4-H beef workshop series kicks off

Over 20 4-H?ers, parents, and volunteers gathered Monday, Jan. 11, for Beef Feeding Program at the Washington County Extension Office. This was the first meeting in a series of 4-H beef workshops planned by the 4-H Youth Committee and beef volunteers.

Beef nutrition, feed ingredients and rations were explained by Joe TeBockhorst, DeKalb Feed Representative. ISU Extension Beef Specialist Patrick Wall shared hay samples and how to evaluate those. He gave tips on how and when hay consumption is valuable for beef projects. The evening ended with a question-and-answer panel filled with beef project volunteers, youth committee members, alumni beef showmen and current beef showmen. They covered topics ranging from halter breaking to purchasing tips and more. All speakers have a strong connection to the current beef industry and were able to answer questions for 4-H members.

?I know those who attended took away many valuable tips to start improving their market beef projects,? commented Amy Green, 4-H/Youth Coordinator, who was present to guide the evening. ?I am always so impressed with those 4-H?ers who take advantage of the many learning opportunities we have to offer. It is fun to see this one develop because we have so many 4-H?ers involved in the beef department.?

Several more beef workshops are being planned to continue through the spring ranging in topics from health, disease prevention, halter breaking, structure, judging, and more. Contact Amy at the Extension Office, 319-653-4811, with any needs or possible topic ideas that would be useful.

Please contact the Washington County Extension Office with any questions regarding the 4-H beef project area or about getting involved with 4-H as a member or volunteer.