The most important life skill developed through the exhibition of livestock by the Santa Paula FFA is increase social relations, character development, increasing responsibility, building confidence and understanding sportsmanship. Because social relations are learned and aid in the development of our students, they are considered a life skill. Character development is a close second to social development as the most important benefit of competitive livestock exhibition. Responsibility is identified as being developed through the attention, time and care of the livestock project requires. Confidence is instilled in kids because they see that they can take care of an animal. Sportsmanship developed though livestock showing because it is competitive in nature. Exposure to loss at an early age helps prepare youth for similar situations that will happen in life. The participants perceived these meanings as a builder of character, which is an essential life skill.