Idaho Livestock Skillathon: Engaging Youth in Higher Livestock Learning
4-H and Youth Programming
Carmen Willmore
Extension Educator Livestock & 4-H
University of Idaho Extension
Blackfoot
Abstract
Youth livestock education is an important pillar of the 4-H Youth Development program. Many youth join 4-H to broaden their knowledge of livestock production, however, they tend to focus only on the project they are preparing to exhibit at local county fairs. Though seen as commendable dedication to their project, this narrowed focus limits their opportunity to learn about other livestock species. Hosting a livestock management skillathon competition provides youth with a platform to learn about all species of livestock production as well as other facets of the livestock industry such as meat judging, wool judging and hay judging. For over 10 years now Idaho has hosted a statewide livestock management skillathon competition, giving 4-H youth an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in the livestock industry. This statewide competition is hosted annually with participants coming from all around the state. The competition includes both a senior and junior age division with the highest placing senior team qualifying to compete at the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY. The competition consists of rotations through stations that test the youth on identification of feeds, livestock breeds, and equipment, as well as judging of wool, meats, and hay. There are also team stations where the youth demonstrate their knowledge of breeding management practices, quality assurance protocols, ration calculations and more. In this presentation attendees will learn how to host a livestock management skillathon competition in their state, with insight on creating a planning committee, identification of subject areas to cover, securing sponsorship for awards, and execution of the contest. Over the past 10 years this contest has hosted more than 600 youth, sending a qualifying team to the national competition each year. Youth that participate in the state livestock management skillathon have expressed that they enjoy the opportunity to compete at a state level on topics that are fun and interesting to them and that broaden their knowledge about the livestock industry.
Authors: Carmen Willmore, Meranda Small, Sawyer Fonnesbeck, Scott Nash, Tyler McDonald
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Carmen Willmore Extension Educator Livestock & 4-H, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83221
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Meranda Small Extension Educator Livestock, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83530
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Sawyer Fonnesbeck Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83252
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Scott Nash Area Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83211
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Tyler McDonald Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83672