MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — McCook County 4-H members are putting months of preparation to the test during 4-H Achievement Days, showing livestock and demonstrating the skills they have developed while working with their animals.
Laney is participating in McCook County 4-H Achievement Days for the first time and is showing Hazel, a Shorthorn breeding heifer purchased at the Watertown Shorthorn Sale.
Laney said Hazel was a little touchy at first but has become well behaved. Her dad now describes the heifer as “kid broke” because of how well she does around Laney’s three younger siblings. Laney said she has enjoyed her first county fair experience and has made good friends through 4-H. She may also take Hazel to the State Fair.
Maggie is showing beef cattle and market hogs. Her livestock includes a steer weighing about 1,210 pounds, along with heifers.
Maggie said learning each animal’s personality is an important part of showing livestock. She enjoys the challenge of working with cattle, while describing her pig as a “giant marshmallow” that would rather sleep than show.
Sophia has been showing sheep for about five or six years. She works with her lambs from a young age, training them to walk, stand and properly set their legs for judging.
Sophia said judges provide feedback on what went well and what can be improved, which she uses to prepare for future classes and shows. She recalled that during her first class, she was so new to showing that she did not even know where the judge was.
Mitchell Now and KMIT’s McCook County 4-H coverage is made possible by Farm Credit Services of America, First Dakota, Kimball Livestock and Martin Trudeau Insurance.
