With county fair season upon us, youth livestock exhibitors in the Southwind District are busy working with their animals in preparation to show them at their very best. Not only are they practicing to drive their hogs, brace their sheep and goats and set up their cattle, they are working hard to keep them cool and on feed during the hot month of July.
Animals that will be, or have been exhibited (the Woodson and Bourbon County Fairs are already complete!) at the fair did not just appear overnight. South-wind District 4-H members with cattle care for and own their animals for about 280 days, and youth with sheep, meat goats and hogs care for and own their livestock for about 100 days. The time spent with animals teaches basic life skills and eventually helps them develop into better citizens.
The following are some life skills that youth livestock project members can gain:
1. How to get along with people.
A large number of people in society quit or lose their jobs because they cannot get along with others. 4-H members who show livestock are around people they have never met but who have similar interests. They learn to communicate with these people.
2. Sportsmanship.
At a livestock show, there is only one Grand Champion. However, there are many winners. Most 4-H members who show livestock for any period of time usually experience the extreme high feeling of an exceptional effort and the extreme disappointment of a project that didnt turn out as well as was expected. Normally, win or lose, the competitors in the show can be seen after the show talking and enjoying life together.
3. Responsibility.
Feeding and daily chores in a 4-H livestock project teach responsibility. Top feeders follow the time clock in their daily efforts. This is a good habit to start at a young age and may reap for youngsters substantial benefits in a career later in their lives.
4. Attend to details.
Most young people take care of major items in a 4-H livestock project like fencing, feeding, etc. However many times its the little things that make a difference: keeping water tanks and feed troughs clean, working on grooming and showmanship several months before the show, keeping pens clean and close observation for sickness and disease. Paying attention to details is beneficial in almost everything we do in life.
5. Decision making.
Decision making is never easy at any point in our lives. 4-H livestock projects require several key decisions be made: selection of project animals, selection of feeding method, care and management decisions, fitting and grooming techniques, etc.
6. Goal setting.
For every successful 4-H livestock project, there is usually a good plan. Most details and plans for the project on selection, feeding and management of the project have been planned well in advance. Goal setting is important for everyone regardless of future endeavors.
