4-H Showmanship Day at the Fair!
Well, the day has arrived when all the work the kids put into their pigs gets tested :)
Showmanship and Market judging day
Showmanship -- here is a good article explaining what takes place:
There are many things to think about -- appearance of both the animal AND yourself; placement -- keeping the animal between the judge and yourself at all times; knowledge -- knowing everything about your animal and breed.
MD's age group was up first:
He does a good job -- he stays calm and keeps a smile on his face EVEN when his animal is not cooperative. He got third.
JM was up next.
He is much more serious than MD. He concentrates hard on what is going on with his animal and forgets to smile ;) He is still in the learning stages and did not place. BUT made huge improvements from last year.
My Darling's was in the final Showmanship group.
This is her first year showing alone. She is looking so cute in all her farmgirl wear!
She did great for her first time as well. Her pig was not very cooperative. She answered the question well but again like JM she was so serious! We know what we need to work on for next year:)
Market is up next. This has nothing to do with the kid and ALL to do with the look of the pig (size and fat/muscle of the animal).
The judge decides which pigs look the best for selling/market.
MD and JM's pigs graded in the upper middle of the group -- there are about 60 pigs.
Unfortunately, My Darling's pig did NOT make weight (the first time EVER one of the Woller pigs did not make weight -- which REALLY bothered dad -- we tried EVERYTHING -- the pig ate in swine heaven for weeks before the fair --- it just couldn't put on weight!)
SO -- she could not do market AND she can not sell at the auction -- she needs to find her own seller AFTER the auction -- YES, she is VERY concerned about this!
After the judging -- daddy with BaJabs
MD eating a wonderful caramel apple after all his work.
JM and My Darling have barn duty right after the judging. Each 4-H member must take part in barn duty -- keeping an eye on the animals AND keeping the barn clean for fair goers to easily view the animals. The swine area assigns duty in 3 hour sessions.
Hanna and BaJabs waiting around. Thankfully, she likes hanging out and seeing all of the animals.
This is a LONG day --- everyone is always relieved once it is over. Now to just keep the pigs fed over the next few days and enjoy!
4-H IS A GREAT PROGRAM --- THIS IS NOT JUST FOR FARMER KIDS --- IT IS GREAT FOR INSTILLING LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL KIDS
THE 4-HS
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4-H, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs.
- Head - Managing, Thinking
- Heart - Relating, Caring
- Hands - Giving, Working
- Health - Being, Living
THE 4-H PLEDGE
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
4-H MISSION
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.
4-H VISION
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.
