Wheatland - June, the Southeast Area 307 Livestock Camp welcomed over 50 4-H members from Platte and the surrounding counties as well as their parents and friends.  The 307 Livestock Camp, a partnership between the Platte County Extension Service along with local show industry experts and local livestock professionals, teaches participants all about showing, fitting, feeding, and care of their livestock projects.  Generous donations from local businesses helped to keep the cost low for attendees and contributed to the great success of the camp.  

The camp, hosted at the Platte County Fairgrounds,  focused on daily feed, care and management, veterinary care, handling techniques, skin conditioning, hair care, clipping, shearing, fitting, and showmanship for livestock projects.  Participating youth had the opportunity to work with beef, sheep, swine, goat, rabbit, and cat show industry experts utilizing hands-on learning to help youth build their show skills.  These experts were also available to help youth learn about veterinary care and proper feeding and nutrition.  The camp also provided youth the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test at a showmanship show following the camp. 

The unique opportunity for youth to participate in learning programs specific to their species of interest also allowed them to simultaneously interact with peers possessing other livestock interests, helping youth to broaden their knowledge about livestock, troubleshoot questions and issues with peers possessing different knowledge, and gain a better  understanding of the show industry through interpersonal interactions.  Additionally, many youth attending camp left with friends from neighboring communities, leadership experience helping their peers, and higher self-esteem resulting from increased knowledge about their projects.

Showing livestock increases youth responsibility, integrity, record keeping and leadership skills. In addition to the basics of livestock husbandry, a study by Texas Tech University validated the perceived benefits of livestock exhibition. The most important life skill developed was social relations. Character development was a close second and responsibility, confidence and sportsmanship were other life skills that showing livestock can foster and cultivate in youth.

After a highly successful year, 307 Livestock Camp organizers are excited to see how the camp will grow and evolve over the next few years.  The 2023 camp is scheduled to be hosted again in early June.  Please contact the Extension Office with any questions about 4-H or how you can help with future camps, 307-322-3667.