Animal and Food Sciences provides youth with unique opportunities Within the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Extension services and programs are developed to help communities and industries with their agricultural needs. Some of these programs focus on assisting youth in developing their animal and/or food science knowledge and skills. The department of animal and food sciences holds many events throughout the year that do just that. “Our department hosts these events for two main reasons,” said professor Gretchen Mafi. “It is part of our Extension function as a land grant university, and it is an excellent educational tool for youth.” The department hosts events revolving around livestock, horse, and meat judging throughout the year. Undergraduate student Cathy Mapes helped plan some of the events this year as a youth Extension intern. “Organization is key with all of these events,” Mapes said. “The two main events in the summer are the Livestock Judging Camp and Big 3
Field Days, hosting 160 and 1,900 participants respectively. They each require much attention to detail, making sure everything is lined out for these events.” Several months of planning, preparing, and hard work go into hosting these Extension events, as well as communication and team work. Mafi has organized meat science events for the department, including a
“In my opinion, the main reason AFS chooses to host these events is to grant the students experience and life skills that will be helpful as they continue into college, such as decision making, confidence, and hopefully success.” - Cathy Mapes Youth Extension Intern
youth meat judging contest that runs congruently with the Big 3 Field Days. “Hosting these events takes a ton of work,” Mafi said. “The meat events require planning to slaughter animals to have all the product that is needed, fabricating for judging, coordinating registration, scoring, awards, and then after how to fabricate meat for sale. The Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center is a great partner for these events.” The youth Extension events help Oklahomans, as well as youth from many other states, develop the right skills and knowledge necessary to follow their dreams in animal and food sciences. “These events are important for youth because it teaches them many life skills like organization, time management, and team work,” Mafi said. “It also teaches them many things about the industry and might give them excitement or insights into future career opportunities.” By Rebekah Alford
PHOTO / CATHY MAPES
COWPOKE NEWS
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