Madison County 4-H Youth Outreach Project

As you know, Madison County is a small rural county in the northern part of District 9 and has a significant minority population. Unfortunately, the minority population is not well represented in the county's 4-H Livestock Program. However, recently interest has been generated in minority youth to exhibit livestock projects at the Madison County Fair and to participate in other 4-H activities. This interest was sparked through visits and presentations by Billy Zanolini, Madison CEA-AG/NR, at local elementary schools and visits to minority churches in Madisonville.

The challenges faced by some minority youth to participate in the 4-H Livestock Program include lack of funds to purchase the initial project, lack of facilities, lack of funds to purchase feed and supplies, and lack of parental support. To address these challenges, Agent Zanolini secured donated livestock (10 lambs, 2 goats and 1 pig) from producers in Texas, financial support from the Madisonville State Bank and the Texas 4-H Friends and Alumni Association, and the use of the Madisonville High School Ag Barn. Additionally, a local feed store is providing feed and supplies at his cost and Madison County 4-H Livestock Ambassadors are assisted the youth with their projects.

Currently, 12 minority youth are enrolled in this outreach project. The youth attend monthly 4-H club meetings, participate in livestock project clinics and showmanship clinics, and care for their donated projects twice daily. The youth will also complete the Quality Counts curriculum and exhibit their livestock at the Madison County Fair in March. Funds earned from the sale of projects will be invested in future livestock projects.

The goal for this project is to teach the youth livestock management skills, responsibility, financial management, and sportsmanship. Of course our goals are to produce productive and responsible youth and expand our 4-H outreach in Madison County. The outcomes of this project will be determined through an evaluation later in 2009.

This type of project has application in all counties in District 9. Give it a try and see the difference you can make in the lives of our youth!

Dale A. Fritz, DEA