Atlantic 4-H Youth Prepare for Showcase

About 70 4-H members from Atlantic Canada will be in Truro on June 27-29 to develop their dairy and beef management skills at the 10th annual Eastern Breeders Inc. 4-H Showcase.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for 4-H beef and dairy members," said Ed Lorraine, Minister of Agriculture and Marketing. "They will learn animal management and preparation practices from some of the best people in the industry. By improving their showmanship, they can translate that directly into their agricultural business ventures."

Eastern Breeders Inc. has sponsored the training event for the past 10 years. Along with financial assistance, it provides the Atlantic event with highly qualified staff to ensure 4-H members learn the most current techniques in clipping, showing, herd management and genetics.

Department of Agriculture and Marketing staff provide organizational skills on behalf of the Atlantic 4-H committee to help make the showcase possible. Experienced industry show people work on site, instructing the youth on everything from the basics of general show preparation and clipping to the finer points of professional showmanship. After hearing and watching team leaders and resource staff, participants then work on their own animals to prepare for a show Tuesday.

The highlight of the Eastern Breeders Inc. 4-H Showcase is the dairy and beef show and presentation of awards Tuesday. At the show, participants demonstrate to the public what they have learned. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the MacMillan Show Centre, Exhibition Grounds, Truro.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the showcase, an invitation is extended to past participants, family, friends and leaders to attend the dairy and beef show. Celebrations will include an anniversary cake, refreshments and a ticket draw for a new lawn tractor.