Atlantic 4-H Members Learn Livestock

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Atlantic 4-H Members Learn Livestock Skills

Sixty-five 4-H members from Atlantic Canada will develop their large animal management skills during the annual Eastern Breeders 4-H Showcase from Sunday to Tuesday, June 23-25 in Truro.

The 4-H members will learn from experts from Eastern Breeders Inc. about large animal management and show preparation practices for beef and dairy cattle. They will also learn the most current techniques in clipping, showing and herd management.

"This support and education for our young dairy and beef producers will ensure that good management practices are learned early on and can be applied back on the family farm," said Elizabeth Crouse, manager, 4-H and Rural Organizations with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

4-H members will compete for top honours with their own calf at the beef and dairy show. The show is the finale to two days of training which covers demonstrations and hand on experience with all aspects of preparing animals for the show ring. It will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 in the MacMillan Show Centre, Exhibition Grounds. Awards will be presented to the winners in each class at that event. The public is invited to attend.

"For 13 years the Nova Scotia 4-H program has been in partnership with Eastern Breeders Inc.," said Ms. Crouse. "We are pleased to be able to continue to offer this intensive training to Atlantic 4-H members and future livestock farmers."

The 4-H members will also tour the facilities at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to see the learning opportunities that are available.