2012 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses

TEXAS 4-H LIVESTOCK AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

 

Mission

 

The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture.

 

Objectives

 

•     Prepare youth to serve in leadership capacities in junior livestock programs

across Texas.

•     Prepare youth for the experience of the University setting, through intensive

science based instruction and experiences.

•     Prepare and provide opportunities for youth to serve in advocacy roles for

animal agriculture,   4-H, and junior livestock programs.

•     Develop a heightened awareness of career opportunities in animal agriculture

and advocacy.

History

 

The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program is an in-depth learning experience for selected youth to represent the agricultural industry in Texas. Training includes a short course experience on the campuses of either Texas A&M  University  or Texas Tech University. During this four-day training, more than 30 hours of rigorous instruction by university faculty, Texas AgriLife Extension Specialists, and County Extension Agents cover topics such as animal science principles, leadership, career development, and animal agriculture advocacy. Youth also learn the value of giving back to the community.

 

Once a young person becomes a Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador they are required to commit at least 30 hours of service annually, in most cases the service goes back to assisting novice 4-H families with their livestock projects and education. Ambassadors conduct and assist with educational livestock project clinics, conduct home project visits, speak to civic groups, assist with livestock shows, speak at agricultural awareness days and advocate for the livestock and agriculture industry across Texas.

 

In the three years since the inception of the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program, there have been 117 outstanding  4-H members complete the course and serve in the role of 4-H Livestock Ambassador.   On average, these youth have  volunteered more than 150 contact hours over their year of service. This equates to more than16,000 hours contributed at a value in volunteer time of more than $336,000.

 

4-H Livestock  Ambassadors  have  presented  topics  in  agriculture  advocacy,  nutrition, selection, daily maintenance and care, showmanship, sportsmanship, preparing new 4-H families for show, and management of show animals during a livestock show. Additionally, the ambassadors teach livestock ethics and animal care to the novice 4-H families. These individuals have represented 4-H at interpretative  events  with such individuals and groups as members of the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, Texas  Commissioner  and Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, County Judges and Commissioners, Livestock Show Management and 4-H Families.

 

2012 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses:

 

Texas A&M University July 16-19, 2012

 

Texas Tech University July 23-25, 2012

 

Selection Criteria:

 

·         senior aged (14-18) 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding their livestock projects

·         students with a profound interest in animal science and animal production

·         students have shown advanced leadership qualities and a willingness to help others

·         County Extension Agent approval

·         top 25% class rank

 

  Process:

 

A selection committee will review the applications and accept 25 participants per university.

 

If you are interested, contact the county extension offices.