Successful participation of both 4-H and FFA youth at district and state junior livestock shows in Louisiana requires careful communication between the 4-H and FFA programs at the local (parish) level. Some youth may be both 4-H and FFA members and do not know they have to make a choice at these shows. Because show entries are normally submitted through the 4-H office, the FFA advisor requires information on deadlines and peculiarities of the entry forms.

In his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen Covey states that communication is the most important skill in life. Too many times people become confused, left out, and emotionally hurt because of ineffective communication.

One method of effective communication between the 4-H and FFA programs in my parish is a parish (county-level) junior livestock association. Organized 13 years ago by several interested 4-H and FFA parents, the vocational-agriculture instructor at one of the high schools, and me, the association was incorporated through the Secretary of State's office. More recently, it acquired an IRS number for non-profit status.

The Junior Livestock Association owes its existence to the determined parents and leaders of a small, semi-rural parish whose parish seat is located just 35 miles from the state capital. The number of youth raising and exhibiting animals has varied from 40 to 60 through the years, and the dominant species exhibited changed from swine the first six years to beef cattle the last seven. The last three or four years has seen an increase in the number of poultry and rabbits exhibited.

No matter what the majority of 4-H and FFA youth are raising (the parent-officers elected seem to represent youth raising the dominant species), the monthly association meetings continue to be ideal situations where people with a common interests meet. They discuss livestock management and share information on current show dates, places, and trends. They offer assistance in feeding, grooming, or travel. They learn about each other and forge new friendships.

Agendas for association meetings have included fund raising, ordering supplies, and planning the annual parish junior livestock show. For example, the association found itself in need of funds to purchase a generator, rakes, hair clippers, and a box for storage. One year a raffle was held; the following year, association members worked concessions at a rodeo. These fund raisers undoubtedly required cooperation and communication.

The junior livestock association promotes the raising and exhibiting of livestock through its annual parish show. Parents, leaders, FFA advisors, the 4-H agent, and youth all pitch in. The day before the show, one team of youth and parents set up the pig pens and arena. Another team locates and brings in shavings for the arena floor. Still another team sets up the poultry and rabbit cages. On the day of the show, one team weighs-in and enters swine. Another team enters beef. And a third team enters poultry and rabbits. The county agent working with adults and I take turns as announcers for up-coming classes and winners.

Putting on the annual parish junior livestock show is just one example of the results of effective communication. Through out the rest of the year, because of the junior livestock association, parents, leaders, FFA advisors, and agents continue to communicate with each other. For example, I've expanded my clientele base to include FFA members and other agriculture students when I visit the schools; the FFA advisors, in turn, share their knowledge of animal husbandry, shop mechanics, and horticulture with me.

Effective communication goes beyond the meeting place. The junior livestock association in my parish is a method of effective communication because it promotes the camaraderie and the caring and sharing of people.

This article is online at http://www.joe.org/joe/1997april/iw4.html.

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