I Can't Ask Them For Help!

 "I can't ask them for help. They won't help me. They're the competition!"

     In my career in Extension and Ag Teaching, I heard this set of excuses every year from a youth new to showing livestock. These statements may be true in other areas of youth competition, but in the world of 4-H, FFA and junior livestock associations, help is more readily available than a youth understands.

     One of the greatest things about our livestock youth is that peer mentoring is a pillar of the program. Maybe it comes from the good ol' "help my neighbor" mentality that becomes instilled in youth raising livestock. It may be as simple as touching a stalled calf's tail to get them to move, to taking time to act as youth clinicians during a showmanship camp.

     The reason one youth helps another youth to become better with their livestock project may vary from general good heartedness, wanting to impress with their knowledge, wanting to become an ag teacher, 4-H agent or the next famous show jock. The fact is, kids like helping kids, and kids will listen to other kids. There is a connection between youth who share a common interest in livestock.

     So I could go on and on with this soapbox speech of how great livestock youth are, but I need to get to the point of this post.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!!!

     It is simple, just say these words to someone who has shown your species of livestock "Can you help me?" Those four words might make you a new friend, and help you to get better with your livestock project. Most everybody who has shown livestock remembers how frustrating and difficult it seems when you first start out, and remember the person who helped them. They will help you.

     Now it is not to say there aren't a few sour apples who might tell you no, but just ask someone else, and it won't take long before you will find help.

     Go visit them and see how they work with their animals. Agree to meet them somewhere and practice showmanship together. Watch and learn while they clip their animals. Ask them to help you clip, by watching and giving you advice as you do it.

When it comes to asking for help, follow the Nike motto "Just Do It".


Scott Stinnett
Extension Associate
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension