4-H News
On top of monthly meetings, members of the Breeders and Feeders 4-H Club are very busy this time of year getting ready for fair...
Breeders and Feeders
On top of monthly meetings, members of the Breeders and Feeders 4-H Club are very busy this time of year getting ready for fair. Obviously, participants work with their animal projects, but they also have to complete both Quality Assurance and project judging, commonly called Skill-a-Thon. This yearly requirement creates a framework for proper animal care and is a way to expand and evaluate the knowledge of those working on animal-based 4-H projects.
Quality Assurance programs are offered in the spring in multiple forms. These include in-person options not only in Geauga County, but throughout Ohio. This requirement can also be completed online, so there is no excuse. Topics cover daily animal care, appropriate feed, monitoring for disease, administration of medications and overall safety of the animal and participant.
Project judging, or Skill-a-Thon, is completed mid-summer. in Geauga County, it takes place at the beginning of July. This is when knowledge regarding the project can be shown off. There are different tests for each species and as someone advances over the years, the material reviewed becomes more challenging. If multiple animals are shown at the fair, multiple tests must be completed. Just like the Quality Assurance, there are in-person and online options available.
Quality Assurance and project judging hold 4-H members to a high standard. Completing these requirements reinforces proper animal care while challenging members to increase their knowledge and demonstrate what they have learned. When visiting the Great Geauga County Fair this Labor Day weekend, take a moment to ask 4-H members about their animal projects so they can show off what they know. (Submitted by Thomas Kartley, news reporter)
