4-Hers enjoy clinic

In one of the first in-person Crook County 4-H events held since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Northeast 307 Livestock Show Clinic offered youth a chance to interact with each other while learning valuable skills with their animals. Although the pandemic created a disruption of many aspects of life, it did not affect these budding agriculturists’ responsibilities and enthusiasm.

Over three days, the 307 Show Clinic saw over 50 youth and their parents learn about multiple aspects of showing animals. Youth in the livestock track learned how to properly feed a market animal to finish and how to feed breeding livestock for maximum reproduction. Lee Jay, owner of W Bar Feed, spoke to participants and gave detailed feeding ideas after each animal was weighed.

The clinicians then worked with kids and their animals individually to maximize their learning. The hands-on aspect of the 307 Show Clinic gives participants skills to gain confidence in working with their animals and also in their knowledge of the show they are participating in.

Parental participation is also encouraged as showing animals is a family affair. Youth learned proper grooming techniques as well as how to clip their animals to give them the most desired look.

Showmanship was practiced with all species. The participants learned about animal selection and how to show their animal for their best look.

Youth participating in the show clinic have a show-day advantage over youth not participating in extra practice. Show clinics help the kids and their animals to learn to work together and gain confidence in their abilities.

Showing animals increases youth responsibility, integrity, record keeping, leadership skills and perseverance. Participation in 4-H and FFA has been shown to strengthen youth leadership skills, but showing animals gives these youth an advantage to their peers in responsibility and decision making.

Family involvement is also increased in animal projects as well as record keeping ability and confidence. Social relations and character development life skills are enhanced through livestock showing according to a study by Texas Tech University and validated by the University of Nebraska.

The Crook County Fair will be the culminating event for the hard work in these animal projects. The fair is scheduled for July 26- August 1.

Plans have been submitted to the county health officer and accommodations have been planned to create a safe and fun fair and livestock sale.

Submitted by Sara Fleenor