In The Show Ring!!!

Developing Future Citizens

Waiting for the Show Ring!!!!

The Judges Comments and Award Time!!!

Several recent Post by the Flower Child have focused on the bad things that we all hear about on a daily basis. Today's Post will feature some of the many good things that are happening in our Society which we very seldom read or hear about. This past weekend I attended the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia and focused on the good things that our Youth are participating in. As a young Iowa Farm Boy I was involved in 4-H which had the following as a motto: "To Make The Best Better!!!!" Therefore I am always interested in seeing what our young 4-H members are currently doing. The series of three pictures that are included in this post clearly display a wonderful and also newsworthy event.

I recall my own 4-H project days and quickly remember that in order to show any animal, you had to work with that project animal for at least six months before show day, so that you could display your skills in showmanship and also show the animal to the best possible advantage. There is a lot of grooming, feeding, discipline and love that goes into preparing any animal for show. The pictures above only show the results. Being ready for show and displaying your project with pride, showing the animal to the judge, with a group of your peers from around the State as was the case in the event I attended at the Georgia National Fair, and finally standing with great pride in the award lineup as the Judge carefully explained why you and your project were chosen to win an award.

In order for this to be even possible, the 4-H Member must be dedicated to the project, work long hours in preparation and finally possibly receive an award for the project. I am impressed with the logo on the back of the young person showing the goat in the final picture. This Young Girl from Wilcox County certainly embodies the concept of "Making the Best Better!!!" She is standing with pride and also displaying her animal project for the whole world to see. There must have been at least 400 people in the stands at this livestock judging arena to watch the various classes of Goats being judged.

We can all be proud of the future citizens that 4-H Club work is producing. Of course I could not be complete with this post if I did not mention the Future Farmers of America (FFA). As a High School Student, I was also involved in the FFA which also involved agriculture related projects, just like 4-H. At the High School level we were required to keep accurate records on our projects, as well as compose a project Story, just like a 4-H Club Project.

Not only do these Youth learn about themselves, they also learn to respect others and develop a deep appreciation for the animal projects that they work with each year.

It is always refreshing to enter post such as the above, rather than always discussing Crime