By Sydney Peterson and Amy Powell
Fifty Iowa youth participated in the 2024 Beef and Equine Blasts at Iowa State University, gaining a better understanding of real-world topics that affect the industries. ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development organized the Dec. 8 event for youth in grades 7-12.
“By providing hands-on experiences and in-depth knowledge, the Beef and Equine Blasts not only enhance participants’ understanding of animal science but also open doors to potential career paths in the field,” said Amy Powell, 4-H animal science education specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
Beef Blast focuses on feedlot fundamentals
The theme of Beef Blast was feedlot fundamentals and covered nutrition, selection, welfare and marketing of beef cattle. While touring the ISU Beef Nutrition Research Farm, participants engaged in sessions on beef nutrition, where they learned about the essentials of feeding cattle and creating balanced diets. They also had the opportunity to evaluate cattle, learning how to evaluate finish on cattle and enhancing their skills in assessing livestock.
Nearly all youth who attended the Beef Blast reported going on the farm tour and to see behind the scenes at Iowa State University research farms. They also reported enjoying learning about feed rations, moving cattle, cattle balance points and stress, bud boxes and meat quality.
Participants also engaged in a demonstration of modern techniques for determining meat quality while discussing quality assurance. After hearing from Brad Skaar and Randi Culbertson, associate professors in the ISU Department of Animal Science, the youth participated in various quality assurance stations, where they learned to identify hazards around the farm, practiced strategies for successfully loading cattle and gained insights into cattle carcass pricing.
“I enjoyed going to the farm and seeing how things work,” one youth said. Another youth added that the Beef Blast event differed from other events they had previously attended because of the educational sessions. They enjoyed the various ways they were able to be hands-on.
Equine Blast features Horse Ownership 101
The theme of the Equine Blast event was Horse Ownership 101, covering nutrition, welfare and tack. Participants engaged in sessions on horse nutrition, where they learned about the essentials of feeding practices to ensure optimal equine health. They also had the opportunity to engage in horse care, learning about maintaining horse health and well-being.
Several youth who participated in the Equine Blast reported enjoying the breeding genetics session. One youth said, “The most important thing I learned was [more about] the genetic codes behind the wide range of colors and patterns [in equine].” Participants also reported enjoying learning about horse care, nutrition and the genetics of coat color.
Equine Blast participants toured Iowa State University’s horse barn. They heard from Nikki Ferwerda, associate teaching professor and equine farm manager in the ISU Department of Animal Science, and Peggy Auwerda, ISU Department of Animal Science associate professor and equine extension and outreach specialist.
The youth also learned about techniques for evaluating stallions, equine welfare, coat color and careers in the horse industry.
Another youth participant said, “I learned about a lot of job opportunities for the future and a lot about color genetics and basic care of horses.”
Both events were designed to equip young participants with practical knowledge and skills, fostering a deeper understanding of animal science and husbandry.
For more information about Iowa 4-H Youth Development, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
Source : iastate.edu