By Andi Anderson
Fifty youth from Iowa participated in the 2024 Beef and Equine Blasts, hosted by Iowa State University’s 4-H Youth Development team on December 8. Aimed at students in grades 7-12, these events provided practical knowledge and hands-on experiences to deepen their understanding of animal science and explore careers in agriculture.
Beef Blast: Focus on Feedlot Fundamentals The Beef Blast focused on feedlot management, including nutrition, welfare, marketing, and cattle evaluation. Participants toured the ISU Beef Nutrition Research Farm, where they learned about feed rations, cattle balance points, stress management, and meat quality assessment.
Led by experts like ISU professors Brad Skaar and Randi Culbertson, students engaged in quality assurance stations, learning to identify farm hazards, load cattle effectively, and evaluate carcass pricing. One participant noted, “I enjoyed going to the farm and seeing how things work,” highlighting the event’s unique hands-on approach.
Equine Blast: Horse Ownership Basics Equine Blast focused on Horse Ownership 101, with sessions on nutrition, welfare, and breeding genetics. Participants toured ISU’s horse barn, learning from equine experts like Nikki Ferwerda and Peggy Auwerda. Topics included stallion evaluation, coat color genetics, and equine health care.
Participants praised the genetics session, with one saying, “The most important thing I learned was about genetic codes behind coat colors.” Another added, “I learned about job opportunities and horse care.”
Both events aimed to provide youth with practical skills and inspire them to pursue agricultural careers. These experiences underscore the value of 4-H programs in fostering education and hands-on learning.
For more information, visit the Iowa 4-H website or contact your local ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Education