Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Swortzel, Kirk

Committee Member

Peterson, Donna

Committee Member

Jousan, F.

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Agricultural and Extension Education

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

School of Human Sciences

Abstract

The Mississippi 4-H/FFA Replacement Beef Heifer Development Contest began in 2008 to provide youth with a contest to showcase their managerial skills relating to beef cattle. This study examined the impact of contest participation on development of life skills, technical skills, and choice of occupation. Youth and parents/guardians reported slight to moderate improvement in life skills. The same groups also agreed that technical skills were improved through contest participation. While most youth did not consider the contest to impact their choice of occupation, all indicated that they are currently involved in the beef cattle industry as adults. Overall, these results highlight the positive value of the Mississippi 4-H/FFA Replacement Beef Heifer Development Contest.

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