ITHACA, N.Y. \u2014 The NYS 4-H Livestock Ambassador program has successfully concluded an engaging and educational multi-day tour across Western New York as part of its 2025\u20132026 pilot year. The experience provided participants with valuable, hands-on exposure to diverse aspects of the livestock industry.<\/p>\n
The tour began with a visit to Reisdorf\u2019s Feed Mill, where ambassadors gained insight into animal nutrition, including feed composition, additives, and the critical role nutrition plays in livestock production. The group then traveled to Breezyhill Dairy, where Bob Kozlowski led an in-depth discussion on rumination, fermentation, particle length, and practical methods for evaluating livestock diets, including manure observation.<\/p>\n
Continuing their journey, participants visited Yankee Beef to learn about the operation, including its expansion into a retail store, on-farm processing facility, and maple production enterprise. The group concluded their tour at Kyle Farms, one of the largest sheep farms in New York, where they explored lambing practices, breeding programs, and facility management.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring this program, I have seen youth discover careers they didn\u2019t know about, experience those \u2018lightbulb\u2019 moments, and make connections that will serve them throughout their educational and professional careers,\u201d said Brian Aukema, program organizer. \u201cI continually look forward to providing these opportunities to other youth in the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NYS 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program is made possible in part through the generous support of the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation and the NYS 4-H<\/a> Foundation. Their commitment to youth agricultural education ensures meaningful, hands-on opportunities that prepare young leaders for future roles in agriculture and community leadership.<\/p>\n As the program continues its inaugural year, excitement remains high among participants and leaders alike. The ambassadors look forward to further expanding their knowledge and skills in livestock production, agricultural education, and leadership development.<\/p>\n For more information or to support programs like this, please contact:<\/p>\n