Livestock Ambassador Program

Our Mission

The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture.

Our Purpose

Since the founding of Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program in 2007, a new generation of knowledgeable, well-spoken agriculture advocates have emerged in Texas. Today, the average American is at least three generations removed from the farm, it is essential that the upcoming generation be able to bridge the gap between consumers and farmers. Through collegiate level training combined with hands-on experience, these youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to serve as educators of their community, youth volunteers, and stewards of the livestock industry.

Our Results

Leadership
Ambassadors must contribute 40 hours of service in presenting topics in agriculture advocacy, nutrition, selection, daily maintenance and care, showmanship, sportsmanship, preparing new 4-H families for show, and management of show animals during a livestock show. Not only that, ambassadors are charged with seeking and creating animal agriculture advocacy engagements through civic clubs, radio stations, newspapers, television, social media, grocery stores, major livestock shows and elected official interactions.

1001 ambassadors trained
82,583 hours served
2,246,014 people reached
$1,906,584 monetary impact
99.2% college age ambassadors enrolled

Knowledge
“From working in the meat lab at Texas A&M to garnering industry leading knowledge from the most unique agriculturists on the West Coast, each relationship along the way has granted me varying perspectives. In turn, this has allowed me to have a more sustainable voice for all in agriculture. My time and relationships built with the people throughout the entirety of the Ambassador Program has made me the richest person in the world.” - Cooper Ford, Former Livestock Ambassador

Career Development
In 2010, in a research study, students were tested on his/her livestock production knowledge before and after the short course. The exam was 100 questions, multiple choice and short answer. The average before was 49% and elevated to an outstanding 75% at the conclusion of the course. Further investigating knowledge gained students received a livestock production expertise instrument administered pre and post course.

Positive reports of student achievement from our partner universities have become the norm. Livestock Ambassadors are leading student organizations, serving in critical student worker positions, staff for elected officials, national champions in competitive events, serving as ambassadors for his/her university, coordinating educational programs and mentoring new students.

Our Short Courses

Texas A&M- Kingsville Short Course

This course offers an agricultural experience in the heart of Texas ranch country. Ambassadors enjoy learning about livestock production with an emphasis in land and wildlife management. TAMUK professors and staff lead students through engaging curriculum tailored to agricultural systems unique to South Texas. South Texas also delivers impactful lessons in reproduction, nutrition, selection and marketing of livestock. Ambassadors gained critical insight into labor and immigration challenges as it relates to agriculture. The short course at Texas A&M University - Kingsville has truly strengthened the Texas 4-H Ambassador Program by adding geographic reach and diversity to our group of young leaders.

Texas A&M Short Course

Texas A&M University has delivered a truly rigorous short course since 2010. This course is for Ambassadors interested in a deep dive into animal science. Of all the courses offered, Texas A&M provides the most in-depth introduction into reproductive technologies and nutrition. Talented professors guide students through complex principles and push young minds out of their comfort zones. Ambassador candidates start the course harvesting hogs and are challenged throughout the course to expand their minds to understand the impacts of production agriculture beyond the showring.

WT/Texas Tech Short Course

The South Plains and Panhandle of Texas offer an incredible opportunity to engage enlightening and impressive agricultural systems. Massive cattle feeding operations and dairy provide students insight into how farmers and ranchers harness all available technology to maximize production and quality. Future meat scientists gravitate to this course. Texas Tech provides unique access to the faculty responsible for their success as a national leader in meat science. West Texas A&M strengthens the experience by adding an unmatched cattle harvest experience that showcases a world-class meat science laboratory. Ambassador candidates capture a crucial understanding of growth enhancing technologies, animal welfare, cattle feeding and environmental impact. Therefore, they will have the capacity and network to educate and share information with a public that desperately needs to hear the truth.

Advocacy Academy

The Advocacy Academy is confronting the challenge of a lack of agricultural literacy and misinformation by an increasing number of Texans. Hosted in the Texas Capitol, Ambassadors hear from industry leaders in agricultural policy, law, agricultural environmental impact, labor challenges, and eminent domain. However, the central feature of the course are three independent media trainings where students are challenged to advocate on agricultural issues. Educational partners provide the elite training providing Ambassadors honest feedback to improve communication skills. Ambassadors emerge with a better understanding of the political process, credible threats, and effective advocacy strategies to implement each of our young leaders.

National Livestock Ambassador Application

2023 Ambassador Applications

Texas Livestock Ambassador Application

Returning Ambassadors

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