Wednesday, August 9, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 4-H CLUB: Fair is a lot of work for young livestock raisers Continued from page 1 animal science, home eco- nomics, art, or other project areas, it helps youth grades K-12 develop life skills through leadership activi- ties and community service opportunities. There are 25 youths in the Cloverdale Livestock Club ranging from ages 10 to 17 years old. Most of the club mem- bers show sheep in various classes. This year two mem- bers showed pigs, and fourth- grader Faith Keeton from the Cloverdale area showed a steer. “Faith’s great uncle and aunt, Boyd and Hazel Keeton, were my 4-H leaders growing up and set a wonderful exam- ple to follow,” Mitchell said. Nine of the club members produced their own market animals — which means they own the mothers and bred, birthed, and cared for the ani- mals year-round. The other youths talked to producers and made arrange- ments to select and purchase their market animals. All the members must have the lamb and hogs in their possession by mid-May, except for the steers which they acquire by February. Once they receive their animal they must feed and exercise him properly to reach the appropriate weight by the end of July. The 4-H members learn about finances, nutrition, record-keeping, healthcare and marketing. These youths are learning hard work and responsibility, but it also teaches them good business practices, too. After the animals make it to the fairgrounds, the work still isn’t done. The club members are at the barn by 6 a.m. cleaning pens, feeding, filling up water tanks, laying down bedding and continu- ing to train their animal for the show. Over in the Sheep Barn there were a couple of new members getting ready to show their sheep in the ring. Sisters resident Leith PHOTO BY EMILY KROYTZ The Cloverdale Livestock 4-H Club. SCIATICA? Quick and affordable relief. Auto accidents, workman’s comp. accepted. Three Sisters Chiropractic & Pain Management Dr. Inice Gough, DC, CCT, CCST 541.549.3583 WE ARE A FULL-SERVICE WELDING SHOP! Welding Fabrication to Welding Repair Small to Large Jobs 541-549-9280 www.PonderosaForge.com S Sisters Industrial Park • CCB# 87640 23 PHOTO PROVIDED Hannah Williver raised a lamb for the first time with the Cloverdale Livestock Club. Easterling and her 10-year- old daughter Hannah Williver were excited about receiving a blue ribbon for 3rd place in market and showmanship. “This is my first time in the livestock club,” Hannah said shyly, smiling down at her lamb. “Hannah’s passion has always been with animals since she was really young,” Easterling said. “We just knew that this would be a great way for her to start and finish a project. And being with animals, she absolutely thrived in her class.” Hannah had been taking care of the lamb since last April. “Hannah is a great exam- ple of a first-year member,” Mitchell said. “She was so shy at the first meeting, she sat by herself. But then she blossomed. It has been fun to watch her grow and gain confidence.” Another member from Sisters, 12-year-old Adelynn Kroytz, won first in her class in showmanship and was ready to go into the finals. “She’s had a great time learning and figuring things,” said her proud dad, Rick Kroytz. Most kids just show mar- ket animals, but seven mem- bers brought breeding sheep. Mitchell’s 17-year-old son Sam brought 11 sheep that he owns. “Both my sons, Sam and Nolan, show sheep and it’s wonderful being able to share the livestock culture with them,” Mitchell said. Mitchell believes in the program and will continue to head up the Cloverdale Livestock Club. “4-H and FFA have had a large impact on who I am today and I am glad to be able to help provide that oppor- tunity for others,” Mitchell said. “I have been so blessed to have had the chance to be a part of so many young peo- ple’s lives.” rdmshuttle com ® Airport Transfers & Express Couriers 541 480 4040 Text info @ rdmshuttle.com