Judging for the Birds

More than 80 youth from area high schools and counties took part in the annual 4-H poultry judging competition at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair on Wednesday. The youth had six different areas of competition including, judging past production laying hens, giving oral reasons, grading chicken carcases, determining chicken parts, grading breakout eggs, and candling eggs. It took about an hour and twenty minutes for the youth to move through the tough competition this this year and when the scores were totaled the top three junior (9-13 years old) and senior (14-19 years old) individual winners and teams were award trophies.

In the Junior Individual Division Lumberton High School swept the category with two junior competitors. Kelli Alexander walked away with the first place trophy and in second place was Daniel Nance.
In the Senior Individual Division Purnell Swett's Stan Locklear took first place (thanks to getting perfect scores in two areas of competition). Allen Monk took second place thanks to a perfect score in one area and just missing a perfect score by four points in oral reasons. Lumberton High School's Austin Britt came in a close third.
In the Senior Teams Division Lumberton High School FFA team 4, made up of Allyson Ivey, James Pate and Kayla Britt took third place. Purnell Swett High School FFA team 1 made up of Dustin Locklear, Jordan McGirt, Vacques Hines and Stan Locklear took second place. While St. Pauls High School FFA team 4 took first place. Andrew Johnston, Tucker Tharrington, Jacqueline Cuneo, and Shannon Dorch took the biggest trophy and bragging rights back to St. Pauls High School hanks to their excellent judging skills.
Congratulations to all of our competitors.

Getting a Snootfull at the Fair

They were squealing with excitement as the pigs trotted into the show ring at the Robeson Regional Fair Tuesday night. More than 25 pigs strutted their stuff while trying to win Grand Champion pig and the more than 15 youth did their best to steer the pigs in the right direction.
In the 4-H Youth show cloverbud Keshawn Cooper walked away with a trophy for his showmanship effort and a blue ribbon in the lightweight division with his pig. In the Senior division Joshua Bessone took the ring by storm and walked away with two blue ribbons one for showmanship and one for middle weight division as well as a second place ribbon for one of his middle weight pigs. Triton Bullard received a red ribbon for showmanship and a blue ribbon for his heavy weight hog. Triton's brother Sebastian followed in his brother's footsteps with a third place in showmanship and a second place in the heavy weight division.

Following the 4-H show was our youth market hog show. Our 4-H members had the opportunity to participate in this show as well as youth from around the area that do not participate in 4-H animal science projects. In the light weight division Kennon Clark took first place followed by A.C. Locklear and Dakota Locklear in third. The middle weight division was a tough division for judge Will Byrd as he took his time determining which big should go home with the bacon. When the dust settled Joshua Bessone placed first, Trey Lowry second and A.C. Locklear in third. The heavy weight division definitely had some heavy hitters, as A.C. Locklear walked away with the blue ribbon, Trey Lowry took the red and Karli Moore took third. A.C. Locklear's heavyweight hog was named Grand Champion and Trey Lowry's heavy weight hog was placed as Reserve Champion.

When Judge Byrd was done judging the hogs he moved on to the showmanship competition. In the 5-8 year old division Dakota Locklear took first and Lenora Moore took second. A special showman, Joshua Jones took home a special participant ribbon for helping all of the older youth show their hogs (Joshua is 3). In the 9-13 year old age division Try Lowry added another blue ribbon to his collection while Christian Strickland took second, Kennon Clark got a white ribbon while Lavin Lowry took home a yellow participant ribbon. Before it was all said and done there were still three senior showmen that judge Byrd needed to place and after watching them show the hogs, talking with them and thinking back to all their previous rounds in the ring he placed A.C. Locklear first, Joshua Bessone second and Karli Moore third.

Easter at the Fair?

Twitching noses, thumping paws, and nervous children can only mean one thing...no it's not Easter in October, it's the annual 4-H Rabbit Show at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. More than a dozen youth had the opportunity to show their furry friends and let judge Glen Privette question, look, and handle rabbits in mid-air and chose the best of the best. During the pre-show conference, judge Privette gave our senior showman the opportunity to show their leadership skills by assisting our Cloverbuds, those 5-8 year old's develop their show skills in the ring.
Joseph Hardee, Logan Spivey, and Ashley Rogers entered the ring with their adorable bunnies and each got a few minutes with the judge to learn the tips they will need to be top competitors when they turn nine. After speaking with the judge they each walked out of the ring with their bunnies and a trophy for their hard work and initiative.
Anthony Bullard and his rabbit Rex hopped home with the blue ribbon in the Junior Division. Ally Spivey and Jordan Rogers received a red and white ribbon respectively for their efforts raising and showing their rabbits respectively.
In our Senior Division, the competition was fierce. Judge Privette walked up and down the line several times trying to determine the placings. When it was all said and done Triton Bullard placed first, Allen Monk took second while Joshua Snodgrass placed third. Kelsey Bullard received a participants ribbon for her efforts as well.
Congratulations to all of our participants!

The Robeson County Fair Goes to the Goats

It was the unmistakable sounds of sheering, goats dragging their feet, and the smell of Billy's that lets you know that the goat show was here. More than 100 goats butted heads to get to this event and as always we had a humdinger of a good time.
The afternoon started with the 4-H Showmanship category. In this category the youth are broken into four age categories and compete against each other for best showperson. As always the Cloverbuds, our 5-8 year old's stole people's hearts and the show when they entered the ring. Delani Reep, Bailey Coffer, and Lucy Harvell walked into the ring with their goats in one hand and walked out with a trophy and ten dollars in the other hand when it was all over.
In the new Junior 9-10 year old age Division the competition was tight, but Judge Randal White did an excellent job determining the best of the best. Michaela McInnis walked out of the ring with the blue first place ribbon, Jordan Carroll came in second, and Andi-Ann Davis third. Participants in this round included Christian Deese, Matthew Acorn, Preston Hall, Melquan Dinnerson and Justin Ford.
There were two heats of Juniors in the 11 - 13 age group and took time to determine the top tier. Walking away with the blue ribbon was Morgan Rockwell, Elizabeth Deese came in second, and Ryan McInnis in third. Jeremy Fehlman, Trey Mcinnis, and Sarah Maske rounded out the top six with Grayson McQueen, Dalton Coffer, Theresa Fehlman, Catherine DeBerry, Elizabeth Harvell, and Meranda Dennis.
The Senior Division exploded with competition as almost 30 youth were viaing to be the top contenders in this division. Participants included Amanda Ropp, Jay Joiner, Leah McCauley, Darren Lefler, Erain Montalvo, Patrick Roach, Blake Hunter, Dillion Dennis, Joshua Snodgrass, Garrett Williams, and Jeremy Beavers. Walking away in top slots were Michael Ezzell, Nathan Ezzell, Paige Harrelson, Allen Monk, Sarah Herring, Erin Brewer, Jose Hernandez, Dixie Acorn, and Dana Warwick. John Walton took third, Stephanie Carter took second place, and Johanna Carter took first place.
Showmanship was just the beginning of this competition. After weighing in, participants had the opportunity to compete in weight classes. The Lightweight Division was first up and goats weighing 21 to 55 pounds entered the ring. Dillion Dennis with Alvin took first, Jeremy Fehlman with Chocolate took second, and Michael Ezzell placed third. In the Middleweight Division, the weight spread was from 57 pounds to 79 pounds. Ryan McInnis took first place in this division with his goat 7-Up. Keeping it in the family Trey McInnis placed second with Blossom, and Johanna Carter walked away with the white ribbon thanks to her goat Gayle. In the Heavyweight Division, the goats weighed from 80 to 135 pounds. John Walton ans his goat Star Dust walked away with the blue ribbon in this category while his goat Classic took second. Following up in third place was Theresa Fehlman with her goat Pistol.
Our 4-H Grand and Reserve Champion awards went to John Walton, his goat Star Dust took Grand Champion and his goat Classic took the Reserve spot.
Many of our 4-H members stayed on to take their shot in the Adult/Youth Show that followed the 4-H shows. The Adult/Youth Shows are divided into percentage does, full blooded does, percentage bucks and full blooded bucks. Within those four categories the goats are shown by birth date. The doe shows have numerous entries each year. Below is a list of the top three winners in each category that had entries as well as the Grand and Reserve Champions for the does and bucks.
Percentage Doe Competition
Born after 6/30/08
1-Joyce Evans with Susie
4/1/08-6/30/08
1-Davis Moye with Little Dipper
2-Michael Ezzell with 0011
3-Catherine DeBerry with Annabelle
1/1/08-3/31/08
1-Davis Moye with Star Light
2-Kelly Bell with Brittany
3-Trey McInnis with ???
10/1/07-12/31/07
1-Ryan McInnis with Ginger
2-Davis Moye with Star Dust
3-Jordan Carroll with Dolly
4/1/07-9/30/07
1-Jay Joiner with 820
2-Davis Moye with Fire Fly
3-Hillary Whitley with Boots
9/1/06-3/31/07
1-Johanna Carter with Annette
2-Evan Whitley with Goldylocks
3-Terry Whitley with Sugar
8/1/02-8/31/06
1-Evan Whitely with Annabelle
2-Cary Lewis with Torn Ear
3-Pam Whitley with Sissy
Born before 8/1/05
1-Davis Moye with Dori
2-Cary Lewis with o and L 99
3-Tommy McPhaul with Sammie
Full Blooded Does
Born after 6/30/08
1-Cary Lewis with O and L 112
2-Stephanie Carter with Cecila
4/1/08-6/30/08
1-Jay Joiner with Surprise
2-Davis Moye with Daffodill
3-Morgan Rockwell with Amy
1/1/08-3/31/08
1-Earnest Dial, Jr. with Rebecca
2-Morgan Rockwell with Daisy
3-Evan Whitley with Gracie
10/1/07-12/31/07
1-John Ronald Walton with Classic
2-Cary Lewis with O and L 109
3-Johanna Carter with Gail
4/1/07-9/30/07
1-Earnest Dial, Jr. with RM 791
2-Cary Lewis with Fancy 103
3-Samantha Dial with Robin Erin
9/1/06-3/31/07
1-Lewis Brooks with No Name
2-John Ronald Walton with Chicken Plate
3-Stephanie Carter with Min-Gin
8/1/05-8/31/06
1-Leon Joyner with J.J.R. Cindy
2-Pam Whitley with Wendy
3-Evan Whitley with Rebecca
Born before 8/1/05
1-Leon Joyner with 2020
2-Jay Joyner with 2048
3-Cary Lewis with Mountain Creek 20
Reserve Champion Doe-Earnest Dial, Jr. with RM791
Grand Champion Doe-John Walton with Classic
Percentage Bucks
Born after 6/30/08
1-Hillary Whitley with Sambo
Full Blooded Bucks
4/1/08-6/30/08
1-Roscoe Oxendine with Earnst
1/1/08-3/31/08
1-Tommy McPhaul with Bud's Bad Boy
2-Earnest Dial with B Mack Drive
3-Justin Dial with Powerstroker
10/1/07-12/31/07
1-Dustin Marcinsky with Hotwire
4/1/07-9/30/07
1-Pam Whitley with Pocket Knife Case
2-Richard Evans with Pocket Knife Treebrand
8/1/05-8/31/06
1-Tommy McPhaul with RM Bud
Born before 8/1/05
1-Cary Lewis with Bull City Chad
2-Richard Evans with Brooks
Reserve Champion Buck-Tommy McPhaul with RM Bud
Grand Champion Buck-Cary Lewis with Bull City Chad
Congratulations to all of our winners!

4-H A Good Investment

I just filled my gas tank up and nearly cried. Each time I turn on the news, I am bombarded with debates on recession and depression, bailouts and failures. Every time I turn my head to one side or another, there is something in the headlines about a youth who made a wrong decision or a series of wrong decisions and is now behind bars and will probably be there for life.

After all of that, I turn completely around and look at the youth in this county who are involved in 4-H, and I smile. I smile because here they are having fun; they are in a safe and nurturing environment and learning. Each time they figure out a concept, like how electricity runs through a circuit; each time they finish a community service project; each time they figure out that they can make a difference, they smile. That smile is contagious, and it makes me smile. If a child, who is grinning from ear to ear because they just figured out something on their own, can't make you smile, stop reading now, because this celebration isn't for you.

We have an abundance of things to celebrate in 4-H. Yes, even with the way the economy is, or should I say especially because of the way it is, we should find reasons and positive things to celebrate. October 5-11 is National 4-H Week. Our county commissioners have graciously declared it 4-H week here in Robeson County. Why? Maybe it is because they know we touched the lives of more than 3,700 youth between the ages of 5 and 19 last year alone. These youth learned and demonstrated leadership skills and goal setting, and they made public speeches and presentations. These 4-H'ers gave back to their community by making kits for victims of the Rape Crisis Center; they got up and lead a countywide meeting; they started a recycling project; and they made a positive difference in these and many other ways. They didn't make headlines when they won gold for a presentation or wowed the crowd with their public speech, but this week, we will celebrate them and their accomplishments.

However, it's not just our 4-H members we are celebrating this week. We are also celebrating our 4-H adults, our parents, and our volunteers who make this all possible. Over the last nine months, our volunteers have raised money to send kids to 4-H camp, got on their hands and knees to teach them how to use a hammer and build something, and stood out in 100-degree weather to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for youth events. Our volunteers have taken their time to receive training, filled out endless forms, and donated their time to make a difference in these children's lives. They have opened up their homes for club meetings, stayed up late fixing spelling errors on presentation posters, and taken time off of work to travel to District Activity Day and 4-H Congress to give moral support, hugs, and praise. They do not get paid, or should I say they do not receive money for what they do; they do get paid in smiles, hugs, and seeing the achievements of these youth. It takes a special person to be a 4-H volunteer, and we are fortunate that we have so many volunteers who give so much of themselves, and they deserve to be celebrated during National 4-H Week.

In Robeson County, 4-H also celebrates United Way this week. United Way provides 100 percent of our programming dollars. The money goes directly to our youth (not salaries, benefits, or copy paper). The money allows us to provide programming for our youth year-round. It helps us provide curriculum in the classroom, such as second grade embryology where youth get a chance to see eggs hatch into chicks and learn about life cycles and third grade soil solutions where youth get to play in dirt and learn the importance of soil. This money allows us to provide camping opportunities for youth whose families could not otherwise afford to send them to camp. It allows us to conduct a College Prep Program for youth in ninth through eleventh grades to encourage them to stay in school and continue on to college. United Way dollars are an investment in our youth and the future of our community, and for that, we celebrate them and all those who give as well.

I keep talking about celebrations, but how are we celebrating? Come out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair next week and take a look around. There will be club displays, animal science projects and shows, youth activities, and 4-H members in the information booth who are part of the Junior Fair Board. We are celebrating our youth by highlighting what they do, their projects, their clubs, and their leadership skills. Walk up and shake their hand and talk with them; they just might impress you.

Not far away from a 4-H member, you will probably see a 4-H volunteer, parent, or 4-H staff member. Feel free to ask them about 4-H. You won't be able to miss the tone of voice -- it is pride -- when they talk about the 4-H members. Although "thank you" seems inadequate and too infrequent for these folks, that seems to be the greatest gift we can give them and is like fuel propelling them forward to the next event. So if you feel compelled, say "thank you;" it will mean the world to them.

We started this column talking about money . . . and my point so many thoughts later (and with a smile on my face) is no matter how bad the economy is, no matter what they say on the news, there is a safe investment in your future and in our county and that is investing in our youth. It might not be an investment of cash; it may be an investment of your time. And that investment is positive and priceless.

For more information on 4-H and how you can invest in Robeson County youth, contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Cooperative Extension 4-H agent, at 910-671-3276 or Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.

4-H Takes the Fair in Style

If you drive by the fairgrounds this week you can't help but notice the ferris wheels, crowded parking lot, and colorful lights. Yes, the fair is officially opened and it is ten days loaded down with fun, activities, and shows. The great thing about this county fair, and what separates it from other fairs, is that this is an old time agriculture fair. We have exhibits, booths, cake competitions, homemade wine competitions, the national chicken bog cook off, and live farm animals. If you look closely you can even see that popular four leaf clover with the 4-H's in almost every building.
My favorite place to see the 4-H clover is in the Al Parnell Home Exhibits Building. In that building you will find four of our clubs that worked hard to create educational booths. They are some of the most creative offerings I have seen in a long time and offer fair goers an idea of some of the things that go on in 4-H.
Young Leaders 4-H Club created a booth titled "4-H is Always in Season". They decorated with green and white greenery (after all 4-H colors are green and white)and spread various pieces of curriculum out so people can see the different things that you can experience in 4-H.
Voices In Praise 4-H Club created a booth that made me want to put on a sweater while making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The theme for their booth was "Fall into 4-H" and it had a colorful fall theme complete with falling leaves and a scarecrow. Each leaf had a different activity that youth can complete in 4-H, and trust me that means there are a lot of leaves in that booth.
The Horsin' Around 4-H Club took second place in educational booths with their "Horses From Around the World" theme. Between the saddles, stick horses, and other western attire there were photos, maps, and descriptions of horses from all corners of the world. If a person could take enough time to read it all they could learn about horses we have never even seen or heard of in this country.
The "Dirty Rascals" Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club took first place and best overall educational booth with their "Sun Down on the Farm" booth. This solar exhibit showed how our youth are thinking "green" by using and promoting solar energy. The youth also had flyers on how to make a solar oven, solar s'mores, and a solar coloring book. You could say it was a very bright idea for a booth.
The booths are just one part of the 4-H fair experience. Each day there is at least one, if not several 4-H events. Those events are just the tip of the iceberg. For more information about the fair, schedule, and events check out the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair web site at www.robesoncountyfair.com. You will also be able to see photos of the different events and people at the fair.

4-H Animals get their official health papers

It could have been the mooing or the head butting from the goats, or even the state vet on his knees that gave us a clue that fair season, but more importantly, Livestock Show season is in full swing.
More than 20 folks came out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds to take advantage of our free health certificates for 4-H members showing in this years livestock events.
Bruce Akers, got down on the ground and talked with the animals, listened with his stethoscope and put his hands in places the animals weren't too happy about (mainly their mouths and eyes) to make sure they were healthy and eligible for their health certificates. Michelle Shooter, Extension Livestock Agent, sat and helped fill in the blanks on the paperwork with the help of the animal families. Even Mercedes, a very gentle heifer belonging to Stephanie Carter, seemed to have an utterly mooving experience now that she is ready for show season.
We want to thank Bruce, all the parents, and 4-H members who came out and wish everyone the best of luck this show season. Can't wait to see you at the Robeson Regional Agricultrual Fair in a couple of weeks!