Page 19 - February 2021

4 - H L I V E S T O C K

Don't Put the Cart Before the Horse in

Your 4-H Livestock Project

We are gearing up for the Parker County Livestock Show in June Do you have the proper facilities to house the project - show
and I wanted to offer some words of wisdom to you all in regards animals are cared for differently than commercial animals.
to your livestock projects...Don't put the cart before the horse. I've You need to have access to the proper facilities (see Dec.
seen a lot over my 13 years in Extension and one common theme and Jan. newsletters for examples).
that arises every year is a 4-H'er biting off more than they can Can you afford the project - Let's just be real...showing is
chew when it comes to a livestock project. If you are new to 4-H expensive, no matter the species. The cost associated with a
or are an existing 4-H member that wants to dabble in a new project, isn't just the purchase price of the project. You'll
project area please keep the following in mind: need to purchase show supplies, feed, and heath care items.

Even if you have a scramble certificate, it is very hard to find
You are the one making the decision to take on a new project, a show quality animal for that certificate amount these days.
it is your responsibility - I can provide you with educational Do you have a mentor that could help you in your project
resources and can refer you to volunteers that can help on
occasion, but this project is YOUR responsibility. area - yes we do have volunteer leaders that are happy to
Do you have a way to transport the animal - No matter the help when they can, but you also need to be real with your
species, there will be a time that you will need to transport expectations. These are VOLUNTEER leaders and there is no
your animal. Do you have a reliable way of getting your way they can tell you everything they know at a Saturday
animal where it needs to be especially in an emergency clinic. They also have their own projects they are caring for.
situation. If the answer is no, don't get that project. An involved breeder is the way to go. No one knows their
animals better and your success in the show ring reflects
positively on them.

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