Search For Excellence in 4-H Programming

West, A.W.*¹, , Bolt, Brian², , Cathcart, Mark³, , Craig, Lindsey⁴, , Flowers, Brittany⁵, , Hucks, Steve⁶, , Simpson, Jessica⁷, , Van Vlake, Lee⁸,
¹ COUNTY EXTENSION 4-H AGENT, CLEMSON EXTENSION SERVICE, Newberry, SC, 29108
² Livestock Specialist, Clemson University, Clemson, SC,
³ 4-H Agent, Clemson University, Union, SC,
⁴ Livestock Agent, Clemson University, Pickens, SC,
⁵ Livestock Agent, Clemson University, Aiken, SC,
⁶ 4-H Agent, Clemson University, Lancaster, SC,
⁷ 4-H Agent, Clemson University, Anderson, SC,
⁸ Livestock Agent, Clemson University, Florence, SC,

Due to COVID-19, most 2020 SC livestock exhibition opportunities were canceled. In response, the SC Youth Livestock Steering Committee worked to provide youth with virtual opportunities to fill the void of lost livestock exhibition experiences. Thus, the Clemson University Youth Academy of Livestock Learning was developed to enhance at-home livestock education.

The Committee developed a nine-week program that offered self-paced educational modules, live with an agent question and answer sessions, competitive virtual skillathons, barn tour, and sales talk opportunities, and a social media campaign. The virtual program allowed youth to participate in one or more than one of six species: Beef, Dairy, Swine, Small Ruminants, Poultry, and Rabbits.

As a virtual opportunity, CUYALL reached 4-H and non-4-H members including youth from 32 US states and two foreign countries. Multiple evaluation tools were delivered using Qualtrics. Findings will be used to improve the program for future use.