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Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program

Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program is primarily designed to assist first time large stock exhibitors with both knowledge and financial assistance in the initial stages of what we hope to be the beginning of a long and successful experience. The purpose of the program is to provide deserving individuals an opportunity to raise a large stock animal project, and receive guidance from mentors with experience in the agricultural industry. In order to make this possible, candidates are provided temporary funding for the completion of one large stock animal project, in addition to basic startup materials. This program is designed to provide assistance to individuals who illustrate a financial or animal housing need in order to successfully raise large stock.

Who qualifies to participate?

To qualify you must be at least 12 years of age. This must be the applicant’s ONLY large stock project (excluding dairy). Preference is given to those who illustrate a financial or animal housing need and have never raised large stock before. However, previous experience does not bar an applicant from qualification. Family members of current Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program Board of Directors, Management and Staff are not eligible to participate in this program.

How can I get selected?

You will need to complete the attached application, provide an essay detailing your need for assistance; your desire to participate; and provide three letters of recommendation. If you qualify, you will be required to do a personal interview. Your parent/legal guardian will also be interviewed, and your club leader may be interviewed as well. One or more committee members may do an onsite inspection of the area to be used to house the animal. Applicants may be asked to spend a day with KINEKS Mentors and with the requested animal species to determine the current level of ability. Acceptance into the program will be at the sole discretion of the committee and management of the Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program.

Does participation require additional work beyond what I would be required to do if I didn’t accept the funding?

Yes. You will be expected to provide documentation of your project biweekly through photographs and/or written documentation. You may be asked to provide an update on your project to the Board of Directors meetings (usually held monthly) where you will be asked to provide an oral review of the progress of your project.

What does it mean to have a mentor?

Each exhibitor will be assigned a minimum of one mentor, whose role is to answer questions and provide guidance with your specific project. The mentors will meet with the exhibitor at the project site frequently. Outside of those visits, it is your job is to reach out and ensure you are communicating with your mentor, as well as other board and community members. This can be a wonderful opportunity for you to go out and interact with industry leaders, so don’t miss out on all the information and experience that they have to offer!

How does the funding part of the program work?

 

Once an exhibitor is accepted, the program will fund the following items:

  •  Registration costs for two SAILA/Jackpot shows

  •  The final auction show

  •  Cost of animal (selected by the committee)

  •  Feed (recommended by the committee)

  •  Basic equipment:

  1.  Sheep: a halter, brush, card, feed measuring device and feeder

  2.  Goats: a halter, leather chain, card, feed measuring device and feeder

  3.  Hogs: a whip, heat lamp, brush, pump sprayer, feed measuring device and feeder​

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After the program, the funds provided must be repaid to Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program through the sale of the animal at a Youth Livestock Auction. Equipment must be returned in good condition or may be purchased if the exhibitor wishes. The applicant will be responsible to pay either 50% of the net funds received (auction price plus add-ons) or a maximum amount of $700, whichever amount is less.

To participate, interested individuals must submit an application and supporting documents no later than September 1, 2018. If you have additional questions contact the Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program at the address below or visit the website at www.kineks.org

 

Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program

KINEKS Foundation

PO Box 1803

Litchfield, AZ 85395, USA

TO BE ELIGIBLE AN APPLICANT MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Complete an Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program Application.

2. Have an area to house the animal, or if one is not available, location assistance is available to help you find an area.

3. Reside primarily in the state of Arizona.

4. Be eligible to show at your own county fair.

5. Be at least 12 years of age by the time of your county fair.

6. Include three letters of recommendation from non-related individuals familiar with you and your previous project. (Examples: 4-H leader, FFA advisor, school or community leader.)

7. Show a need for financial assistance or animal housing assistance.

8. Provide an essay, 500-1000 words in length, describing why you deserve to be selected and why, without this opportunity, you might not be able to participate in a project.

APPLICANTS ARE JUDGED BY:

The Committee and Management of Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program

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If accepted, the applicant must:

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1. Check in as required every two weeks.

2. Along with their parents, agree to the terms of the program and sign a program agreement. Must agree to accept the funding and equipment, and agree to repay any funds provided and return or purchase any equipment.

3. Agree to complete and abide by the Quality Assurance Program, season pass, and vet inspections required for the show.

4. Agree to follow all rules of exhibiting an animal at your fair or sanctioned show.

5. Agree to complete the project and sell the animal at a Youth Livestock Auction.

6. Agree to allow the use of still and video images of the child and the project to be used for marketing, sponsorship and grant application purposes including Facebook and the Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program website use.

7. Agree to participate in a minimum of three livestock shows.

8. Cover all vet care costs.

9. If an applicant chooses to discontinue the program once the animal is given to them, the applicant must return the animal, supplies, and any monetary assistance in full to the Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program.

10. By turning in this application, the applicant agrees to pay back the Ag KINEKS Youth Development Program either 50% of the net funds received (auction price plus add-ons) or a maximum amount of $700, whichever amount is less.

2018-2019 Application Deadline

Applications must be completed online, or postmarked, by September 1st, 2018. The board will not accept mailed applications received after this date or postmarked after September 1st .

Please answer all questions.  

The Committee will weigh heavily your answers to these questions. 

Please be detailed. 

Apply
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