Local Youth Have Opportunity to Learn By Doing with Project for the 2012 Merced County Fair

Sept. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Merced, California – It seems like just yesterday that the 2011 Merced County Fair drew to a close, wrapping up its 120th year.  It hardly seems like enough time has gone by to start planning for the 2012 fair, but the time has come.  Merced-Mariposa Cattlemen’s Association Beef Bred Heifer Project participants are starting now.  The theme for the fair in 2012 is “Cows Just Wanna Have Fun” and this project gives local 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to learn about the cattle industry and have fun while they do it.

“The cattle industry is an industry with traditions embedded in the West.  This project gives Merced County youth the opportunity to become a part of that tradition and learn what the industry entails,” remarked Delores J. Cabezut-Ortiz, project leader.  Delores has been involved with the project almost since its inception. “This project is not just about making money; it’s a learning process so participants can experience what it takes to run a cattle business.  All components, from planning, execution and marketing, are part of the project.  The project leaders, advisors, and project committee put a lot of effort into making sure the participants become educated about the industry.”  

4-H and FFA members attend project meetings and workshops hosted by the BBHP committee members and local 4-H and FFA advisors and leaders.  They also complete a project workbook, keeping tedious records of events, expenses, and plans, in both management and marketing.  

Projects are judged in several different ways; both the effort of the member to complete all the aspects of the project and the animal itself is judged at the fair.  The effort of the member is judged using a point system where members earn points for completing certain aspects of the project and completing the project workbook.

Animals are judged by a panel of two to three judges.  The judges are looking for desirable traits for a commercial female; ultimately deciding which animal is the best.  

There are many prizes offered through the program, including college scholarships for participants.

The BBHP is a great opportunity for the youth in our community.

On October 5th, 2011 at 6:30 P.M. there is a mandatory meeting for all those who wish to participate in the Beef Bred Heifer Project.  The meeting will be held at the 4-H Classroom located at 2145 Wardrobe Ave in Merced.

About Merced-Mariposa Cattlemen’s Association:
MMCA is a non-profit trade association serving cattlemen from Merced and Mariposa County.  Cattlemen remain the primary stewards of our beautiful rural landscape that makes up Merced and Mariposa Counties and the MMCA is the grassroots organization charged with representing and promoting the diversity of the Beef Industry in this area.  Merced-Mariposa Cattlemen’s Association is an affiliate of the California Cattlemen’s Association.  Keri Ortiz is the current MMCA President.

About the MMCA Beef Bred Heifer Project:
Started over 15 years ago and sponsored by the Merced-Mariposa Cattlemen’s’ Association, the BBHP Show and Sale has become the premier event for Cattlemen’s Day at the Merced County Fair.  Each year, 4-H and FFA members raise a heifer as a project to sell at the Merced County Fair.  Youth not only have the opportunity to learn about the Cattle industry, but they gain the experience of seeing a project through from start to finish, finally selling their Bred Heifer to other Cattlemen at the BBHP Sale.  In addition, there are prizes and scholarships available to participants.  The Beef Bred Heifer Project is run by a committee of volunteers.