Mr. Matt Teagarden
Kansas State University

A primary goal of Kansas State University Research and Extension is the dedication to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system. Recently, youth livestock exhibitors have been recognized as a possible weak link in the accomplishment of this goal. The Departments of Animal Science and Industry and 4-H Youth Programs have teamed up to develop an educational program for youth livestock exhibitors in the area of livestock quality assurance.

Kansas Youth for Livestock Quality Assurance is a proactive educational program for 4-H and FFA beef, sheep, swine and dairy projects. With the basis of the program being quality assurance we then delve into other issues, such as 1) proper management practices 2) proper care/humane treatment of project animals 3) showring ethics and 4) proper use of drug products. Again, we approach these issues from a quality assurance standpoint.

Livestock projects are a major part of the overall 4-H and FFA programs in Kansas. We have more than 15,000 youth participating in these areas. These participants are the primary target audience, however; we feel that we need to reach parents as well. Therefore, we plan for this program to reach each youth member as well as their parents who will accompany them to the meetings.

At this point, we are still in the developmental stages of this program. To date, we have an informational/promotional brochure and an introductory video developed. The brochure will be distributed to project participants through county extension offices and FFA chapters. The video features industry leaders who give their thoughts on the importance of quality assurance in youth livestock projects.

The primary educational piece will be a member manual. The manual will consist of lessons covering our areas of emphasis. Each lesson will incorporate activities that will allow the exhibitor to think about the material and apply it to their own operation.

The program will be a complete package which will allow for a variety of program facilitators. We anticipate that the program will be led by extension agents, agricultural education instructors, project leaders, and even junior leaders.

Exhibitors who complete the program will be awarded certificates as a partner in Kansas Youth for Livestock Quality Assurance. Outstanding local programs will be recognized at the state level at commodity group annual meetings.

Since we are still in the developmental stage, our results are limited. However, we have had some opportunities to present parts of the program to groups of junior leaders. Their reaction has been very favorable to the program. Their comments show that they are concerned about these issues as well.

Several extension agents and leaders have already initiated similar programs in their counties. The success of these efforts and their desire for more material leads us to believe that this program will be very successful in Kansas.

Since delivery of the program will occur through established channels, the primary cost of this program will be the printing of materials. Funding the majority of printing costs will come from program sponsors. These sponsors include animal health product groups and commodity organizations.