Beginning fall 2011, Center FFA will require that all members showing any type of livestock complete the Quality Counts online course.  FFA and 4-H members from all over the state will be participating in Quality Counts. Texas has the largest number of 4-H and FFA livestock projects in the nation. Young people participate at the county, district, regional and state level. The tremendous support and dedication of livestock show officials help make this possible.

With this opportunity comes a responsibility for each exhibitor to learn and demonstrate the highest standards, both in personal character and in the feeding and care of their animals. “Quality Counts” is designed to teach young people the importance of displaying good character in carrying out livestock projects, and in every aspect of their lives. “Quality Counts” helps them learn the importance of using proper livestock management practices so that food quality and safety are preserved.

Your participation in “Quality Counts” helps ensure that Texas 4-H and FFA members can continue to be a part of the greatest youth livestock program in the nation

Go to http://qualitycounts.tamu.edu/texas-trails/  and click on the Texas trails logo to begin

  You will then register – make sure to  login in as both a 4-H and FFA member ( even if you are not) this just makes future book keeping easier!

 Step 1: Enter Your Information 

Then continue to register and submit your registration – then you will need to choose a test according to your age.  Then you will be ready to do the Texas Trail - The “Texas Trail” is an online self paced guided experience through Quality Assurance and Character Education with your livestock project.  The overall experience takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and can be stopped and restarted as many times as needed.  With a unique user log in each participant has their own personal experience.  When you finish Texas Trails go to the Verification tab and take the Verification Test – be sure to click on 4H & FFA button and click Center for your FFA chapter and Shelby for the 4-H county

All broiler participants must complete this before they will receive checks and all livestock show participants must complete before the Shelby County Livestock show in March.  Principles of Agriculture students ( 1^st year ag class) will be doing this in class. Older FFA members will have to do this on their own. You may come to the Ag shop and use a computer or do this at home.