Children presenting livestock at show
The always vibrant and engaging 78th Annual Albemarle Area 4-H Livestock Show held on April 25th and 26th, was a testament to the passion and dedication of young livestock producers of Elizabeth City, NC. A total of eight hardworking 4-H members from Currituck County took part in this year’s treat showcasing sheep, hogs, goats, a heifer, and even a steer, all efficiently raised since Februrary for this year’s show.
Arguably one of the best ways to instill responsibility, care and compassion towards animals, 4-H animal science activities offer an extraordinary platform for youth development. With months of hands-on interaction with animals, the participants not only mold their characters but also gain invaluable experience around caring for other species.
Furthermore, beyond the fences of livestock handling, these activities are an excellent medium for building self-confidence and improving communication skills. Each participant takes their turn in presenting their animals in the spotlight, introducing them to an audience, and letting them be judged in the competition. This experience alone significantly contributes to their personal and emotional growth in public speaking and dealing with judgment and feedback.
But the real-life lessons do not stop at animal handling and self-development. As the young participants prepare their project animals for the market, they dive deep into the world of financial management, decision-making, record keeping, and business skills, which are integral for their development into responsible adults.
In the trail of this enriching journey is also the promise of financial rewards, medals, and trophies. The hotly contested Showmanship and Market Classes are not only a point of pride, but they also offer substantial income opportunities for these young entrepreneurs. From this year’s event alone, a whopping total of $7,000 was earned from the sale of the project animals.
Among the winners of this year’s show were the Cloverbud members, Easton Meads and Madison Nolette, who both proudly walked off with Blue Ribbons for successfully exhibiting their goats and hogs. Other participants were also recognized with top ten placements in both the Market and Showmanship classes.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the local businesses, civic groups, and community members who contributed to awards and bids. Your kindness and generosity ensure the ongoing success of this remarkable event. If you have questions or need more information about future events or 4-H programs and activities, please contact the 4-H Staff at 252-232-2262, or visit currituck.ces.ncsu.edu.
The 78th Annual Albemarle 4-H Livestock Show is complete, but preparations are already underway for next year’s event. We welcome everyone interested in learning, participating, or supporting these industrious young livestock producers in the future.