FLORIDA 4-H LINKS YOUTH WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE

Caylin Hilton

This spring a hardworking 4-H member will kick-off the first Florida 4-H Beef Heifer Chain thanks to the Chickering family of C1 Beefmasters

In 2019, DJ and Robin McGlothern of Irish Oaks Farms created a new opportunity for 4-H members when they donated a registered Jersey calf establishing the Florida 4-H Dairy Chain. Tucker of Escambia County became the proud owner of Lyla, and the first link in the chain.

Soon after, Woody and Grace Larson of Family Tree Enterprises donated a Brown Swiss, and Don Bennink of North Florida Holsteins kicked off a Holstein chain. Then in 2022 Brent Clements donated a Guernsey who found her home in Citrus County. Irish Oaks, Family Tree Enterprises and North Florida Holsteins would then donate additional calves to start even more chains! The program has placed a total of 13 registered dairy heifers and two dairy goats with 4-H members across the state.

“We are thrilled to be adding a beef chain to the program. Like any animal project, youth learn a tremendous amount of responsibility and establish a work ethic, as a living creature is counting on them daily,” said Chris DeCubellis, animal sciences state specialized agent for UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development.

In addition to caring for the animal day to day, youth work with a local veterinarian and their county’s 4-H Extension agent to make sure their animal receives routine medical care. Participants train their animal, teaching it to be led around the show ring and stop on cue for judging. At the fair, youth must also be prepared to talk to the public about their animal and share their knowledge.

When the animal is old enough to have a calf of its own, it is bred to obtain purebred female offspring. After weaning, the offspring is awarded to another 4-H’er creating another “link” in the chain and the process starts over again. After the first offspring is added to the chain, future offspring belong to the 4-H member, allowing them to develop their own purebred herd.

“They learn decision making skills, record keeping skills and gain confidence as they enjoy progress and success with their project animal,” DeCubellis said. “Of course, they learn skills specific to their project, and we hope they also discover potential careers too.”

“The idea is longevity with this program to help a youth establish their own herd, so we focus on younger youth who we hope will be in the program for a long time,” DeCubellis explained.

The program is open to enrolled 4-H members age eight to 13 who want to start or improve their own purebred herd. Members apply by submitting a cover letter, 4-H resume, essay, and letters of recommendation from their club leader, 4-H agent and veterinarian, along with an attestation of proper care. continued on next page