Junior Livestock Show Validations: Steers and Heifers, October 11, 2018, Goats and Lambs Oct 18, 2018.
Texas has the largest number of 4-H and FFA livestock projects in the nation. Additionally, Texas has the most exhibitors, scholarships awarded. Young people have the opportunity to participate at the county, district, regional and state level.
The tremendous support and dedication of livestock show officials, donors and industry stakeholders help make this possible.
With this opportunity comes a responsibility for each exhibitor to learn and demonstrate the highest standards, both in personal character and in the feeding and care of their animals. Focused on quality assurance and character education, Quality Counts is designed to teach young people the importance of displaying good character in carrying out livestock projects, and in every aspect of their lives.
Quality Counts helps youth exhibitors learn the importance of using proper livestock management practices so that food quality and safety are preserved. Through a set of curriculum, activities and a verification exam, livestock exhibitors understand they are contributing to the world’s most nutritious and safe food supply.
The world’s population, now estimated at 7.3 billion, is expected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050. Youth exhibitors will meet the challenges of feeding a growing population. Livestock show programs, like Quality Counts, are critical in the development of agricultural industry careers of young professionals. Exhibitor participation in Quality Counts helps ensure that Texas 4-H and FFA members can continue to be a part of the greatest youth livestock program in the nation.
Recently, Quality Counts has been undergoing major revisions to better meet our youth livestock exhibitors with the most relevant and timely information related to this project area. Focused on quality assurance and character education, Quality Counts is designed to teach young people the importance of displaying good character in carrying out livestock projects, and in every aspect of their lives.
Quality Counts helps youth exhibitors learn the importance of using proper livestock management practices so that food quality and safety are preserved. Livestock show programs, like Quality Counts, are critical in the development of agricultural industry careers of young professionals. Perhaps the most beneficial component of the updated Quality Counts program is the structure of the content and exam combination.
What is meant by this is that exhibitors will first be required to engage in the full learning content before being presented with the verification exam. Unlike in previous years when a student could only take the exam without reviewing content, now students will be exposed to all of the in-depth learning opportunities presented in the modules.
What this means for exhibitors: more educational experience. What this means for educators: better prepared exhibitors and less time spent on classroom instruction.
While you are still more than welcome to supplement classroom teaching with the Quality Counts curriculum, it is not necessary with the fully-loaded content driven modules provided in the eLearning course.
Coming Up:
NETLA Steer and State Heifer Validation- October 11, 2018- Dairy Health Services- $30 6:00 to 7:00
NETLA Goats and Lambs Validation- October 18, 2018- Regional Civic Center (back).
Field Day for Producers and Grasslands Managers- October 26, 2018- Free
DOPA Training- Southwest Dairy Museum, October 31, 2018- $10.
Basic Tree Care Training- November 1, 2018, 6:00 PM $10.
Private Applicator Credits- Regional Civic Center- November 7, 2018- $30 10:00 AM
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training- November 14, 2018- $40 8:30 AM
For more information on this or for registration contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
