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:
