Wasatch County Junior Livestock Program
The Wasatch County Junior Livestock Program involves 4-H and FFA groups in Wasatch County. Youth can begin this program when they have finished 3rd grade and are 8 years old and can show until the summer after their senior year in high school. Animals involved in the program include steers, hogs, and lambs. Youth own, train, and feed these animals in preparation for the Wasatch County Fair the first weekend in August. Animals are tagged and weighed in the spring and must meet minimum weight criteria by fair time.
The Junior Livestock Committee is made up of 10-20 parent volunteers, a 4-H advisor, and the two FFA advisors. This committee spends countless hours developing rules and regulations, advertising, managing finances, organizing tagging and weighing of animals, running the show and sale, selecting judges, setting up for events, etc. (Please send them a big thanks every chance you get!)
To participate in the Wasatch County Fair, youth need to belong to a 4-H Club or FFA. For 4-H, they can join an existing club or start one up. Each club needs to have an adult leader at its head. To enroll in 4-H, fill out an enrollment form as a club and return it to the 4-H Office. Do this each year before weigh-in. The club leader will need to fill out the 4-H Volunteer Leader Packet one time.
Most clubs in Wasatch County are family clubs, which have fewer than 5 members from less than 3 families. Other clubs are community clubs and have more than 5 members from 3 or more families. The biggest difference between family and community clubs is that community clubs can raise money for their club, but family clubs cannot (according to the IRS and National 4-H Office). If a club does raise funds, it will need to fill out IRS tax form SS-4. Contact the 4-H Office for help.
4-H Clubs need to hold at least 6 meetings per year. Meetings do not have to be formal, but youth need to meet together as a club to learn or do some sort of activity. Feeding and watering livestock do not count as meetings. Try to plan at least one service project per year and be sure to say the 4-H pledge at meetings.
4-H Clubs need to elect youth officers. Traditionally offices include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and recorder. This list can be adapted according to club needs. It is great to give an office to every youth involved. Be sure to assign duties to each office that youth carry out on a regular basis. Let youth be involved in planning club activities.
Youth participating in Junior Livestock are required to complete a record book (FFA) or 4-H Portfolio (4-H), due the Friday after the sale. Youth will not receive a sale check until their book is completed.
Youth involved in this program learn responsibility as they care for their animals, teamwork as they work within their club or family, leadership, service, and to keep accurate livestock and financial records. Youth also learn valuable lessons about winning and losing. They also have fun, make friends, and hopefully earn a little money.
For more information, contact
Alicia Moulton
USU Extension Ag/4-H Agent in Wasatch County
alicia.moulton@usu.edu,
435-657-3236