Participating in 4-H and county fair livestock projects is a cherished tradition that teaches valuable life skills, fosters community engagement, and creates lasting memories. This year, our family immersed itself in various 4-H projects, including Poultry, Dog, Blacksmithing, and Horse & Pony, each bringing its own unique challenges and rewards. From lessons in perseverance to the importance of practice and safety, our 4-H journey has been an enriching experience for every member of our family.
Understanding 4-H and Its Projects
4-H is a youth development program that aims to empower young people with skills in leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on projects and community involvement. The program encompasses a wide range of activities, including agriculture, science, health, and more, providing opportunities for personal growth and learning.
- Project Selection: ach 4-H member selects one or more projects to work on throughout the year. Participants choose from various projects, such as livestock (cattle, poultry, rabbits, etc.), arts and crafts, science and technology, and more. These projects involve regular meetings, hands-on activities, and learning experiences guided by adult volunteers and project leaders. Participants document their progress, create project reports or posters, and prepare their projects for evaluation at the county fair. The fair serves as a culmination of their hard work, where they showcase their projects, compete for awards, and receive feedback from judges.
- Learning and Practice: Each project requires dedicated time and effort, involving both practical work and theoretical learning. Members attend workshops, meetings, and practice sessions to hone their skills.
- Exhibition: At the county fair, participants showcase their projects, demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and the hard work they’ve put in throughout the year.
- Livestock Auction: One of the highlights of the county fair is the livestock auction, where 4-H members have the opportunity to sell their animals. This event teaches valuable lessons in economics, marketing, and business management. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and a reward for the months of hard work and dedication.
Our 4-H Projects and Experiences
This year, our family embraced a variety of 4-H projects, each offering unique lessons and experiences.
- Poultry: Our poultry project this year was a mix of learning experiences and overcoming challenges. Due to receiving our chicks three days past the cut-off date, Crysta was unable to show any poultry at the fair. Despite this setback, the experience highlighted the importance of deadlines and planning ahead. On the other hand, thanks to the help of a friend, Kade was able to show some birds. This experience not only taught him about the preparation needed for showing animals but also fostered his interest in poultry care. Kade now stops by the barn every morning to ensure the birds are fed and watered and even helps take care of others’ birds. He is learning about the various breeds and has decided that he wants to focus on standard-size birds of some kind, though he is still deciding on a specific breed. Crysta, meanwhile, has set her sights on showing Silkies next year.
- Dog: The Dog project required dedication to training and understanding canine behavior. Our kids learned about the bond between humans and animals, training techniques, and the discipline required to prepare a dog for shows. Despite his enthusiasm, my son did not put in the necessary practice and, as a result, earned last place in both of his classes. This experience highlighted the direct correlation between effort and results, providing a valuable learning moment about commitment and diligence. It was a hard lesson, but one that underscored the necessity of dedication and consistent effort to achieve success.
- Blacksmithing: The blacksmithing project was a significant success. My son put in substantial effort, attending all the meetings and dedicating time to practice his skills. His hard work paid off as he earned the Champion title in his division for his poster. This project emphasized the importance of practice, skill development, and safety. He learned to work with metal, create functional and artistic pieces, to understand the intricacies of blacksmithing, and the satisfaction of seeing hard work recognized and rewarded.
- Horse & Pony: Although the Horse & Pony project presented challenges, it offered valuable lessons in perseverance and safety. Our daughter learned about the commitment needed for training, the importance of regular practice, and the consequences of not being prepared. Due to inadequate practice and preparation, we decided she was not ready to show her horse. This decision, while disappointing, emphasized the importance of being fully prepared and the potential consequences of not putting in the necessary effort. It was a tough lesson in accountability and readiness.
Valuable Lessons Learned
Our 4-H journey was a learning experience for everyone in the family, each of us taking away different lessons:
- Son’s Lessons: Learned the importance of putting in the necessary work, practicing regularly, taking care of his animals, and the satisfaction that comes from learning new skills. His success in blacksmithing showed him that dedication and hard work lead to achievement. His commitment to poultry care has also taught him responsibility and fostered his interest in pursuing a specific breed.
- Daughter’s Lessons: Realized the consequences of not practicing adequately, particularly in her Horse & Pony project. She also learned valuable lessons about safety around horses and the importance of sticking with commitments. Her excitement about showing Silkies next year reflects her growing interest and determination.
- Mom’s Lessons: As a former 4-H member, I learned about loosening control, letting the kids take ownership of their projects, the importance of meeting deadlines, the necessity of reading all the small print in project guidelines, and effective scheduling to manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
- Dad’s Lessons: With no prior 4-H experience, Dad stepped up to the challenge, ensuring Kade got to every blacksmithing meeting, had everything he needed, and provided encouragement and support. He also took both kids to poultry meetings, learning alongside them and fostering a shared family experience.
Looking Forward
Our family’s journey through 4-H has been an enriching and rewarding experience, teaching us valuable life lessons and strengthening our bonds. As we look forward to future projects and fairs, we are excited to continue learning, growing, and contributing to our community through the wonderful world of 4-H.
Involvement in 4-H is more than just a series of projects; it’s a pathway to lifelong skills, friendships, and memories. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a newcomer, 4-H offers something valuable for everyone, making it a cornerstone of community and youth development.
