By Brandy Brabham
WVU Extension Agent
Several community volunteers have been meeting to discuss the formation of the Calhoun County 4-H & FFA Youth Livestock Program.
With the help of local WVU Extension Agents Brandy Brabham and Curtis Garretson, the group has developed a set of rules for a youth show and sale and plan to hold the event during the annual West Virginia Molasses Festival on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in Arnoldsburg on property owned by Stump Funeral Home.
The Animal Show will take place at 9:30 a.m. and the showmanship show will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. followed by a special sale at 5:30 p.m., allowing participants to be involved in the parade and other activities at the Molasses Festival.
The program in open to any youth enrolled in Calhoun County 4-H or FFA. If interested youth are not currently enrolled in either program, they will have until February 1, 2010 to enroll and sign-up for a livestock project. 4-H members must be nine years to 21 years of age and FFA members must in at least their second year of membership to qualify for the program.
Participants may select from the following projects, feeder calf, market lamb, market hog, dairy or market goat, or market rabbit. Youth are permitted to take more than one project, but may sell only one. Participants can sell their animals at the conclusion of the show, but it is not a requirement.
The WVU Extension Service will be conducting a series of educational workshops after February 1, 2010 for those interested in taking livestock projects. Educational workshops will include information on selection and care of a market animal or dairy goat, proper feed and nutrition, livestock training and grooming, project book and record book work and showmanship skills. Rules for the show are available at the WVU Extension Office in Calhoun County and will be distributed to those interested in participating in the show and sale once they have signed up for the project.
The committee of volunteers is seeking donations and grant funding to assist with the administration of the show. The Calhoun County Commission has agreed to serve as the fiscal agent for the group and will house any funds generated in the community through donations or grants. If individuals or businesses wish to make monetary or material donations, they may contact the WVU Extension Office at 304-354-6332 or mail the donation c/o Calhoun County Commission, c/o Youth Livestock Program, PO Box 280, Grantsville, WV 26147.
It is the sincere commitment of the volunteers to make this new endeavor a successful and rewarding experience for youth interested in livestock in Calhoun County. With the help of the community, the volunteer are sure the program will flourish.
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