ELLERBE — After two decades, Richmond County 4-H is expanding one of its yearly activities.
Since around 2000, the organization has hosted an annual goat show featuring 4-H youth, according to N.C. Cooperative Extension Livestock Agent Anthony Growe.
However, this year it will be referred to as a livestock show, with the inclusion of heifers.
“Because of interest from our 4-H youth and parents, we decided to add cattle,” Growe said in an email to the RO on Friday. “We have at least 2,000 head of cattle in Richmond county. This gives kids the opportunity to show another species (and) to learn how to raise them.”
Growe said there will be 60 youth competing with their goats and heifers this year.
The livestock show will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at Millstone 4-H Camp east of Ellerbe.
According to Growe, all participants who are signed up for the AgSouth Farm Credit Circuit are eligible to show in the N.C. State Fair, scheduled for Oct. 12-22. Growe said the State Fair is the final show that determines the circuit winners, which is based on a point system.
“We encourage the community to come out and support our hard working 4-Hers,” said Paige Burns, county Extension director. “A huge thank you to our sponsors and to all the parents, friends and family of the showmen who support them throughout the show season!
Anyone with questions about the circuit, and 4-H Livestock Club or would like to donate to the Richmond County 4-H Livestock Show, is encouraged to call the Richmond County Extension office at 910-997-8255.
