4-H Goat Controversy Raises Questions About Kids And Terminal Livestock Sales

[Elmira Telegram 285]

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E.L., who was to receive almost $900 for her goat’s meat, just wanted Cedar back. That aligns with the study’s finding that auctions are harder for younger members aged 13 and under. Their empathy for their animals has all along been encouraged. Good care makes for good meat. 

The 4-H literature instructs students to touch animals often, which prepares them for showing, and to learn all about their preferences and personalities.

All the touching, brushing and mapping of favorite scratch-spots and quirks is similar to that with a pet. And it occurs within a culture increasingly aware of animal emotions compared to when 4-H began more than a century ago. 

The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act passed in 1958. Flash forward to 2015 when a Gallup poll found a third of Americans want animals to have the same rights as people. In a 2019 Gallup poll, nearly one in four were eating less meat. And, in 2023, the Supreme Court upheld California’s landmark farmed animal protection law. 

In 4-H literature, the organization that began with a desire to modernize farming claims its message of youth development doesn’t change, “but the methods that drive the program forward often need to change with the times.” 

Irvine says that these days it’s far less common for 4-Hers to be taking over the farm, needing to learn the realities of raising meat animals. In 2010, only 11 percent of 4-Hers lived on farms. So is the terminal auction essential?

“It does seem like it’s time for 4-H to change, both because of what we know about animals and because its members increasingly don’t come from agricultural backgrounds,” says Irvine. 

 

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[Chris 1,914]

I suppose while there could be some considerations for the below 13 crowd, this statement bothered me. 

On 6/28/2023 at 7:52 AM, Elmira Telegram said:

“It does seem like it’s time for 4-H to change, both because of what we know about animals and because its members increasingly don’t come from agricultural backgrounds,” says Irvine. 

The idea that organizations, steeped in a history as well as a culture of their own you could say, need to change. It's what ruined Scouting in my opinion. The activities and program got watered down to be less challenging, and ranks easier to attain, including Eagle. What prestige is there in an accomplishment if everyone achieves the same results?!?

At any rate, to change 4H to suit suburban and urban ideals is ridiculous to me.