BEEF CAMP EDUCATES YOUTH BEEF PRODUCERS ABOUT END PRODUCT QUALITY IN IDAHO
Extension Education
Sarah Baker
Extension Educator
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
CHALLIS
Abstract
\r\n The last four national Beef Quality Audits identified many quality challenges in the beef industry including excess external fat, inadequate tenderness, insufficient marbling, and lack of uniformity. A major industry goal was to educate beef producers to select management practices that increase value and quality of beef. This includes youth producers who are raising beef animals in 4-H and FFA. It is important for youth to recognize the impact they have on consumer demand, and ultimately the industry, with their management decisions. In response, a proposal was submitted to the Idaho Beef Council (IBC) to fund BEEF Camp, a youth “end-product quality” educational event. The curriculum for BEEF Camp includes presentations, hands-on activities, and live animal demonstrations. Topics include Measuring Carcass Quality, Meat Quality Attributes, Feeds Affecting End-Product Quality, Selecting Market Steers, and Beef Quality Assurance. Hands-on activities include conducting a Taste Panel and a Beef Cut Identification contest. To date, three BEEF Camps have been conducted with over 100 youth reached thus far. Scores from pre– to post-tests increased from 42.5% to 90.7%, respectively. Participants ranked the overall experience of the program and the educational materials provided as 1.4 on a scale of 1-5 (1=outstanding, 2=good, 3=average, 4=poor, 5=unacceptable). All BEEF Camp attendees also indicated they learned something new regarding the relationship of livestock management and beef quality. It is intended that the partnership between the University of Idaho Extension and the IBC will continue and BEEF Camp will continue to educate youth beef producers in Idaho.
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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: S.D. Baker, T.E. Fife
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Baker, S. Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Custer County, Idaho, 83226
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Fife, T. Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Twin Falls County, Idaho, 83301