4-H Members Participate in Summer Livestock Shows

Three DeKalb County 4-H members had a busy summer preparing for and exhibiting at local, regional, and state livestock shows. Paul Oliver, a 5th grader at Northside, showed sheep. Caitlyn Lawrence, senior at DCHS, and Colby Barnes, 6th grader at DMS, both exhibited goats.
Paul’s sheep all placed in the top 5 at both the regional and state level. He had two breeding ewes that placed 2nd in their class as a bred by exhibitor. Exhibitors get extra credit for raising their own animals. Caitlyn and Colby also placed in the top 5 with all of their goats at the regional 4-H show, with Colby having a 2nd and 3rd place. They also participated in local fairs around the area and have more goat shows coming this fall.
All three members also competed in skillathon and showmanship. The skillathon is an exam that tests knowledge of breeds, nutrition, health, and other parts of the respective livestock industry. Paul placed 3rd in his age group in the regional skillathon. During showmanship, the exhibitor is judged on how well they handle and show their animal for the judge.
Showing livestock takes time, hard work, perseverance, and responsibility but is fun and rewarding in the end. Paul, Colby, and Caitlyn all did an excellent job representing DeKalb County on all show levels. For more information about DeKalb County 4-H activities, please call 615-597-4945.
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