1. Help youth understand the responsibilities involved in raising livestock for food,
2. Help youth learn the technical knowledge of quality assurance, and
3. To change management practices of the youth and/or family members to be consistent with quality assurance practices.

1. Volunteer development,
2. Enhancement of 4-H club programming, and
3. Reaching parents that otherwise would not participate in quality assurance training for adults.

Reactions of youth to the programs indicate that approximately 80% of the youth that attended training learned something about quality assurance practices. Approximately 90% of parents thought the programs were educational and that their children learned something important about quality assurance. The three primary goals were achieved as evidenced by these examples of practices that youth learned and/or their behavior changes:

• "Two of the older youth were able to help ear notch at our county swine weigh-in and were also instructing one of the parents on how to read ear notches" (Chase and Dundy Counties)
• "I can't believe how much my daughter really got from the class. She is actually driving her Dad crazy with all her knowledge during chores now." (Lancaster County)
• "One girl was concerned about the loading of hogs she saw at the State Fair because truckers were using hotshots, since we had talked about stress in pigs, PSE and the effects of using hot shots." (Washington County)
• A Holt County youth stated "This program made we want to learn more about my livestock projects. I didn't realize giving my animals water everyday was so important."
• A Furnas County youth stated "I learned the importance of proper identification of my animals."
• "How a fat pig drinks a lot ? I better fix the automatic waterers!" is how a Box Butte County youth responded to the training.
• A parent from Cuming County reported "My children learned many things ... they now realize how much time and knowledge it takes to care for animals."

The secondary goal of reaching parents was also achieved, as indicated by these comments:

• "I am glad I stayed. I really understand how this whole food safety issue works now." (Gage County)
• "I even learned a few new things about quality assurance." (Boone and Nance Counties)
• "More worthwhile program than I expected" (Lincoln -McPherson Counties)
• "This was MUCH better than what we expected. All of us learned a lot of good stuff ... very educational, even for us parents!" (Holt County)

The goals of volunteer development and enhancement of club programming are addressed by these comments:

• "I really enjoyed the training and I'm excited about doing this with my club." (Cherry County)
• "Good programming, information that all 4-Hers showing livestock should know, makes great material for winter club meetings." (Fillmore, Thayer and Nuckolls Counties)
• "I enjoyed the opportunity to teach this information in my club." (Saunders County)
• "It is great that 4-H is educating youth again - this is what 4-H is all about." (Adams County)
• "The lessons were fun to teach and the activities kept the kids interest. This is what 4-H is supposed to be all about." (Buffalo County)

The subject matter covered in "Assuring Quality" includes the basic principles that are part of the Beef Quality Assurance, Pork Quality Assurance, and Dairy Quality Assurance programs. Materials have been modified to be more appropriate for youth audiences. Related activities have been included to make the learning more interactive and experiential. Subject matter to be covered has been divided into a three year rotational program. Principles covered in the 2002 training included Livestock Daily Care and Management, and Prevention of Problems. The most often used activities were "Identification" (91% of all programs), "Reading Feed Labels" (80%), "Water Requirements" (78%) and worksheets on "Prevention" and "Caring for My Animals" (76% each). Activities greatly enhanced the acceptability of the program, as reactions from youth indicate that on a statewide basis 50% thought the program was fun and they learned something, and 59% of parents thought the program was fun and that their children learned something. Several units reported 80% or more of the youth and parents thought the program was both fun and educational.

Resources provided to county extension staff and volunteer leaders included a Leaders' Guide which contained a scripted Powerpoint presentation and accompanying experiential learning activities, a video and a youth booklet. County extension staff and volunteer leaders were trained either in-person or via satellite on the subject matter, as well as on the philosophy and logistics of presenting the programs.

With approximately two-thirds of the extension units in the state reporting, over 6500 youth in the reporting units were trained in the first year of "Assuring Quality". Of these, 90% or over 5900 youth, attended a training session. The other 10% were older (12 - 18) youth that "tested out" of the program by taking a test that covered all the principles of quality assurance.

In approximately half the units, volunteer leaders conducted some or all of the programs. In 20% of counties, junior leaders assisted either extension staff or volunteers in conducting the programs.