NIAA establishes youth program

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) has announced the formation of a youth programs committee.  Dr. Jeff Goodwin, an extension youth specialist with the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension Service, was appointed chairman of the committee by NIAA Chairman of the Board Richard D. Hull. Committee members are currently being selected and national 4-H and FFA program officials have been asked to serve as ex-officio members of the committee.

The cornerstone of the NIAA's youth program will be a simple message targeting youth, Just Do The Right Thing!^sm, which had been developed by a subsidiary of NIAA's predecessor, Livestock Conservation Institute.  The subsidiary, the National Livestock Ethics Council, was formed in 1997 to address isolated incidences of unethical and sometimes illegal activity associated with the exhibition of livestock. The initial NIAA Board of Directors dissolved NLEC in April 2000 with plans to establish a youth program area within NIAA.

Just Do The Right Thing!^sm carries three basic themes:

·    Avoid wrong-doing when competing in livestock exhibitions.

·    Don't be pressured into participating in unethical practices.

·    Never compromise your principles, the welfare of the animal or the safety of the food supply.

An addition to NIAA's Internet site is being developed for youth-oriented information and resources for agricultural educators, extension educators and 4-H and FFA adult leaders.  Limited information is now available at www.animalagriculture.org/youth.