N.C. Cooperative Extension – Chatham County Center is launching a Call for Interest to explore expanding youth livestock opportunities in our community! Whether your child is passionate about animals, interested in competitive team events, or simply eager to learn about agriculture, we want to hear from you.

We are currently gathering feedback from Chatham County families to gauge community interest and determine our next steps. Your input helps us measure community interest so we can evaluate potential next steps, which will depend on interest levels and adult volunteer support.

Youth livestock programs offer young people (ages 5–18) hands-on learning, life skills, leadership development, and teamwork. Depending on community interest, potential programs could include:

• Youth Livestock Judging: Youth evaluate classes of livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats) and present oral explanations to develop critical thinking, observation, and public speaking skills.
• Youth Livestock Skillathon: A hands-on, team-based contest testing practical knowledge of breeds, feed, equipment, meat cuts, and animal management.
• Youth Livestock Clubs (4-H): Regular group meetings focused on animal care, farm tours, community service, and project-based learning.

Adult volunteers are the backbone of successful youth programs. To bring these opportunities to Chatham County youth, we need adult volunteers willing to serve as club leaders, team co-coaches, or event helpers. If you would be interested in volunteering, please fill out the interest form to let us know.

Help us build a program tailored to Chatham County! Please let us know what interests your family by contacting us through any of the options below:

1. Fill Out the Online Form: Complete our quick Chatham County Youth Livestock Interest Form to tell us what activities and age groups interest you.
2. Call Our Office: Contact the Chatham County Center at (919) 542-8202 to share your thoughts over the phone.
3. Stop By in Person: Visit us at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center (1192 US 64 W Business, Pittsboro, NC 27312) to speak with an Extension agent and express your interest.
   
   

If you have any questions, please contact Dalton Suits or Sydney Blair.

Thank you for helping us grow agriculture and youth leadership opportunities in Chatham County!