The 4-H community is getting all excited for the 2016 La Plata County Fair. The fair will be held next month and open to the public from Aug. 10-14.
The fairgrounds located at 25th Street and Main Avenue is where all the fun will occur.
Last week, 4-H members gathered to take part in some important project days to prepare themselves for the fair. The first was a livestock project day.
On this day, youth members received hands-on training and practice on showing a junior livestock animal.
Instructors assisted youth in the proper methods of handling an animal at a show and what judges are looking for when exhibiting in a livestock ring.
In addition, livestock day also provided some very valuable classroom lessons. These lessons consisted of topics in animal ethics, proper animal husbandry skills and 4-H record-booking tips. All 4-H members enrolled in a project are required to complete a 4-H record book.
These record books are a great method to teach youth the importance of goal setting, budgeting, finances and accountability.
They also provide a strong tool for youth to really reflect on what they have learned in the past year and what to build on for the future.
Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach him at gregory.felsen@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.