By Thomas Cobb

Cooperative Extension

It’s hard to believe that we are already wrapping up the first month of 2015.  As we continue to move along into the New Year, opportunities will arise for youth to be involved in livestock activities through Rowan County Cooperative Extension.

These programs are designed to give youth hands-on experience in the livestock industry. Programs consist of dairy cattle judging, livestock judging, raising market lambs to show in the county fair, on farm tours and more.

When youth are involved in livestock judging or dairy cattle judging, they must evaluate the animals and present a judge with a set of reasons as to why they placed the animals in a certain order. This is a great way for kids to learn to evaluate livestock and help them engage in public speaking.

Raising market lambs is also a great opportunity. Youth will be able to feed, water, train, evaluate and show their animals in the Rowan County Fair.  This project teaches responsibility, animal husbandry, nutrition, health and livestock showmanship.

Many professionals, not only in the agricultural industry but other industries as well, were involved in youth livestock events as children. Rowan County Cooperative Extension is dedicated to investing in the future of our youth and wants to provide educational opportunities to help them succeed.

There are many exciting activities planned for 2015. For more information on how your youth can get involved in these, contact Thomas Cobb or Sara Drake at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office,(704-216-8970.