Category: Youth

Livestock, Uncategorized, Youth

Being Thankful

Brandy VanDeWalle

Thankful can be defined as feeling gratitude or being glad about something. It is easy to overlook the many things we have to be thankful. For example, when having a somewhat unexpected and unpleasant event occur or being on the receiving end of a disgruntled person, I often have to remind myself of the many things I have to be thankful – a loving family, many friends, house, great career and so many other things. You may have heard the phrase, “one bad apple spoils the bunch.” We have to remind ourselves when in difficult situations or times to be thankful for the many great things in our lives. This column is intended to reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for living in the United States.thanksgiving1

Often times we forget how fortunate we are to have things such freedom. We can pursue the dreams we want, marry who we want, eat what we want and so much more. Give thanks to those who have served our country or are currently serving in the military. We are offered numerous educational experiences as well. Knowledge is power. We are able to attend any school we desire and can continue our education for the rest of our lives. I am blessed to have the opportunity to learn about the amazing work done by my University Of Nebraska colleagues and share that with clientele in the area.

Giving to those in need is another way we can practice gratitude. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Report, “an estimated 12.7 percent of American households were food insecure at least some time during the year in 2015, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. That is down from 14.0 percent in 2014. The prevalence of very low food security declined to 5.0 percent from 5.6 percent in 2014. Both declines are statistically significant.”

Let’s talk about the Thanksgiving meal, include some facts about Thanksgiving and examine reasons to be thankful. First of all, according to the USDA, about $670 million is the monetary value of turkeys consumed for Thanksgiving every year which is based on an estimated 46 million turkeys and 92 cent-per-pound. On average, it costs about $50 for a 10-person Thanksgiving meal. Included in the $50 meal is the turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk (Source: American Farm Bureau). You can thank our American farmers and ranchers who are able to provide us the bounty of safe and affordable food we are able to consume.

Now let’s talk trivia:

 

turkey
Image source: allfreeclipart.com

Q: Why are turkeys raised?
A: Because of their excellent quality of meat and eggs

 

Q: What is a male turkey called?
A: Tom

Q: What is a female turkey called?
A: A Hen

Q: What sound do turkeys make?
A: Only tom turkeys gobble; the female makes a clucking sound.

Q: How many feathers does a turkey have at maturity?
A: 3,500 feathers

Q: How long does it take a turkey to reach market size?
A: Hens usually grow for 16 weeks and is 8-16 lbs. when processed while tom usually takes 19 weeks to reach market weight and weighs 24 lbs. Large toms (24-40 lbs. are a few weeks older.

Regardless of what you do this Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful for what really matters.

Programming, Uncategorized, Youth

Engaging with Consumers

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recently I participated in an Engage workshop taught by the Center for Food Integrity. The overall goal of the workshop is to help those involved in the food production system engage with others of differing opinions, specifically those issues which can be controversial or sensitive in nature. Consumers are asking more questions now than ever regarding their food, including how it is produced.

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When farmers engage in conversations with consumers or better yet, invite them to their farm, respect for each other is possible.

In order to achieve this, we must first embrace consumers’ concerns and realize their concerns are real. Once we are able to recognize their concern, we should find what shared values we have. By finding a “common ground”, it is easier to establish a connection with that person and have a friendly conversation. Once you are able to see where that person is coming from and you share information about yourself, it is easier to start a conversation. It is important that you are committed to having a conversation and not just educate, defend or correct any misinformation that person might have. Keep your emotions in check; these conversations are important, but they may get uncomfortable.

The Center for Food Integrity provides three steps to have tough conversations. Following Stephen Covey’s, “Seek first to understand, then be understood” is important. The first step is to actively listen to the person, don’t interrupt or judge – rather try and understand where their concerns are coming from and what they value. Then ask questions to invite dialogue and clarify their perspective. In other words, acknowledge their concern; this shows you have heard them. Then ask questions that show you are trying to understand them better. The third step is to share your information. Focus on topics that you both agree on and then have a conversation guided by your values and sharing facts that guide your decisions. While you may both still disagree, recognize that is okay. It is important not to become defensive and admit when you don’t know an answer to their question. If we are to build trust among consumers, we must be transparent.

Other conversation from this workshop when discussing sensitive issues with consumers is to acknowledge that nothing is ever without fault. For example, while the pros might outweigh the cons of a particular food production system, recognize it is not perfect. The training provided an example how to start a conversation with a consumer concerned about animal care and modern farming. It might go like this:

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My daughter loved caring for her calf this summer. Her calf, “Cutie” is enjoying a bath on a warm summer day! Sharing pictures and personal stories with consumers helps share our message and the good work we do.

“It is very disturbing to see a video of animal abuse. Animal abuse of any kind is never acceptable and those responsible should be held accountable. I assure you that animal care is a top priority for me and all of the farmers I know. While today’s farms look different than those of the 1950’s, technology allows us to take better care of our animals now than ever before.” This is allowing you to share your values with the person by letting them know you care about animals and an overwhelming majority of farmers do too. You are relating to the individual on a personal basis. Then it is okay to provide information or facts, but follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid). Sharing too much technical information may confuse the person even more. In our example you could say, “We house our animals in climate-controlled buildings where they’re protected from the elements and where we can closely monitor their feed, water and health.” If we use the word, “rations” they might not know what we are talking about. Everyone can relate to feed or food.

Other tips for having successful conversations:

  • Enter the conversation with an open mind.
  • Admit when you don’t know.
  • Be yourself and share your story.
  • Know when to disengage.
  • Foster a relationship or offer to connect with them beyond your initial conversation and offer them resources.

In conclusion, today it seems we have gone from a world of being able to compromise and accept differences in opinions to a culture of placing blame on others and seeking to “be right” and ostracize others when they don’t agree with us. That will only cause more divide among us. While it takes time and practice having these delicate conversations, the more we positively engage with consumers the better they will understand agriculture’s story. And to feed our rapidly growing population, it will take all types of production systems – conventional vs. organic farms and genetically modified crops vs. non-genetically modified crops.

Uncategorized, Youth

Rural Poll Finds Nebraskans Value Local Schools

Brandy VanDeWalle

At least three-quarters of rural Nebraskans rate a safe environment for students, high graduation rate, high-quality teachers, teaching problem solving or critical thinking skills to students and preparing students for college as high priorities for their local schools, according to the 2016 Nebraska Rural Poll.

In smaller communities, schools have been argued to provide other benefits to residents. However, providing an economic base and community social events were not highly prioritized by rural Nebraskans or residents of smaller communities.

“While we know that schools provide an important function in communities beyond the classroom, including economic and social activity, the survey results suggest that rural Nebraskans prioritize education first, with relatively low percentages also prioritizing economic and social effects of schools on communities,” said Brad Lubben, assistant professor of agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska¬-Lincoln.

Poll manager Rebecca Vogt said these questions were an effort to measure what rural Nebraskans expect from their local schools and if those expectations are being met.

Some of the highly prioritized items also have the highest satisfaction ratings. At least four in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed are very satisfied with the safety of the environment for students, graduation rate, quality school buildings, and opportunities for physical activities and sports at their local school.

However, there are some large differences between the characteristics that people expected from their local school and how they describe it. For almost all of the characteristics listed, the proportions that feel each is a high priority are larger than the proportions very satisfied with each. For example, 76 percent of rural Nebraskans rate teaching problem solving or critical thinking skills to students as a high priority, but only 22 percent said they are very satisfied with that characteristic in their local school.

Many of those gaps are greater for residents of the largest cities because people living in or near smaller towns are more likely to express satisfaction with many of the characteristics at their local school. At least half of people living in or near communities with populations under 5,000 are very satisfied with the safe environment for students, compared to 34 percent of people living in or near cities with populations of 10,000 or more. Forty-three percent of people living in or near communities with populations under 1,000 are very satisfied with class sizes, compared to 20 percent of people living in or near cities with populations of 10,000 or more.

As community size increases, satisfaction levels increase when it comes to providing courses for college credit, advanced placement, foreign languages and English as a second language. “Rural Nebraskans value their local schools,” said Jeanne Surface, associate professor for educational leadership at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Unfortunately, the challenge of population decline continues to constitute a threat to our rural schools and communities and their ability to prepare students for future success.”

The 21st annual Rural Poll was sent to 6,115 households in 86 Nebraska counties in April. Results are based on 1,746 responses. It is the largest annual poll of rural Nebraskans’ perceptions on quality of life and policy issues. This year’s response rate was 29 percent. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percent. Complete results are available at http://ruralpoll.unl.edu.

Although the Grand Island area (Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties) was designated a metropolitan area by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2013, the Rural Poll continues to include those counties in its sample. Also, Dixon and Dakota counties were added to the poll in 2014.

The university’s Department of Agricultural Economics conducts the poll in cooperation with the Nebraska Rural Futures Institute with funding from Nebraska Extension and the Agricultural Research Division in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Source: Becky Vogt, Survey Research Manager, Department of Agricultural Economics
Contact her at 402-750-1727 or rvogt2@unl.edu.

Uncategorized, Youth

Happy (and safe) Halloween

Brandy VanDeWalle

From sporting their costumes and allowing their imaginations to run wild to collecting yummy treats, Halloween is a fun and exciting time! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released Halloween safety tips that I’ve summarized this week.

By the time this article is published, costumes may already be purchased; however you can still find ways to make the costumes bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tap or striping to costumes and trick or treat bags. Ensure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping. Hats and masks should allow youth to see properly and test any makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure no unpleasant surprises on Halloween. If a sword or other prop is used be sure it is blunt and not too long in case your child stumbles or trips.

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Can you tell my lil’ mermaid and Husker cheerleader were excited for Halloween last year! What are your kids dressing up as?

On the big trick-or-treat day, an adult should accompany young children. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. If older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time they should return home. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or care for a treat. The most common cause of injuries to children on Halloween is pedestrian injuries, therefore trick-or-treaters should:

  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Use reflective tape for costumes and/or trick-or-treat containers.
  • Carry a cellphone for quick communication. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their emergency number) if they ever become lost or have an emergency.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use a sidewalk where possible. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or driveways.
  • Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble-seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
  • Contact law enforcement immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Those who plan to hand out treats should remember to remove any bikes, garden hoses or lawn decorations away from the porch or sidewalk to prevent visitors from tripping. Replace any outdoor lights and restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bit a trick-or-treater. Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home such as coloring books or pens and pencils.

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Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your little trick-or-treaters can have a fun and exciting Halloween! Happy Halloween and don’t forget to check out the Extension Office’s spot at the Scare on the Square event in Geneva on October 31st from 4-5:30 p.m. We will be set up downtown by the courthouse

This article used Halloween Safety Tips developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2016).

Uncategorized, Youth

Importance of Career Exploration

Brandy VanDeWalle

College and career readiness have definitely become a trending focus in many school systems, often starting exposure to college and career options in elementary school. Waiting to have conversations about higher education and career options in high school is now considered to bean old adage.  While school systems are beginning this focus earlier and more often through their formal and informal opportunities with students, it’s also imperative for parents to understand the importance of introducing college and career readiness options to their youth. Basic conversations about the importance of going to college and the reason of going is linked to learning skills and knowledge to prepare them for a future career.ne-career-explorer

College may be daunting or intimidating, particularly if no one else in the family as attending. It is important to explain that college can mean different things for different people. Consider using the word “college” to be an easy way to explain that some people can go to college for a short term to do a certification program, a two-year college or a four-year college and beyond. Explaining the general options is a good way to make college seem more achievable to youth unsure if they have what it takes to be successful in higher education.

Many times budding athletes have the desire to play their favorite sport professionally. While there is a balance of encouraging your youth to work diligently to pursue their dreams, it is also important to have realistic conversations about goals of this nature. An additional misconception is that college athletes are actually studying the sport they are playing. Explaining that college athletes are studying a certain subject or area is an important step for youth to realize that academics are important and career options must be considered.

Here are some ways to introduce potential career paths to youth:

– Enroll your youth in out of school time organizations such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or a similar organization. They typically incorporate career exposure through skill development or activity-based learning.

– Knowing a youth’s interest areas early can enable parents to encourage students to focus on doing well and understanding concepts learned in school. For example, if a youth is interested in becoming a doctor, encourage them to take and challenge themselves in courses such as biology and math. Intentionally attempt to match youth interest to a specific career field, if possible and opportunities are available in your community.

– If age appropriate and accessible, arrange for a tour of a local business that focuses on the career field your youth is interested in.

– Download the Nebraska 4-H Career Explorer website or app. This can be downloaded onto a mobile device or viewed online at careerexplorer.unl.edu. This is a good resource for basic career exploration.

Career exploration can become a purposeful conversation with your youth as early as elementary school. Encouraging youth to think about future career paths and what challenges they want to solve in their future will be time well spent!

This article comes from a series of resources developed by Nebraska Extension, 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Learn more about 4-H at 4h.unl.edu. For more information, contact the author – Jill A. Goedeken (jgoedeken2@unl.edu), Extension Educator in Platte County.

Uncategorized, Youth

National 4-H Week

Brandy VanDeWalle

National 4‑H Week is October 2-8, 2016 and this year’s theme is “#4HGrown.” 4‑H reaches almost six million young people through our community of 100 public universities. Programs are delivered by 3,500 4‑H professionals and 500,000 volunteers. Young people experience 4‑H through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs and 4‑H camps.fall4-h

In 4-H, we believe in the power of America’s youth to succeed in life; however, too many kids lack opportunities that prepare them with the skills to lead in their lives, community and careers. The 4-H experience taught 4-H alumni critical life skills — responsibility, compassion, respect and the value of hard work. It helped them become a confident kid and adult. That’s why 4-H created “SHARE YOUR #4HGROWN STORY.” A nationwide call to action for 25 million alumni to share a photo or story that inspires 10 million kids and helps provide them with critical skills to lead for a lifetime. Help us grow the next generation of True Leaders — because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

4‑H’s reach and depth is unmatched. Through our community of 100 public universities, 4‑H reaches kids in every corner of America – from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. Our network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4‑H professionals provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 6 million 4‑H’ers, helping them grow into true leaders today and in life.

Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.national 4-h week logo RGB

Locally in Fillmore County, our Extension staff of three and numerous volunteers reaches over 200 4-H members and another 100 conservatively through school enrichment activities.

During 4-H week this year, we reached out to 3-4th graders in the county with the National 4-H Youth Science Day activity, “Drone Discovery” and more!

To find out more about 4-H in Nebraska, go to 4h.unl.edu. In Fillmore County, we have our own website which can be found at fillmore.unl.edu. You can also contact our office at (402) 759-3712 or visit us at 1340 G Street in Geneva, NE and we’d be happy to add you to our monthly newsletter so your kids can be a part of the experience!

Livestock, Uncategorized, Youth

Animal Enthusiasts Take Note

Brandy VanDeWalle

This past week, South Central Cattlewomen and Nebraska Extension coordinated the 19th Annual “AgVenture” Day for 169 area fourth grade youth. In short, youth learned how important agriculture is and how everyone is impacted daily by agriculture. At this program, livestock are present which is always a highlight for some youth. For some youth, this is their first close encounter with a beef animal, lamb, goat or horse. For some youth, their passion for livestock and all animals runs deep and as a farm kid, I remember wanting to be a veterinarian or work in the animal science field as lots of livestock kids do at one point. Youth without livestock might have a passion for companion animals such as dogs or cats and also consider a career working with animals.

For those youth or parents/grandparents who have a child with a passion for animals, read on!

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Did you know you could attend the University of Nebraska and get a degree focused on companion animals, horses or livestock? Or maybe you just want to take a few classes to learn more about these? You need to come to the University of Nebraska Animal Science Open House on October 3, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. to learn more. You can get questions answered and find out more about the vast opportunities, classes that are offered, careers and much more. During this Open House you will get some hands-on experiences, view demonstrations and meet with faculty and students involved in UNL’s equine, companion animal and livestock programs. Also you will get to find out more about the various animal-related organizations such as Equestrian team, Livestock and Horse Judging teams, SEECA (Students for the Education of Exotic and Companion Animals), Pre-Vet club, and Block and Bridle.  During the open house, you will get to travel through the Animal Science building on a bit of a “scavenger hunt” to seek out facts related to our classes and majors. Be sure to mark your calendars to not miss this night at the UNL Animal Science Complex, UNL East Campus!

A flyer, map and more details can be obtained at our Extension Office or by contacting Dr. Lisa Karr (lisa.karr@unl.edu) or Dr. Lena Luck (lena.luck@unl.edu).

Crops, Uncategorized, Youth

Making One Agronomist at a Time

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week, eight Nebraska youth traveled to Iowa to participate in the 1st Annual Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition held at Iowa State University’s Field Extension Education Location near Boone, IA. These youth scouted six fields for diseases, insects, abiotic/biotic disorders, weed identification and crop growth stage and development. Teams from IIMG_6290.JPGowa and Indiana also competed. Nebraska teams ranked 4th and 5th respectably. Between all three state competitions, 111 youth competed from Nebraska, Iowa and Indiana. Top two teams from each state competed at the regional competition. Congrats to all of the youth who not only networked with agronomic professionals, but also gained the most by improving life skills related to a potential career path.

While this is one program, which impacts a very small percentage of youth, it is very important to start training the next generation of ag leaders to feed our growing population. In fact the USDA’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) believes so strongly in the future of agricultural career pathways, they are funding $3.1 million through a Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Grants Program (NNF). This fellowship will aid in supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators who will be key to the future of our food and agricultural systems.

The NNF program is for graduate degree (masters and doctoral) programs and postgraduate training. The Nebraska Farmer website says it well, “the purpose of this program is to develop intellectual capital to ensure the preeminence of U.S. food and agricultural systems. This funding invests in experiential learning, including international experiences, for individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to NIFA’s mission.”

There are eight targeted expertise shortage areas in which applicants should target their projects which include:  animal production; plant production; forest resources; agricultural educators and communicators; agricultural management and economics; food science, human nutrition and human sciences; sciences for agricultural biosecurity; veterinary sciences; food and agriculture data analytics and tools; and integrative biosciences for sustainable food and agricultural systems. Applications are due September 22, 2016. For more information go to the NIFA – NNF website.IMG_6287.JPG

While this program is for graduate and postgraduate degree programs, it all starts by sparking the interest in youth, one at a time with the goal of “making on agronomist at a time.”

For more information on how to engage youth in crops, visit our UNL CropWatch site at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/cropwatch-youth.

Uncategorized, Youth

Reflections from the Road

Brandy VanDeWalle

This past week, I was fortunate to serve as a voting delegate for Nebraska Ag Educators and attend the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Professional Improvement Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. At this conference agricultural extension professionals gathered from across the nation to gain leadership development and increased knowledge of agricultural issues. The presentations and networking with colleagues across the nations sparks ideas, concepts and programs to bring back home. There were several excellent programs and concepts I am excited to implement in Nebraska and locally, which will not only be a benefit to Nebraskan’s and the clients I serve, but make me a better educator. From agricultural literacy initiatives to youth development programs to new and emerging trends in production agriculture, this is always a highlight of my professional career.

rice field
At the NACAA Professional Improvement Conference, an Arkansas Extension Specialist shared with us how rice is grown. It is always interesting to learn about different types of agriculture outside of Nebraska. 

 

Also, this conference provides a renewed sense of purpose and reminds me what it is that I do. To some, all the county extension office does is conduct a county fair. It always amazes me how one week out of the year, extension is judged on the quality of work conducted. Don’t get me wrong, county fair is important, as it is one of the culminating activities in a youth’s project and allows them to showcase their hard work and dedication that is important. I enjoy seeing projects, both livestock and static exhibits, that youth have been describing to me and talking about for months. Seeing the pride in their eyes as they exhibit their project is awesome! The volunteers we have in Fillmore County are amazing and greatly appreciated. It is great having volunteers that have ownership in the 4-H program and we have countless volunteers who contribute many hours of hard work for the greater good of the 4-H program. To those, I cannot thank you enough!

At my conference, Walt Coleman resonated to me quite well, especially after coming off county fair. Coleman is a fifth-generation businessman in the dairy industry and currently serves as controller for Hiland Dairy. Coleman has also officiated NFL games for 25 years. You can probably guess as an NFL referee, he has experienced his share of negativity! One of the quotes that stuck with me includes, “All we can be is the best we can be” and reminded us to focus on the positive, not negative.

We often will never quite know the impact we’ve had on one’s life. I went into Extension in order to make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve. While it is not usually visible, I sure hope that what I do is making a positive difference and that I leave this world a better place. My parents instilled in me the importance of giving thanks to those whom have made a difference or went out of their way to do something that didn’t have to be done. Let’s reach out to others in a positive manner and be thankful what we have, rather than tearing others down with needless “put-downs” and poor sportsmanship.

In conclusion, with all of the negativity and challenges our world faces, let’s strive to work together, rather than against each other. Let’s be a part of the solution, not the problem and display positive character traits for our youth’s sake. I’d like to end this column with a quote by Henry Ford that sums up what I’m trying to express, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success.” We have so much to be thankful for and let’s not loose sight of that. Thanks again to all whom have contributed positive youth development to the 4-H and FFA programs!

Uncategorized, Youth

Sportsmanship & Youth Development

Brandy VanDeWalle

Webster’s Third International Dictionary defines sportsmanship as “conduct becoming to an individual involving fair and honest competition, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of results”. Sportsmanship starts with parents teaching their youth how to accept a win or a loss, although in the 4-H youth development program, even if the youth receives a red ribbon, nothing is lost as long as some basic knowledge and skills were gained. Too often in our society we focus on the tangible results of a ribbon or trophy and don’t think about the process that youth went through to achieve the end results and what was learned from that process.   It is your response to winning and losing that makes you a winner or a loser.- Harry Sheeny

I often use the example that as a youth, I’ll never forget receiving a red ribbon for a market heifer; I was disappointed, but will never forget my dad asking me, what the judge said in the comments. After we talked it over, I realized his reasoning and was able to understand the type of animal I should select the following year. That was a lesson I’ll never forget. My parents instilled the value of hard work into my sister and I and any animal we showed we bought with our own money to build a small cow/calf herd or they came from our own herd. We rarely had the award-winning animal and were extremely excited to even receive a purple ribbon. The learning that occurred, memories and fun we had were just as valuable than if we would have received a trophy or plaque. For these reasons, it is really rewarding to work with youth who are happy with any ribbon placing- white, red, blue or purple. It really is just one person’s opinion on one particular day!

The 4-H Program focuses on providing positive youth development and developing young people as future leaders. A ribbon or plaque placing does not achieve this; rather it is the process, skills and effort that went into the project. It is also important to mention that the entire 4-H program extends beyond the county fair and is done through educational workshops, career portfolios, leadership experiences and much more and is a year round program.

MeShowing
I enjoyed showing cattle and while purples were exciting to receive, the ribbon placing didn’t matter; it was the learning experience and fun had with friends!

Three reasons adults and teen leaders should be concerned with developing sportsmanship are:

  1. Youth programs are easier to conduct and are more positive experiences for everyone involved if good sportsmanship is demonstrated.
  2. The development of sportsmanship is an important part of youth development. Youth and adults who develop and show good sportsmanship get along better, and are much more successful on a long-term basis in becoming self-directing, productive, contributing, competent, caring, capable adults, than are those whose behavior is un-sportsmanship-like.
  3. Sportsmanship is one of the key elements of civilized society. Those who think of the “big picture” know the reasons for developing sportsmanship extend beyond an individual, a community, or a program. When societies allow sportsmanship to decline, their civilizations also decline.

As we get ready for another Fillmore County Fair, let’s be reminded that the end result is not the ribbon placing, but the skills that each youth learned!

Source: Kathryn J. Cox, Ohio Extension 4-H Specialist, Youth Development, Developing Sportsmanship- A Resource For Preparing Youth And Their Families For Participation in Competitive Programs and Events, 2006