As the fall fair season hits full stride, hundreds of young people will be taking part in the local 4-H competitions.
Despite the many challenges the beef industry has faced in recent years, participation in the 4-H beef competitions has been steady.
Lyndon Stewart, executive director of 4-H Ontario, says beef remains in the top three livestock projects, along with the dairy and horse categories.
“Since 2003, we have had in excess of 1,000 members per year. And even in 2010, we have 1,037 4-H members enrolled in beef clubs or projects,” says Stewart.
He says the split among male and female members is almost even, with 544 males enrolled, while 493 females were signed up in 2010.
“I think it speaks well to the commitment of families and people that are in the beef industry,” says Stewart, commenting on the success of the program.
“I think because of the fact the projects are hands-on with animals and are close to the industry, the kids are still registering to be an active part of it.”
Stewart says another reason for the success of the program is the role of the volunteer leaders. He notes there is a “healthy and committed” volunteer network that leads the 4-H opportunities for young people between the ages of 10 and 21-years old. Starting next year, the beginning age will be 9-years old.
“That’s a move forward as we see youth programming needing to be gauged towards younger kids as they’re heading off to college and university at a younger age as well,” explains Stewart.
He says there are several benefits for young people who participate in the program. These include building self-confidence and learning how to think critically.
“That is often accomplished through the judging. They’re working with an animal – developing that one-on-one relationship – so they work as a pair in the show ring,” says Stewart. “You’re out in the public and showing your calf and being able to answer questions is still another core output of the learning that we like to see take place.”
As for the 4-H leaders, Stewart says volunteering is a rewarding experience and many see it as an opportunity to give back to the industry. In addition to helping the next generation, Stewart says being a 4-H leader can enhance their individual skills for future opportunities.
“We know that from speaking to 4-H alumni, that 4-H members are in the top quartile of earning potential as compared to those who weren’t in 4-H,” says Stewart.
“They’re the ones who volunteer in three or more organizations or events in their community versus those who didn’t go through 4-H. So when you look at the values, the work ethic and the sellable leaderships skills that 4-H alumni develop, it’s been proven over the last 95 years,” says Stewart.