MISSOULA – The 4-H and Future Farmers of America livestock and exhibit buildings are open to the public Aug. 7 – 11 during the Western Montana County Fair. The Country Fair is an opportunity for 4-H members to show off their projects and hard work. Livestock and other projects are highlighted in shows and on display for fair attendees to enjoy. Saturday, Aug. 11 is the Western Montana 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction where projects are sold to the top bidder.
In Missoula County, more than 400 youth are enrolled in the 4-H program. Every 4-H member belongs to a 4-H Club, and there are 17 Clubs to choose from in the County, including one in Potomac and the Seeley Lake Trailblazers.
In 2017, Missoula County 4-H members were enrolled in 1,275 projects. Of those, 828 are Animal projects, 152 are Environmental Education projects, 72 are Communications and Expressive Arts projects, 72 are Leadership and Personal Development projects, 63 are Foods and Nutrition projects and 52 are Consumer and Family Sciences projects.
Senior 4-H members wrote in their scholarship applications that 4-H taught them how to be a more productive person, the importance of hard work and perseverance, how to be a leader, help others and to become a better individual.
The mission for the Country Fair is, “A community celebration of our agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle where youth and families can learn together and showcase the products of their hard work.”
Saturday, Aug. 11 is the Market Livestock Auction for 4-H and FFA. 4-H and FFA members that raise livestock, treat it as their summer job. Many hope that not only will the sale of their animal cover the cost of raising their animal and give them enough money to purchase another market animal for next year, but will also allow them to set aside money for college.
“When you purchase a 4-H or FFA animal at the sale, you are getting a high quality product,” reads the livestock Auction Guide for the Western Montana Fair. “Market animals are raised individually in the best conditions and on the best feed available.”
“We hope to see some representatives come and check out what the most amazing kids can do,” wrote Seeley Lake Trailblazer leader Toni Sexton. “We hope to see you at the sale at 6:30 a.m. for free breakfast and the 8 a.m. sale.”
The 4-H schedule of events is located online at http://missoulaeduplace.org/images/4-h/documents/2018%20fairbook%20schedule.pdf. Watch for these results in next week’s Pathfinder Fair coverage. Other projects including Horseless Horse, dog, shooting and more are featured in the 4-H Exhibit Building. For more information on the Country Fair contact the Missoula County Extension Office at 406-258-4201.
Potomac Valley 4-H Club Animal Projects:
Beef: Ashbeigh Hall, Julia Hudson, Wyatt Hudson and Luke Wilson
Goats: Haley Helena and Luke Wilson
Horse: Julia Hudson, Gavin Kelly, Sydney McDaniel, Bowen Olson, Katrina Olson, Emma Richardson, Lily Van Grinsven, Emmett Zander and Keith Zander
Sheep/Lamb: Kyla Nelson, Leah Nelson and Emma Richardson
Poultry: Luke Wilson
Rabbit: Haley Helena, Sydney McDaniel and Leah Nelson
Swine: Gavin Kelly, Danner Ployhar and Westin Ployhar
Potomac Valley 4-H Club Non-Animal Projects – 4-H Exhibit Building:
Archery: Leah Nelson, Westin Ployhar and Danner Ployhar
Exhibition Shoot: Danner Ployhar and Westin Ployhar
Food Preservation: Gavin Kelly
Leathercraft: Gavin Kelly
Vet Science: Ashbeigh Hall, Haley Helena and Emma Richardson
Seeley Lake Trailblazers 4-H Club Animal Projects
Beef: Danielle Sexton, Gabby Sexton
Sheep/Lamb: Laciey Auchenbach, Amanda Thomas, Levi Webb
Swine: James Webb
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