The purpose of this study was to determine 4-H and FFA participants’ perceptions of the knowledge they learned as a result of participation in youth livestock educational competitions such as skillathons, bowls and contests. Two hundred sixty-five youth who participated in livestock educational competitions in 2005-06 were randomly selected to participate in the study. Seventy-four youth (27.9%) returned completed surveys. Of these, 40 were members of 4-H; nine were members of FFA; and 25 were members of both 4-H and FFA. Youth reported their participation in livestock educational events as follows: 48 participated in skillathons (64.8%); 17 participated in quiz bowls (23%) and 34 participated in a combination skillathon - judging contest (46%). Respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they participated in the various events because they thought it would be fun (93.1%) and they wanted to see how much they knew about their project (78.9%). Composite scores indicate that participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt better about themselves because they could complete a project, they felt good about the decisions they made, and they saw themselves as a winner even if they didn’t win. Respondents also agreed or strongly agreed that they were better prepared to listen carefully to what others say, to work out problems that were presented, to follow instructions, and to share their knowledge and skills with others. This study suggests that youth livestock educational programs are improving self-esteem and enhancing life skills which are essential to the development of productive adults.

1. Participation and Life Skill Development
of the WV Youth Livestock Programs
Debra Friend, Extension Agent, Extension Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Extension Service
Georgette Plaugher, Extension Agent, Extension Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Extension Service
Jennifer Williams, Program Director, Extension Associate Professor, West Virginia University Extension Service
Jean M. Woloshuk, Ed.D., Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Agriculture, Extension Professor, West Virginia University Extension Service
Harry N. Boone, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Agricultural and Extension Education
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Methodology How did you prepare:
Two hundred sixty-five youth who participated in one or more livestock
educational competitions in 2005-06 were randomly selected to participate in
the study. A survey instrument was mailed to these youth in November 2007. How Respondents Prepared for None Seldom Some Great
To achieve greater response, surveys were mailed to non-respondents in a 4-H/FFA Educational Event (N) (N) (N) Deal (N)
February 2008. Participants were asked to record specific events in which they Studied 4-H project books 13 14 30 13
had participated, respond to questions using a Likert scale, and provide
comments regarding other 4-H/FFA experiences that helped to improve skills. 4-H Agent or Ag Teacher practiced
16 7 18 31
with me
Results were compiled and descriptive statistics including frequencies and 4-H volunteer leader practiced with
16 13 29 13
means were calculated. Composite scores were calculated to address specific me
goals. Equality of means were calculated using t-tests to determine if there Researched on the internet 21 20 20 11
Abstract were differences based on age, gender or 4-H/FFA member status.
The purpose of this study was to determine 4-H and FFA participants’ Participated in a skillathon 24 10 20 17
perceptions of the knowledge they learned as a result of participation in youth Results Read a study guide 17 15 22 17
livestock educational competitions such as skillathons, quiz bowls and contests. Seventy-four youth (27.9%) returned completed surveys. Of these, 40 were
Two hundred sixty-five youth who participated in livestock educational Parent coached me 12 16 28 16
members of 4-H; nine were members of FFA; and 25 were members of both
competitions in 2005-06 were randomly selected to participate in the study. 4-H and FFA. Thirty-three (45.8%) were considered juniors (age 8-13) and 39 Used the learning laboratory kit 40 14 12 6
Seventy-four youth (27.9%) returned completed surveys. Of these, 40 were (54.2%) were seniors (age 14-21).
members of 4-H; nine were members of FFA; and 25 were members of both 4- Studied with a friend 10 20 27 14
H and FFA. Attended a state or national
Participation in livestock educational events: 42 10 9 9
Youth reported their participation in livestock educational events as follows: 48 livestock conference
participated in skillathons (64.8%); 17 participated in quiz bowls (23%) and 34
participated in a combination skillathon - judging contest (46%). Respondents Number of Composite scores indicated that participants agreed or strongly
agreed or strongly agreed that they participated in the various events because Educational Event Respondents % agreed that they were better prepared:
they thought it would be fun (93.1%) and they wanted to see how much they
knew about their project (78.9%). State Fair of WV Premier •to evaluate their decisions (90.2%),
38 51.4
Composite scores indicate that participants agreed or strongly agreed that they Exhibitor Program (Skillathon) •list options before making decisions (88.8%),
felt better about themselves because they could complete a project, they felt •listen carefully (93.1%),
WV Beef Expo Stockman’s Contest &
good about the decisions they made, and they saw themselves as a winner 34 45.9 •clearly state their thoughts, feelings and ideas to adults (85%),
Skillathon
even if they didn’t win. Respondents also agreed or strongly agreed that they •work out problems that are presented (90.3%),
were better prepared to listen carefully to what others say, to work out problems 4-H/FFA Livestock Roundup- Beef Bowl 11 14.9 •follow instructions (94.4%), and
that were presented, to follow instructions, and to share their knowledge and •share knowledge and skills with others (90.3%).
WV Dairy Show-Skillathon 10 13.5
skills with others. This study suggests that youth livestock educational
programs are improving self-esteem and enhancing life skills which are WV Dairy Show-Dairy Bowl 6 8.1 Composite scores indicated that participants agreed or strongly
essential to the development of productive adults. agreed that they felt better about themselves because:
Why participate:
Introduction •I can complete a project (91.7%),
Youth agriculture programs in West Virginia encompass a wide variety of •I feel more comfortable talking with an adult (84.7%),
Reasons Respondents
learning opportunities for 4-H and FFA members. Broad educational objectives •I feel good about myself (95.8%),
Participated in a Strongly Strongly
for youth agriculture programming are to increase understanding of basic •I feel good about the decisions I make (94.4%),
4-H/FFA Educational Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
concepts presented, to develop skills related to project work and to provide the •I am sure of my abilities (88.7%), and
Event (N) (N) (N) (N)
necessary tools to allow participants to use their resources more effectively in •I see myself as a winner even if I do not win (87.5%).
management, marketing and being responsible stewards of the environment. My parents made me 27 25 11 8
The teaching methods used include judging events, skillathons, quiz bowls and An Extension Agent or Ag Comments:
combinations of these experiential learning activities. In addition to the subject 8 22 26 14
Teacher asked me to
matter, these “learn by doing” programs may help youth develop life skills
A 4-H volunteer leader
including critical thinking, decision making, self esteem and other skills 18 24 21 8 “I take pride in raising my own animals and not paying a lot of money for my
asked me to
necessary to become productive adults. market animal.”
I wanted to be Premier “FFA and 4-H, I feel, helps many kids to be more content with themselves
4 18 31 17
Exhibitor and who they are.”
Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study were: I thought it would be fun 1 4 33 35 “Agriculture is my passion.”
1: To determine 4-H and FFA youth participants’ perceptions of the knowledge I wanted to see how “I love the skillathon. It doesn’t require you to be anything
gained as a result of their participation in the livestock educational competitions much I knew about my 1 14 38 18 because of your last name or how much you could spend on an
such as skillathons, quiz bowls and judging contests. project animal it is just you learning from your project and how bad you
2: To determine the factors that motivate youth to participate in judging events, want to do good learning all the info.”
skillathons and quiz bowls.