The Tri County Junior Livestock Board (TCJLB) is gearing up again to hold the annual Tri-County Junior Livestock Show and Sale for 2022. The annual Show and Sale are the culminating livestock events for the youth enrolled in 4-H, FFA or Grange livestock education programs. The Show and Sale provide an opportunity for these youth to showcase their 4-H, FFA or Grange livestock projects.
TCJLB and the three youth education organizations are legally different entities, with organization specific missions, roles and responsibilities. This article briefly explains some of these differences so that all community participants in the Show and Sale - whether a buyer, donator, or other contributor – better understand each organizations contribution to a successful program.
The Tri-County Junior Livestock Board (TCJLB) was formed in 2017, as a non-profit 501c3. The current Board replaced the old Show and Sale Committee that operated under the Humboldt County Office of UNR Cooperative Extension. The TCJLB works independently of, but collaboratively with 4-H, FFA and Grange to plan and implement the Junior Livestock Show and Sale.
4-H is a federal, state, county and local partnership program that implements youth education and development programs. FFA is a national student organization for youth interested in agriculture and leadership. In Humboldt County implementation occurs through the school system at the high school level. Both 4-H and FFA focus on youth development through educational programs. These programs may be related to agriculture, livestock or animal production and care, STEM subjects, and a wide variety of other topics, often with community partners. Grange is a national organization that focuses on youth and family education on agriculture and community.
The Tri-County Junior Livestock Board consists of seven volunteers (when fully staffed) from the local community. Many, but not all (it is not a requirement), have children or relatives involved in local youth livestock programs. The Board works throughout the year to organize and implement the culminating youth livestock show and sale for youth involved in 4-H, FFA and Grange education programs. The Board has no direct relationship with 4-H, FFA or Grange. The Boards role is solely to organize, implement and manage the youth livestock Show and Sale.
The role of 4-H, FFA and Grange is to provide adequate education about raising and showing livestock, and for those focused toward market animals, how to produce a carcass desired by consumers. While all four entities collaborate to ensure an effective youth livestock program, each has independent roles and responsibilities from the time of animal purchase through the show and sale. The role of the TCJLB is solely on the show and sale, and the youth development organizations focus on the education component.
Without the Tri-County Junior Livestock Board and their efforts, there would not be a youth livestock Show and Sale in Humboldt County! The TCJLS Board works throughout the year to obtain support and resources to put on a quality, educational Show and Sale. They secure judge/s that focus on the educational content of the show; donations and sponsorships for many of the awards that youth receive; trucking for market animals to the processing plant and return of the processed meat to the buyers; brand inspection; hiring an auctioneer; carcass evaluation; legal fees; supplies, and other features associated with a livestock show and sale. Much like the real world, the Board charges each youth a commission to help cover the aforementioned components. Without the TCJLB’s efforts, there would not be a Youth Livestock Show and Sale for youth wanting livestock education in the Tri-County area.
The public, including all buyers, can attend all Board meetings held throughout the year. Businesses that have supported the youth livestock show and sale – whether as buyers or donors - are encouraged to bring any questions they have about the Show and Sale to the Board.
Those who implement the livestock education component of local youth development programs greatly appreciate the support that the Tri-County Junior Livestock Board provides our collective youth education programs. Equally as important is the support that the local business community and community members provide: whether it be from program donations, providing sponsorships, buying animals, or contributing additional “add-on’s” to animals the youth sell. All contributions are greatly appreciated!