4-H Livestock Program
The Mississippi 4-H Livestock Program is a unique opportunity to use animals and educational projects to enhance youth development. The main objectives of the program deal with the young people, not the animals. Participants learn about agriculture and livestock production, and they develop an appreciation for the livestock industry; the main objectives, however, are to teach life skills and help 4-H'ers become productive citizens of our society.
The experience of children owning and working with animals; being responsible for their care, health, and growth; and exhibiting them in a competitive environment is a tremendous character-building process. Young people participate in the major animal science projects of beef, dairy, sheep, swine, horse, dairy goats, meat goats, and meat science. In addition to the animal projects, 4-H'ers participate in a variety of judging, quiz bowl, communication, expressive arts, and other livestock-oriented contests to demonstrate their knowledge and skills acquired by working with livestock.
Publications
News
While Mississippi high school students have history, English and algebra on their schedules, several are now adding advanced animal husbandry skills to their academic load.
Brandi Karisch, beef cattle specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said Extension began offering a youth stockmanship competition this year to improve young participants’ knowledge and skills in beef cattle handling.
Yorkshires are one of the many breeds of pigs out 4-H'ers show at livestock shows. ( Photo by Premier Livestock Imaging)
January and February are busy times for our 4-H’ers, especially those participating in livestock!
Success Stories
When Becky Baker enrolled her three children in 4-H, her main goal was to get them involved in the public speaking program.
When the Mississippi 4-H’ers come to the Mississippi State Fair, they come ready to compete.
The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors, led by Board President Lee Caldwell and Vice President Jessie Medlin, is developing a site to house the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center and Arena.
