Young people who show animals will keep lessons learned from peers, parents, and leaders for a lifetime — but what if stress and strife get in the way?
With school kicking off during Illinois’ fairs, the governor has signed HB3814 into law — a new bill that allows students to attend FFA and 4-H events.
Our young people in 4-H and FFA rely on county fairs for opportunities to show livestock, compete in livestock judging, and learn life lessons.
Livestock exhibitors are learning skill far more profound than loading sacks of feed. Junior livestock sales support the businesses of these future farmers.
4-H and FFA members can learn the different classifications they might come across as they learn about producing food and fiber while exhibiting livestock.
Fitting contests challenge youth to work in a team-oriented atmosphere to get the contest’s chosen species ready for the show ring.
When poultry judging a production bird, look at pigmentation, handling quality, abdominal capacity, plumage condition, health and vigor, and the head.
Feed is up, fuel is up, and our most precious commodity — time — is always ticking away. So, why do these youth and their families show livestock?
How to judge sheep and lambs: Look for the degree of muscling, degree of finish, balance and style, frame size, and soundness and structure — in that order.
As FFA advisors, local supporters, administrators, or the like, it’s our job to get our alumni and students connected to provide them with the opportunity to develop relationships that will grow our chapters.