Straight from the Horse's Mouth

by Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County I am sitting in my easy chair with my laptop computer trying to write down some thoughts for this week’s edition. I am sunburned and about every muscle in this old body is sore and tired and even my bones ache – but it is a good hurt. I just got back from the annual clean-up for the Webster County Fair. It was so nice to see so many young people, parents and even grandparents joining together to ready the barns, exhibit halls, arena and fairgrounds for another celebration of rural life – the county fair. It was also fun to see the young people compete in the first event of this and many other area fairs each year – the ice cream roll. Lots of giggling, “oohs and ahhs”, and some “yummy’s” were heard. Chocolate, Vanilla, Peach and even Oreo Cookie ice cream were some of the menu items. Ice, rock salt and ice cream recipes were the topic of the afternoon. The judge made her decisions, gave out her critiques and praise and the awards given out to the applause of competitors and spectators. If you have never seen this, you have missed what makes fairs so unique and memorable. It reminded me that 4-H and FFA is more than the livestock shows that take their honored position later this week. In activating my brain for the writing process, something came to mind that I read several years ago. It takes a look at the value of the livestock shows at county fairs, but could be applied to all segments of the event. I believe it comes from an old 4-H newsletter from another state, but the following segments that I am borrowing, I think are powerful and rather insightful and I would like to share those with the readers of this column. They are very appropriate. It goes as follows: Most likely we will have livestock shows as long as there are youngsters who have parents and grandparents. However, let's keep these shows in proper perspective. They are not beef shows, swine shows and sheep shows but they are KIDS SHOWS! The animal is simply the ticket for the youngster to take part. Through schools, Extension programs and other educational units, we constantly hear of improved teaching tools to better equip our young people for life. As we analyze all the new and innovative ideas, many of which are quite sound and very excellent methods, we find 4-H and FFA livestock projects are one of the oldest and greatest teaching tools that we have to teach youth life skills. Following are some life skills that 4-H and FFA County Fair livestock project members can gain: How to get along with people. A large number of people in society quit or lose their jobs because they cannot get along with others. 4-H and FFA members who show livestock are around people they have never met but have similar interests. They learn to communicate with these people. Sportsmanship. At a livestock show, there is only one Grand Champion. However, there are many winners. Most 4-H and FFA members who show livestock for any period of time usually experience the extreme high feeling of an exceptional effort and the extreme disappointment of a project that didn't turn out as well as was expected. Normally, win or lose, the competitors in the show ring (the 4-H and FFA members) can be seen after the show talking and enjoying life together. Responsibility. Feeding and daily chores in a 4-H and FFA livestock project teach responsibility. Top feeders follow the time clock in their daily efforts. This is a good habit to start at a young age and may reap youngsters substantial benefits in a career later in their lives. Attend to details. Most young people take care of major items in a 4-H and FFA livestock project like fencing, feeding, etc. However many times it's the little things that make a different: keeping water tanks and feed troughs clean, working on grooming and showmanship several months before the show, keeping pens clean and close observation for sickness and disease. Paying attention to details is beneficial in almost everything we do in life. Decision making. Decision making is never easy at any point in our lives. 4-H and FFA livestock projects require several key decisions be made: selection of project animals, selection of feeding method, care and management decisions, fitting and grooming techniques, etc. Goal setting. For every successful 4-H and FFA livestock project, there is usually a good plan. Most details and plans for the project on selection, feeding and management of the project have been planned well in advance. Goal setting is important for everyone regardless of future endeavors. Are 4-H and FFA Fair livestock projects successful? We may hear some negative things about them but these projects are a long way ahead of whatever is in second place in helping teach our young people to adjust to life. Next time you are at a livestock show, study the kids instead of the animals. You will notice that most classes have several winners, not just the one standing in first place. I could not have said that any better and it does reflect what I have felt for many years. The fair will be in full swing when you read this. If you are within driving distance, come visit us at the fair. You can find all of the events at our website: http://webstercountyfair.org . See you at the fair!! Study more than the projects – study those wholesome kids! The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. Parts are reprinted from California 4-H Staff October 1989 Newsletter For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu