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It might be an understatement to say Wade Harclerode takes a hands-on approach to caring for his livestock.
One of his goats can’t nurse her young because of an inflamed udder, so Harclerode bottle feeds the triplets twice a day. Last winter, another goat needed assistance giving birth, and the Williamsburg teen hand-delivered her babies — also a set of triplets.
“It’s a lot easier than trying to pull a calf,” said Harclerode, 17, who also raises beef steers.
Harclerode is one of hundreds of kids in Blair County involved in agriculture, and leaders in the field say they’re learning more than the ins and outs of farming.
“The 4-H focus is on life skills,” said Christine Corl, 4-H and youth development coordinator and Penn State extension educator for Blair and Huntingdon counties. “If you have to get up every day and care for an animal, feed it, clean its pen and handle it — that’s a huge amount of responsibility.”
A four-year study at Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences evaluated the life skills of 1,200 Pennsylvania youths before and after 4-H participation. The study found strong ties between 4-H participation and the youths’ abilities in decision making, critical thinking, communication, goal setting and problem solving.
“For instance, participants’ communication skills increased by 10 percent, and their goal-setting skills increased by 11 percent,” said Claudia Mincemoyer, PSU associate professor of 4-H youth development and co-author of the study.
These findings are consistent with a national study being conducted in 25 states by Tufts University, said Daniel Perkins, PSU professor of family and youth resiliency and policy. Perkins also is an advisory board member for the Tufts study.
FFA advisers also see similar growth in their students, said Thad White, agriculture teacher at Williamsburg Community High School.

“We see kids in general who are a little green,” White said. “We take them and bend and stretch them and break them out of their shells real quick down here.”

Whether a youth is raising an animal for 4-H or FFA, he must keep a record book of his project, which accounts for the time he’s spent caring for and handling it, money spent on feed, veterinarian bills and housing. The record books are checked by 4-H and FFA leaders.

‘‘The record book lays out their plans,’’ Corl said. ‘‘So they have a concept of the (costs) of vet work and all costs related (to their animals).’’

The best way to teach kids responsibility is to give them one like caring for an animal, said Ben Mordan, agriculture teacher at Tyrone Area High School.

‘‘I absolutely think the kids learn a lot more through independence,’’ Mordan said. ‘‘When the money’s coming out of their own pocket, they’re not going to take as many risks.’’

Market animals are sold for meat at the Blair County Junior Livestock sale, which is coordinated by the Blair County Junior Livestock Council. Animals are usually sold at prices above market value, Corl said.

Supporters of the 4-H and FFA livestock sales are recognized by the council through newspaper advertisements and given banners, said Tom Ritchey, council representative and agriculture teacher at Central High School in Martinsburg. Those who buy champion animals are given a rosette to hang in their business or home. This year’s sale is

Aug. 12.

While members are striving to raise the best possible animals, winning the champion title shouldn’t be a priority, Corl said.

‘‘In every competition, someone has to win; someone has to lose,’’ she said. ‘‘Only one person wins. If that’s the only reason (someone’s) doing this, they’ll be disappointed. ’’

Even with the inflated prices, though, Corl said the profit margin on market animals isn’t much.

‘‘Some kids get the impression that they’ll be rich,’’ she said. ‘‘They won’t be rich financially. But if they want to be rich in experiences and learn good skills, then this is one good way to to do it.’’

Ritchey’s FFA members at Central ‘‘have a chance to learn a lot of leadership skills,’’ he said.

In addition to livestock projects, FFA also offers students the chance to compete in public speaking and interview contests, as well as livestock and land judging contests.

‘‘(Public speaking skills help) any job you get,’’ Ritchey said. ‘‘Even a farmer might have to speak at a meeting. It’s something people generally don’t want to do, but the experience, the exposure, helps them.’’

At Greater Altoona Career Technolo-gy Center, horticulture and environmental science instructor Jim Burchfield is also preparing students for the future.

Burchfield said his program is ‘‘vocational based’’ and preps students for entry-level positions in horticulture or further education.

‘‘We cover pesticide (use), landscaping, nursery and greenhouse work,’’ he said, ‘‘and I try to teach them the business end. ... We also do forestry, park service, fish and wildlife. Some of them are not sure which directions they’ll want to go.’’

Most agriculture students at Bellwood-Antis High School have work practicum projects, meaning they’re working for family members or at other job sites.

‘‘In ag science, they’re required to put 10 hours a month into their projects,’’ said Matt Weberck, Bellwood-Antis agriculture teacher.

‘‘It teaches them responsibility, keeping up with the time. It’s preparing them for real life.’’

The students generally don’t realize the value of the skills until later, Mordan said of his agriculture program.

‘‘I don’t know if the kids realize it as much at the time,’’ Mordan said. ‘‘But our alumni always make notes of how it’s the best preparation they could have gotten.’’

 

 

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