The month of August is synonymous with a lot of things—late summer heat waves, back-to-school, and if you live in Larimer County, it also means it’s county fair time. The Larimer County Fair hosts a number of events and entertainment, but some of the most popular are the 4-H exhibitors, competitions, and the Junior Livestock Sale.
The Larimer County CSU Extension is home to one of the largest 4-H programs in Colorado in which youth are able to participate in fun, hands-on learning activities. Kids ages 8-18 can choose from an array of projects to enroll in, from creative arts to STEM to natural resources projects. But undoubtedly one of the most popular projects that 4-H offers is their animal projects. They can choose from beef, cats, dairy cattle, dog, goat, horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine, or veterinary science and are immersed in taking care of their animals, keeping accurate records and then showing them at the Larimer County Fair, if they meet certain requirements.
We had the pleasure of meeting a few Larimer County 4-H kids and their pigs, and one little sheep named Dill. After chatting about how they got involved, what they've learned, and their favorite parts of being involved in 4-H, the most common response was the responsibility and life skills acquired by caring for their livestock.
David Hale, father of 11-year-old Anna, who has a dairy cow, and 8-year-old Anthony, who has two lambs, appreciates the responsibility his children are learning. “We appreciate the responsibility and things like public speaking that they’re learning. It’s very hands-on and they’re good skills for children to learn. Being involved in 4-H has paid off in dividends.”
Anna went on to say that she’s learned how to follow directions and interact with people in public from giving presentations and talking to the judges, while Anthony has learned a great deal of responsibility. “I love washing and training and caring for my animals and giving them a good life,” Anthony says.
Overall grand champion for her market swine, 10-year-old Brynlee Bopp got involved in 4-H because her mother showed in 4-H. She too says that she’s learned a great deal of responsibility from her pigs, but what she loves most is the time she gets to spend with her family when they’re all doing their chores. Brynlee’s two sisters, Bailee and Paislee also have pigs and a farm full of other animals to care for. It truly is a family affair.
“I love 4-H because if I'm having a bad day, I can come home from school and go out to the pigs and it helps me clear my mind," says 10-year-old Scarlett Johnson, who has 3 market swine. "And they’re so funny. They’ll chew on your boots and it cheers you up.”
14-year-old Brett Brown and his brother, 11-year-old Lane have a number of swine as well. Brett has learned a lot from 4-H but one of the most important takeaways for him is dedication. “You learn about not quitting. Every day you go out and feed them in the morning and poop scoop, and the next day you go out and do the exact same things again.”
Lane’s favorite part of 4-H is hanging out with friends at the fair as well as with the pigs. “The animals are so sweet and have the best personalities.”
The Larimer County Fair is August 2-6. The Junior Livestock Sale is Wednesday, August 7 at 4:30 pm at the MAC Equipment Indoor Arena at The Ranch and is a great way for businesses and the community to get involved in supporting 4-H youth, and bringing home or donating meat to a local food shelter.
“I love washing, training, and caring for my animals and giving them a good life.”