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Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-6342 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu |
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site www.uwyo.edu/agadmin/news/news.htm
Date: Aug. 29, 2006
4-H
livestock judging polishes communication skills
A pen dropped on the wood floor inside the quiet Fort Steele building on the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo grounds would have sounded like a herd of steers busting down the door.
The highly polished, yellowish basketball court-style floor reflected light from the windows as more than 43 senior-age (14-18) 4-Hers sat face forward in desks laboriously studying notes taken earlier when they had circled and mentally measured beef cattle, swine and sheep in the state livestock judging championship.
There was an occasional cough and the sound of shuffling feet.
Then show time.
One by one at intervals, each walked silently across the floor and headed outside down steps to face one of four judges sitting in the shade under giant cottonwood trees.
Others waiting outside walked in circles or would take a few steps, stop, then take a few steps more as they mentally reviewed notes while awaiting their turns, some mumbling, seemingly oblivious of surroundings. Some wore sport coats and slacks; some shirts and blue jeans.
Once their turn came, the 4-Hers stood 5 to 6 feet away from the seated judges and leaned in from the waist while talking, their body English reminiscent of an irate coach giving a chewing out to a player on a bench.
The 4-Hers state their opinion to a judge and have to back it up.
“A lot of the kids, if you chat with them about what is the best thing they get out of the program, is confidence,” said Lance Miller, University of Wyoming livestock judging team coach helping coordinate the contest. “Before participating in livestock judging, they weren’t the type of person to go up and say hi to someone or volunteer in class.”
That changes after a few years in the program, he said.
Youths also develop socially, said Miller. “One of the most popular responses you’ll get from them as to what they get out of participating is friendships,” he said. “Many are going to the same contests or are in the same shows and at fairs.”
Brogan Clay of Laramie said if he hadn’t participated in the program he’d “probably still be a shy, little kid.”
Brogan, the son of Jim and Maggie Clay, said he became involved because he’s raising his own cattle and wanted to know what beef characteristics are good. “It’s fun actually,” the senior at Laramie High School said. Clay placed 17th in the swine competition, 36th in sheep, 21st in beef, 11th in reasons, and 23rd overall. Caleb Boardman of Park County placed first overall.
4-Hers ages 8 through 18 can participate. “It’s amazing to see them blossom,” said Rindy West, UW Cooperative Extension Service 4-H/youth educator serving Campbell County. “They gain self-confidence. They aren’t afraid to tell about why they did something. They gain skills to explain and defend their positions.”
4-Hers evaluate four animals in beef, swine and sheep by comparing the animals to an ideal standard. Notes are taken, which the 4-Hers study while waiting for judges. West, a 4-H livestock judging team coach, discourages memorizing notes. Rather, she encourages writing terms and descriptions of the animals that jog memories when defending their choices in front of a judge.
The youths use communication techniques to get their points across, she said. They maintain eye contact, use gestures and lean forward to maintain interest.
“What I like about it is they are learning life skills and talking about agriculture,” said West. “A lot of people are losing sight of the importance of the food and fiber system.”
On the Web: http://www.uwyo.edu/ces/wyo4h/4-HWebsite/Competitions_Main.htm
http://www.uwyo.edu/UWCES/4H2.asp
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