Fifty Iowa youth participated in the 2024 Beef and Equine Blasts at Iowa State University, organized by ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development. The Beef Blast focused on feedlot fundamentals, covering nutrition, selection, welfare, and marketing of beef cattle. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, such as evaluating cattle finish and learning about feed rations and meat quality.

The Equine Blast event, Horse Ownership 101, covered topics like nutrition, welfare, and tack for horses. Participants learned about horse care, genetics of coat color, and careers in the horse industry. Both events aimed to provide practical knowledge and skills to youth in grades 7-12, fostering a deeper understanding of animal science and husbandry.

The youth who attended the Beef and Equine Blasts reported enjoying the educational sessions and hands-on experiences. They had the opportunity to tour ISU research farms, learn about feedlot fundamentals and horse care, and engage with experts in the field. Overall, the events were designed to open doors to potential career paths in the animal science industry and provide valuable insights for young participants.