NYS Livestock Ambassador Program

Modeled after the Junior Dairy Leaders program, this exciting new opportunity is designed for teens with a strong interest in the livestock industry. Over the coming years, this program will continue to grow and evolve as part of our ongoing commitment to career awareness in animal science, aligned with the 4-H Beyond Ready initiatives.

Key Details:

• Open to youth in grades 11–12 from across New York State

• Participants do not need to be current 4-H members but must demonstrate a genuine interest in the livestock industry

• A reference from a non-family member is required and must be submitted with the application

• Space is limited to just 10 participants

• The program is tentatively scheduled to kick off the first weekend of December

Application Link- https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dou6QgV8Z7Ii4AK

NEW YORK STATE LIVESTOCK AMBASSADOR PROGRAM (LAP)

The New York State Livestock Ambassador Program (LAP) is an exciting new opportunity for high school students to explore careers in the livestock industry. Open to youth from urban, suburban, and rural communities across New York, the program is designed to introduce participants to the many career paths available in livestock — from animal genetics and nutrition to meat processing, marketing, and more.

Through four hands-on, two-day sessions held throughout the year, students will visit farms, processing facilities, and other agricultural businesses. They’ll also connect with industry professionals, build leadership skills, and learn how their interests can lead to real-world careers.

As the first program of its kind in the Northeast, LAP will help to prepare the next generation of skilled, knowledgeable leaders in the Livestock industry.

Mission

The mission of the New York State Livestock Ambassador Program is to inspire and prepare the next generation of Livestock leaders by connecting youth with hands-on experiences, industry professionals, and diverse career pathways in the livestock industry.

Program Objectives

• Career Exploration

  • Expose youth to a wide range of livestock industry sectors including but not limited to:

    • Animal production

    • Veterinary science

    • Animal nutrition

    • Meat and fiber processing

    • Retail and marketing

• Hands-On Learning

  • Provide immersive, two-day sessions at:

    • Farms

    • Feed mills

    • Fiber mills

    • Processing facilities across New York State

• Industry Engagement

  • Facilitate direct interaction with agricultural professionals and employers

  • Increase awareness of current industry trends and workforce needs

• Skill Development

  • Equip participants with technical and career-ready skills

  • Emphasize personal and professional competencies:

    • Communication

    • Leadership

    • Critical thinking

    • Public speaking

    • Teamwork

• Personal Growth & Career Preparation

  • Support resume building and goal setting

  • Foster creativity, initiative, and adaptability

  • Encourage networking and working with diverse audiences

Eligibility Requirements

The NYS Livestock Ambassador Program is designed to engage and develop youth who demonstrate both interest and potential in the livestock industry. The program specifically targets:

• High school students entering 11th grade or above

• Youth with a potential interest in pursuing a career in the livestock industry, including areas such as animal science, veterinary medicine, nutrition, production, processing, and marketing

• Students interested in building leadership, communication, and professional skills

• Youth willing to commit to full program participation from December through September, including attendance at all scheduled sessions and events

Cost

Thanks to generous support from the NYS 4-H Foundation and Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation the cost of the program is $200 which includes accommodation, food and supplies during the program.

For more information contact Brian Aukema at bja14@cornell.edu or 607-254-1208!