Call for 2021 major show steer validation orders by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources
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The mission of the youth livestock validation program is to promote a positive youth development environment focused on ensuring rules for livestock exhibition are being followed under the supervision of County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers. This helps to foster integrity, virtues, and values of youth and families.
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The purpose of validation is to encourage positive relationships with County Extension Agents, Agricultural Science Teachers and local stakeholders, create a level playing field for youth livestock projects, maximize youth experience and life skill development, and facilitate youth engagement with livestock projects.
Validation allows youth to build on life skills such as responsibility, respect, teamwork and communication. By participating in the livestock project, youth exhibitors learn daily care, nutrition, reproduction, and production practices specific to livestock projects.
Every year, cattle projects (Heifers and Steers) intendent to participates in major shows in Texas most be validated at their home counties under a protocol and a validation committee. Steers are validated once a year. If you or your youth members are interested in validating a heifer for State Fair of Texas or a Steer for any major show, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office (if showing under 4-H) or your Agricultural Teacher (if showing under FFA) as soon as possible because validation materials most be ordered and paid in advance. Steer and heifer validation most be completed in June 2021. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at m-villarino@tamu.edu.
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