The Effects of Participating in the Livestock Project on the Development of Life Skills in 4-H Youth

Abstract

Participating in the 4-H livestock project can benefit 4-H members by providing opportunities for growth and development through hands-on experiences. 4-H alumni and parents of 4-H youth also recognize the benefits gained through participation in the 4-H program. Studies show involvement in the 4-H livestock project, which consists of participating in educational sessions and showing beef, sheep, swine, or meat goats, can increase the development of life skills in 4-H youth. Life skills can be broken up into the following categories: caring, giving, working, being, living, thinking, managing, and relating. The most common life skills gained through participation in the livestock project are responsibility, self-motivation, self-esteem, goal setting, and decision making. The least common life skills gained are communication, the ability to give oral reasons, and teamwork. As the level of participation in the 4-H project increased, so did the level of leadership life skill development. Other influencers of life skill development were age, gender, and years of involvement in the 4-H livestock project. Youth develop life skills through participation in various youth organizations, but one study found 4-H has the biggest influence on teamwork and cooperation, although each organization has different characteristics which can also influence life skill development. The life skills 4-H livestock project participants gain can help them become competent members of society and successful adults. Studies show 4-H alumni attribute the development of technical, communication, and leadership skills to their involvement in the 4-H livestock project, but the long-term impact may not be evident until the alumni reflect on their involvement in the 4-H livestock project. Parents of 4-H livestock project participants indicated the life skills their youth gained were positively enhanced by the participation in the livestock project. 4-H Extension professionals should evaluate other project areas to determine the life skills gained by 4-H youth, and to determine if the project areas are fostering development.