Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Cassi Berry of Sidney presented a clinic on rabbits, passed around a handful of angora rabbit fur for the observers to experience by touch as well as a bagful of rabbit food pellets and told each youngster to take three to eat. Shown here almost reluctantly trying her rabbit pellets is Rachel Berger, of Kimball.
4-H member Jake Jenkins, above, of Kimball gives instruction to other members on caring for chickens. Jake spoke on feeding, bathing and the handling of our feathery farm critters.
As area youth begin preparing for the 4-H fair, a dozen attended a 4-H Livestock and Companion Animal Care, Grooming and Showing Clinic at the Kimball-Banner County Fairgrounds on June 1.
The clinic provided information and resources to help the 4-H youth in attendance be successful with their livestock projects. Some of the subjects covered included the basics of feeding, care, grooming, and the training of the 4-H members' animals for show day.
Morning demonstrations included the care of chickens by Jake Jenkins, rabbits by Cassi Berry and dogs by Jennifer Gillming. The afternoon demonstrations included a beef demonstration by Katie West, sheep by Brice White and swine by Sam Reeves. Nebraska Extension Specialist Karla Jenkins also presented nutrition and general livestock information on each species throughout the day.
The 4-H youth brought sack lunches and enjoyed the day of learning with hands-on activities, games and prizes followed by a Judging Contest from 5-8:30 p.m., according to Kimball-Banner County Extension Educator Cynthia Gill.
"There were about 12 who attended the clinic and 20 who participated in the Livestock Judging Contest," Gill added. "They enjoyed each of the presentations. They were still talking about sampling the rabbit feed at the end of the day! In the afternoon, there were sheep, goats, pigs and beef cattle demonstrations. Vicki (Grubbs) did a wonderful job arranging the day's activities. We appreciate all of our presenters bringing their animals and taking the time to share their expertise with our 4-H members."