MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Douglas County 4-H members are putting their hard work on display during 4-H Appreciation Days, with projects ranging from livestock and crops to baking and shooting sports.
Brody Fousek has been involved in 4-H for about 10 years and is showing chickens this year. Shooting sports have also been a major part of his 4-H experience.
Fousek competed in .22 pistol at the national shooting sports competition in Grand Island this year. He finished in the upper half of the field each day and said he was pleased with his performance during his first trip to nationals. As one of the older 4-H members, Fousek also mentors younger participants and hopes to pass along his enthusiasm for the program.
Tegan Baier has participated in 4-H for five years. Her projects include corn and soybean static exhibits, showing cattle and participating in shooting sports.
Tayah Smith has participated in 4-H since she was 7, taking part in both static projects and livestock. She shows cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, with sheep being her favorite and strongest animal to show.
Smith also participates in crops, visual arts, horticulture and cooking projects. This year, she earned a purple ribbon for her lemon cake.
Smith said 4-H has helped her develop leadership and public speaking skills while providing opportunities to learn in many different areas. She described working alongside her sibling in 4-H as more of a mentorship than a competition.
Mitchell Now and KMIT’s Douglas County 4-H coverage is made possible by Douglas County Memorial Hospital, East River Veterinary Clinic, Fairway Seeds, Farm Bureau – Barb Groenweg, Farm Credit Services of America, Fort Randall Federal Credit Union, Gross Sand & Gravel, Kaylor Agri Services, Kimball Livestock, Krulls Market, Martin Trudeau Insurance and Midstate Communications.