Trending
UNIVERSITY PARK -- Youth interested in dairy or livestock industries can learn about these fields by attending “Youth Dairy and Livestock Day,” a Penn State Extension workshop offered in three locations in June.
Huntingdon County. The workshop will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds, 10455 Fairgrounds Access Rd., Huntingdon.
York County. This event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the York 4-H Center, 771 Stoverstown Rd., York.
Crawford County. This session is slated for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at the Crawford County Fairgrounds, 13291 Dickson Rd., Meadville.
The hands-on workshop is designed for youth ages 8 to 18, parents of participants, and 4-H clubs and leaders. Instructors will discuss a variety of production and herd-management subjects.
The workshop will cover:
• Forage analysis. Attendees will learn to identify and understand the different nutritional components and uses of various forages in dairy and livestock rations.
• Meat grading. Instructors will discuss the different carcass grades, how they are determined and what defines a good steak.
• Soil health. Heavy use areas on both dairy and livestock operations can have a huge impact on soil health. Participants can learn how compaction and heavy use affect soil health and water quality.
• Mammary system identification and comparison. This section will focus on dissecting cadaver udders of different livestock and dairy animals.
Lunch will be provided for all participants. In the afternoon, youth will participate in a fun educational activity that incorporates knowledge learned throughout the day and teamwork to complete each task.
Penn State Extension offers the event free of charge, but participants must register to attend. Registration deadlines occur two days prior to each event.
More information about the workshop is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/youth-dairy-and-livestock-day.