FFA and 4-H members attend NE 307 Show Clinic

The ninth annual Northeast 307 Show Clinic was held in Sundance June 9-10. FFA and 4-H members from several counties and two states attended this two-day learning symposium.

The 307 Show Clinic brings in show industry experts that teach participants all about showing, fitting, feeding and care of their animal projects.

The multi-species show clinic program began with Danice Conzelman in 2010, who established the Northeast Wyoming (NEW) Livestock Camp. The program evolved to be a multi-county endeavor, renamed the 307 Show Clinic in 2013.

The unique design of the clinics provides hands-on learning for youth, practicing their newfound skills on their own animals. The clinic was separated into two days, which allows youth to participate in learning about more than one species.

Beef, sheep, swine and goat clinicians taught participants about feed and nutrition, care and management, safe livestock handling techniques, skin conditioning, hair care, clipping, shearing, fitting and showmanship for livestock projects. The clinic also provided youth the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test at a showmanship competition as a wrap-up to the event.

Studies have shown many benefits that come from youth spending time with livestock. An article published by the University of Minnesota Extension highlights some of these benefits. For example, training and working with livestock can help youth gain the lifelong skill of patience and compassion.

Showing animals increases youth responsibility, integrity, record keeping, leadership skills and perseverance. Participation in 4-H and FFA has been shown to strengthen youth leadership skills, but showing animals gives these youth an advantage to their peers in responsibility and decision making.

Family involvement is also increased in animal projects, as well as record keeping ability and confidence. Social relations and character development life skills are enhanced through livestock showing according to a study by Texas Tech University and validated by the University of Nebraska.

The livestock clinicians used were all former 4-H and FFA members that have been successful in their showing careers. These clinicians know the importance of using the leadership skills taught to them through these organizations, and the benefit of teaching and mentoring younger members.

Please contact the Extension Office at 283-1192 with any questions about 4-H or how you can help with future clinics.