Supporting4 Hexhibitorsmajorshows

Supporting 4-H Exhibitors at Major Shows

Texas 4-H and Youth Development

Objectives• General overview

• Which shows should an agent attend?

• Room reservations

• Fitting or grooming for show

• Management prior to show

• Travel/Hauling livestock to show

• Supporting exhibitors at the show


General Overview

• Agents should support youth by watching youth show their projects and make each show a learning experience

• Expertise on a specific animal project is not necessary to keep a program growing.

• County Extension Agents should manage the program and offer learning opportunities to youth

• Volunteers play a crucial role in providing these learning opportunities.


Which shows should an agent attend

• Vary from county to county• Consult with Commissioners‘ court, key leaders, 4-H

families• County travel budgets affect travel• Provide support whenever possible to youth

exhibiting livestock projects• Consider local expectations, travel budget, number

of 4-H members entered, and experience level of 4-H members/families when determining shows to attend


Room Reservations

• County Extension Agents should inform families about show dates and make recommendations for hotels to stay in.

• It is not the responsibility of the CEA to reserve rooms for parents and youth.

• Information should be provided late summer or early fall.


Fitting or Grooming for Show

• County Extension Agent should assist any young person and family in fitting their animal for show.

• Providing clinics or workshops to teach families and youth to fit their animal are excellent ways to provide learning opportunities.

• Provide facilities and equipment to fit animals• Schedule times for fitting• Communicate to families whether or not

equipment is available from county or if others need to be located

• CEAs and volunteers should assist any inexperienced youth in fitting their animals


Management Prior to Show

• CEA should send absente notice to schools with dates and any academic eligibility issues.

• Developing a good line of communication with school administrators is very important

• Car passes should be given to families and 4-Hers prior to show

• Should include show information, arrival deadlines, weigh-in schedule, and show times


Travel/Hauling Livestock to Show

• Not typically the responsibility of CEA to haul animals to major shows, however, they may have to assist

• CEA should organize transportation, volunteers, and set up times for all projects to leave.

• Information should be communicated clearly and confirmed so no one is left out.



• Must be aware of 4-Hers who need assistance and determine how they can accommodate them

• Compensation should be considered for travel costs

• Most county entries will not be penned together unless they arrive together.



• Advantages of counties traveling together:– Parents and volunteers can assist in the care of

projects

– Penning assignments can meet the needs of the county and 4-H exhibitors

– More efficient transportation of livestock projects and exhibitors

– Enhance teamwork among county 4-H families and creates more support for local exhibitors


Supporting Exhibitorsat the Show

• Activities CEAs should assist 4-Hers with:

– When arriving pick up county packet from show superintendent

– Agents should serve as liaison between exhibitor and show officials

– Assist with the tagging of entries, if required

– Supervise official weigh-in of entries or completion of weigh-in cards

– Assist in feeding and watering of animals


Supporting Exhibitors at the Show

• Assist inexperienced exhibitors in grooming their project for show

• Support exhibitors by watching them exhibit their projects

• Record results from the shows, use in news releases and newsletters in a timely manner.


Conclusions• Agents should understand the

importance of being involved in attending stock shows with youth

• Agents are limited in their budget and may not be able to attend all shows.

• Information should be sent to families about room reservations

• Assistance should be given to youth who are unable to fit their animals


Conclusions• Agents should communicate with all

individuals who are attending major shows

• Agents should communicate how animals will be hauled to shows.

• Supporting exhibitors by watching shows aiding in feeding and watering is important


Documents

Supporting4 Hexhibitorsmajorshows