MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Charles Mix County 4-H members are putting their agricultural and creative skills on display during 4-H Achievement Days in Lake Andes, with projects ranging from livestock and poultry to woodworking and art.
Fourteen-year-old Ethan is showcasing both creative and agricultural projects. One of his projects is a wooden bench that uses tires for leg supports. Ethan said he became interested in art while looking for something to do during the summer and discovered he enjoyed being creative.
Ethan is also showing a bucket calf. He said preparing the animal involves washing, brushing, practicing leading and getting the calf comfortable around people and the activity surrounding a show.
Fourteen-year-old Luke is working with several animals, including a breeding ewe lamb, breeding doe and crested ducks. He said experience has helped him become comfortable transitioning between different animals and their personalities.
Luke is also involved in wood science. His major project this year was a 6-by-6-foot shed for sheep feed, which included work on electrical wiring. He said he enjoys woodworking because it is quiet and gives him the freedom to create things the way he wants.
Fourteen-year-old Thomas is showing beef and poultry after also showing sheep in previous years. He said his beef animal initially fought him while being led, but additional time and practice helped improve its behavior.
Thomas has scaled back his 4-H involvement as farm responsibilities and rodeo take more of his time. This could be his final year in 4-H as he considers high school rodeo, work and additional responsibilities next year.
Mitchell Now and KMIT’s Charles Mix County 4-H coverage is made possible by Bures & Kronaizl Insurance, Commercial State Bank, East River Veterinary Clinic, Farm Credit Services of America, Fort Randall Federal Credit Union, Fort Randall Telephone, Fousek Trucking & Grain, Kaylor Agri Services, Kimball Livestock, Martin Trudeau Insurance, Midstate Communications and Wagner Super Foods.