at an affordable price

 

Authors: Audra Cochran, Klae O'Brien, Mark Heitstuman, Kathee Tifft, Jessie Van Buren, Mary Kate Myers, Kelly Stewart, Jeanene Kaufman, Janet Schmidt
  1. Audra Cochran Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Clearwater County, Idaho, 83544
  2. Klae O'Brien Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Lewis County, Idaho, 83543
  3. Mark Heitstuman Extension Educator, Washington State University, Washington, 99164
  4. Kathee Tifft Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Nez Perce County, Idaho, 83501
  5. Jessie Van Buren Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Latah County, Idaho, 83843
  6. Mary Kate Myers 4-H Program Coordinator, University of Idaho Extension, Nez Perce County, Idaho, 83501
  7. Kelly Stewart 4-H Program Coordinator, Washington State University, Washington, 99111
  8. Jeanene Kaufman 4-H Program Coordinator, Washington State University, Washington, 99402
  9. Janet Schmidt Extension Educator, Washington State University , Washington, 99111