K-state hosts youth beef & sheep days

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University is gearing up for two educational events aimed at fostering youth interest in livestock production. The Junior Beef Producer Day is scheduled for March 2, and the Junior Sheep Producer Day will be held on March 16.

These events, co-hosted by K-State’s Youth Livestock Program, K-State Research and Extension, and the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, are prime opportunities for young enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge.

Interested participants can register online through K-State Research and Extension website . The registration deadline for the Beef event is February 12, while the Sheep event deadline is February 26.

Both days will unfold in Weber Arena on the K-State campus in Manhattan. These one-day programs are designed to educate youth, parents, and others in youth livestock production and management. Topics to be covered include project selection, nutrition, meat science, health, reproduction, grooming, showmanship, and the state livestock nomination process.

Sessions will be conducted by K-State’s knowledgeable faculty, staff, students, extension agents, and guest speakers. The events are open to all ages but require registration for every participant.

These events provide a unique opportunity for youth to earn their YQCA certification. This optional training session will occur post-event, around 3:30 p.m., and is expected to last an hour. YQCA certification is mandatory for exhibitors at the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and Kansas Junior Livestock Show.

The cost for attendance is set at $20 per person if registered by the deadline, and $25 for late registrations. It’s important to note that late registrants will not receive a T-shirt.

These Junior Days at K-State represent an invaluable chance for young individuals to engage with and learn from experts in the field of livestock management, paving the way for their future involvement in agriculture.

Photo Credit-kansas-state-university