One of the nation’s foremost experts on livestock show ethics will make four presentations in West Virginia next month.
Dr. Jeff Goodwin, Extension specialist in 4-H and youth development at the University of Idaho, will discuss ethical decision-making as it relates to youth agricultural programs.
“Livestock shows and judging competitions are traditional 4-H and FFA experiences in the state,”said Jean Woloshuck, Extension 4-H youth agriculture specialist at West Virginia University.”However, some practices observed at these events need to be corrected.”
The regional workshops will help 4-H and FFA members, parents, club leaders and fair officials address these concerns.
The four sessions are scheduled as follows:
Feb. 77 p.m., Moorefield Middle School, Moorefield
Feb. 87 p.m., Old Stone Presbyterian Church, Lewisburg
Feb. 910:40 a.m., Assembly Hall, Cedar Lakes, Ripley
Feb. 96 p.m., West Virginia Building, WVU Jackson’s Mill, Weston
“We need to eliminate unethical practices in our show rings and teach our youth the importance of doing the right thing,”Woloshuk commented.
Dr. Goodwin has played a key role in bringing livestock show ethics to the nation’s attention, Woloshuck said. Goodwin is chair of the Youth Programs Committee of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, a group that has developed educational programs on ethics.
The workshops are sponsored by WVU Extension Service and the State Department of Education. For more information on the presentations, contact Woloshuk at 304-293-6131, ext. 4238.
