Ronald Hughes
State ESP Mid-Career Award
Under Ron Hughes leadership, the Johnston County Livestock Show & Sale has grown to be one of the largest, if not the largest, single county youth livestock show & sale in the state. But this did not just happen. It was Ron’s proactive planning that led to this success. The key to the successful youth livestock program is the Youth Livestock Show and Sale Committee, which, Ron organized. He realizes that his efforts are multiplied by the members of this committee if he provides the leadership they need to function. Membership is rotated and members are committed and feel needed. While many agents bemoaned the lack of competition for the youth under 9 years of age, Ron use this to enhance the local show. Youths less than 9 years old do not compete in the show, but they do participate. During the show, judges ask specific questions of these young showmen to see what they are learning about their animal and animal husbandry. All participates receive recognition and a ribbon of participation (all alike). Having the young people participate maintains and increases their interest in the program, but better still, it allows them to be better showman once they are able to compete. At a time when many young people seem to reject or at least dropout of wholesome, organize activities, usually after they reach the age of 12, they continue their participation
in the Johnston County youth livestock program. This too, is due to Ron’s innovative programming. When teenage showman graduate from high school, they are eligible for one of five scholarships, all funded by the program. To raise money for the scholarships, Ron has organized a pig cooking contest, a rib cook-off competition, and a livestock festival. Youths, parents, committee members, and leaders are involved in promoting and working on these activities. Ron also involves these teen aged youths in a “Teens Reaching Youths - Meat Quality Assurance” program. At an over-night lock in, teenagers are taught the meat quality assurance procedures. In return, these youths go back to the individual livestock clubs and teach younger livestock show participants. To increase participation in the youth livestock show & sale, Ron has instated new classes of animals including rabbits and goats. He realizes that many people do not have the facilities to maintain larger animals and the diverse clientele of the county is creating a shift in livestock types. Ron networks with other agents on the Johnston County staff to conduct a Farm to Plate Camp during the summer. Campers visit animal units where production technology and animal husbandry is demonstrated. At the end of the camp, participates learn where & how food is produce as well as how to prepare it for a balanced meal. Due to the depressed agricultural economy, many farmers are examining goat production enterprises. Ron seized this opportunity to form the Johnston County Goat Producers Association and to educate producers in proper goat production and marketing. This group has received a grant to promote goat meat consumption. Members actually prepared dishes, distributed portions, and conducted a survey at local grocery stores to enhance goat meat consumption. They also displayed other goat products such as cheese and soap. Ron has also organized several goat field days. In addition to these educational activities, Ron still conducts an outstanding, traditional livestock program. He has coached successful junior and senior livestock judging teams. He serves as an advisor to the Johnston County Cattlemen’s Association. He cooperates with other agents on the staff in writing a weekly news release and he helps with the Johnston County Agribusiness Council. He has an ongoing educational program for swine producers and seeks opportunities to help producers with waste management problems. Ron Hughes is respected in Johnston County by both adults and youths. His educational programs address current issues of all segments of livestock, poultry, and forage production. The success of his programs has not only increased the level of knowledge of producers, but have also increased their profits. Ron is a natural, working with youths. His innovative show and sale for youth between the ages of 5 and 8 promotes learning, confidence, and rewards. He is able to instill in older youths the desire to learn and apply the knowledge they gain. He is innovative in his approaches to obtain full participation.
2001 ESP Awards
Xi Chapter ESP
