The opportunity for professional educators to step forward and take action as leaders in ethics education is now upon us. County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers nationwide must agree that there is a national perception that all youth livestock exhibitors are unethical. We must send a message to dispel this perception. The message is very complex yet simple and includes an aggressive, positive educational strategy developed from within the community at the local level.

The most important component of local educational programming is that educators step forward to support the clientele’s desire for specific "yes or no," "right or wrong" answers for exhibitors, volunteers, parents, show officials, and even administrators.

Let’s look at a simple model strategy which can be utilized by all junior livestock education programs:

1. Express a professional philosophy that focuses on integrity, honesty, hard work, the family unit, and a passion for success which will ultimately glorify those who embrace these five components.

2. Direct all success in the program first to the exhibitor, family, club or chapter and not the supervisor, fitter, or breeder. Bask only in the glow of the youngster as he or she receives their just rewards.

3. Communication should be the key to providing the most vital information. Yes, this does include both simple and complex information on selection, breeding, nutrition, health, and fitting. We need to provide all with both the ethical and non-ethical approaches in these areas. People need to know the fads and what is legal or illegal. Many sources, beyond our control, will give options that are way out of bounds. How are the uninformed to know? Technical information is a powerful tool for those who have it. Unfortunately, many do not realize that releasing this information will only strengthen the educator as well as the student. Supervisors and leaders must know they have an obligation to share the knowledge for the good of the individual exhibitors as well as the future of livestock shows.

4. Develop a core group of stakeholders at the local level to plan, implement, evaluate, and communicate the specifics of your local ethics efforts. This group should include show officials, financial supporters, media, and administrators, as well as county agents, ag-teachers, parents, volunteers, and YES, youth exhibitors. An educational package needs to be designed that is sanctioned by the core group for clubs, chapters, fair boards, and civic groups. This includes tools such as video programming, zero tolerance policy information, news media feature stories, radio, television and national or state code of ethics contracts between all parties, and locating funds to provide the educational tools.

5. We must listen to the families and exhibitors when they question a situation which appears out of line and support them by stepping forward and asking the question(s) on behalf of the exhibitors. The attitude that questions can be asked must be fostered, and that supervisors, as well as show management, will follow through.

6. Ethics education also includes an attitude that adults must set a positive response in losing as well as winning. There should be no tolerance for those who curse the judge and/or the show in defeat. Express positive questions of why we lost, and let’s climb into the stands, watch, review, and accept defeat as only a step in the direction for future success.

7. Remember, as Dr. Jeff Goodwin has often said, "We cannot regulate morality, but we can educate morality." Ethical behavior can be habit forming over time—especially for the beginner whose behavior will carry forth in life based on the experiences in his or her formative years. Remember, it is an obligation for adults to "walk the walk" not just "talk the talk."

In closing, remember that yes, we have had problems in our precious livestock arenas and barns. I expect that if our critics say we are the problem, then we must also be the solution. My late father instilled in me a passion for truth and a desire for success through only hard work and ambition. We are at a crossroads where we can look at this as an opportunity and a very teachable moment, or we can turn our backs. Based on the positive moves by a few in the development of educational tools, residue avoidance programs, the RID "Rule Infraction Database," and a belief by a majority of all stakeholders in livestock shows, we play a vital role. I praise each of you for your attendance this week, and thus expressing your support for unity and alliance in education.