Winter weather has us optimistic for greener pastures this year.
The month of March brings great excitement for many local 4-H members. Youths have and will participate in a variety of educational and community events this month.
Our annual 4-H Rabbit Camp the first weekend in March was a success. Participants had a fun-filled weekend learning all about these furry creatures. Sandy Wade, La Plata County 4-H rabbit project leader, did an excellent job organizing the camp and had older 4-H members assist younger members.
The County Council Ambassadors team held its first meeting of the year on the road in Bayfield last week. We usually meet in Durango, but the team decided last year to venture out into the county for its monthly meeting. We had great attendance, and the meeting gave our team more experience working with new audiences.
Last weekend, the Community Overcoming Depressed Youth (CODY) 4-H Project hosted a “Movie Morning” at Allen Theaters. More than 100 people watched “How to Train Your Dragon – 3.” I found this to be a creative way to raise awareness about suicide prevention and destigmatize mental-wellness issues in our community. A big thanks to Allen Theaters for helping us put on this event. We will be hosting more events in May, so be on the lookout for more information coming soon.
This weekend is full of great activities. First is the Four States Agricultural Exposition at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds in Cortez. The expo will run through Saturday (March 16).
La Plata County 4-H was at the Children’s Ag Learning Facility on Thursday. School groups took part in learning about a variety of agriculture-related topics. Montezuma School to Farm organizes this educational event for the community.
On Friday, the 4-H Livestock Judging Club hosted its annual contest. Club leaders Beth LaShell and Brad Fassett always put on an excellent event. 4-H and FFA members from around the region and the state participated in this livestock judging contest. Livestock judging competitions are a great way for youths to develop analytical, public speaking and self-esteem skills for future success.
On Saturday (March 16), La Plata County 4-H Beef members will bring their steers into the fairgrounds to be tagged and weighed in. The county fair board uses this event to register these animals for the summer fair. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.
Finally, I would like to invite everyone to the Generations 4-H Club’s annual chili cook-off at 2 p.m. Saturday (March 16) at the Mesa Community Center Church, 1024 County Road 230, on Florida Mesa. Tickets are available in advance and at the door.
The symbol of 4-H is a four leaf clover, so we hope everyone finds some great luck this month and a green spring to come.
Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach him at gregory.felsen@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.
Greg Felsen