By By Justin Rodgers / 4-H youth agent
Nov. 17, 2002
Looking for a way to teach your children to be more responsible and help them gain valuable life skills? Look into the Lauderdale County 4-H Livestock Program.
The 4-H Livestock Program offers activities to young people of all ages. Rewards include an increased appreciation of the influence of the livestock industry on our lives and recognition in the form of awards, prizes, and even collegiate scholarships.
The 2002 show has been set for Jan. 18 at the Lauderdale Agri-Center. Many 4-H members have been working with their animals for months preparing for the big day.
The deadline to purchase steers, lambs and market meat goats was Sept. 1, so these animals should be well on their way to becoming show winners by now.
However, 4-H'ers still have time to purchase market hogs and commercial beef and dairy heifers for the upcoming show year; the deadline is Dec. 1.
The livestock show is just the first step for many of these exhibitors. They will show their animals at the Southeast District Livestock Show in Hattiesburg on Jan. 24-26, and the Dixie National Round-up in February.
The livestock project gives young people the opportunity to learn responsibility and perseverance. Showing livestock is hard work. Members of the 4-H Club spend hours practicing and caring for their animals for a few short minutes in the show ring, but they gain a sense of great accomplishment.
This is a project that involves the entire family. Parents play a big role in guiding their children, reminding them of their duties and providing transportation and moral support. The 4-H Livestock Program allows young people to learn by doing.
It also gives local businesses a chance to show their support by donating time and money for the purchase of these market animals. We would like to extend a special thanks to the businesses that helped support the 2002 Livestock Sale.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Livestock Club or would like to help sponsor the sale by purchasing an animal, call the Lauderdale County Extension Office at 482-9764. You don't have to own livestock to become part of the club.