Wednesday, July 15, 2009

County 4-H

Can I just say I LOVE our county 4-h. Not so much some of the people (read parents) of kids who show 4-H, but the advisors, the people "in charge." Monday night was a beef clinic. The girl who was going to be demonstrating showmanship won overall showman I think 10 years running. And the kids could bring their animals.

So Jessie's advisor, Jason, loaded up Oreo in his trailer (Todd was working late and I wasn't feeling brave enough to hook the trailer up behind my durango with a 1400 lb. animal in it) and we headed to the fairgrounds.


There were only 20 kids maybe. And Jessie was the only one who brought her steer. But the good part about bringing her own steer - when everyone else had to switch and share the animals that were brought in - she stayed out there with her steer. And she had the lady who runs the beef division at the county level working with her one on one for a good part of the hour long session on showmanship. And who also offered to hook up with us Friday night of the fair to work with her again before the steer show on Saturday.

Once Jessie had a good idea of what she should be doing, we let a few of the other kids walk and set Oreo up. The animals that were hauled in for the kids to use were good, but....they weren't very well behaved and there are some kids littler than Jessie who really didn't get a chance to practice. But I tell you what - Oreo was one tired boy when it was over. And in this heat with him being black (and all the hair we are growing on him), he was HOT. So he got to go home to his nice comfy stall with the fans on him for the rest of the evening.
She also had to do her pig skillathon last night. And she was stressed. But, she came out with a 95% so she was thrilled. Her piggys are GROWING. It's a good thing we only have 57 days until weigh in.

She does the beef skillathon on the 30th of July. I'm not sure I agree with the whole skillathon thing - here in Wayne County they don't have to pass it, they just have to take it. But....she is having fun.

Have a great day

Kris

12 comments:

LuAnn said...

It's great that Jessie is involved in 4-H, but is it county fair time already? Or was this just a prep session on showmanship before the fair actually starts? Oreo is some steer, too!! Either way good luck to Jessie.

Philigry said...

that sounds like it is so great for her. what an experience.

Scrappy quilter said...

What a great experience for her. I've judged 4-H now for a few years and couldn't agree more...4-H is great for kids.

Mary said...

4-H is a wonderful program. That has to be an advantage to Jessie to have been the only one with her own steer to practice with. I hope she does really well at fair time.

Granny Lyn said...

Jessie's enthusiasm must show, or those leaders would not spend so much time with her. It proves one thing, the girl is good!!!

My kids were in 4H and one year it was soooo bad, I felt like pulling them out. Luckily, we got all new leaders the next year.

GOOD LUCK JESSIE!!!

Nancy M. said...

It sounds like she had a great time! Those pigs have gotten big!

warren said...

I have great fond memories of 4-H when I was a kid...yours sounds great!

audreypawdrey said...

It sounds as if it was a wonderful meet! 4-H is great for so many reasons.:)

jacquie said...

i know just what you mean about some 4-h parents...but like you our leaders were always fabulous...so concerned about the kids and so great with them. so great to see yours doing so well.

Susan said...

Some of the best times we had were in 4H and FFA........

Glad we did not have to wash and blow dry a steer.........I have problems enough with our maltese.

Small House said...

I think I've said it before, but...I loved 4-H!!!

Just catching up, I'm behind a bit on blogging. Looks like you've been busy.
Have a good day.
Sandra

isolada. by design said...

It does sound like there are some wonderful people to work with the children at your county 4-H. Yeah for Jessie, for all the work she is willing to do with her steer and her piggies, all wonderful animals, cute, too. And yeah for Oreo for being such a trooper. You've a busy few days ahead, but I know you'll enjoy each and every one.

Happy Monday!

Ana :)