CHATHAM, N.Y. — Columbia and Greene Counties 4-H is proud to announce that the 4-H Livestock Sale, held during the Columbia County Fair, is entering its 27th year. The livestock community will be celebrating the 27th anniversary of the Columbia County 4-H Livestock Sale on Monday September 3rd at 1:00PM. Our Committee would like to invite all prospective bidders to this years’ “Meat and Greet”. Our 4-H Livestock youth would like to share their story, showcase their project animals and have a quick bite to eat with you. All of this fun starts at noon down by the livestock barn on the fairgrounds.
The sales’ founder, Mr. Phil Trowbridge, will be working the ring with Mr. Benson, our auctioneer, during the sale so be sure to stop by during the “Meat and Greet” to shake his hand. Mr. Trowbridge is not only an upstanding member of our community but has been a leader of the Columbia Country Feeders 4-H Club for 27 years. Mr. Trowbridge and his family regularly open the doors to their farm to host clinics, sales, and tours for all different clientele. The Trowbridge family truly sets a wonderful example for our 4-H members and we are so privileged to have such a vital asset in our 4-H program.
The 4-H livestock program has continued to be successful because of the hard work and heart that our 4-H Livestock Committee members continually pour into it. And it’s so easy to have heart when you hear testimonials from our 4-H members like this:“This is my 4th year in 4-H and it is my first year participating in the 4-H livestock program. The livestock sale is important to me because I like to learn about the importance of farming and how much hard work goes into raising a quality animal. I enjoy working with all different types of livestock and sharing my passion for animal agriculture”, shared Jayden Williams, a member of the Sunnyside Up 4-H Club.
The 4-H livestock sale is the culminating event for our 4-H members’ market animal projects. This is when our 4-H’ers’ animals (that they have cared for, conditioned and worked with all year) are sold to either the public or specific, sought-out buyers. Our 4-H’ers are responsible for not only the care of their animals but the process of bringing in set buyers for the animals they raise. 4-H members keep track of their animals’ vet bills and feed costs. This not only teaches our members about humane and safe animal care but also about responsibility, marketing and our country’s food system. Many of the 4-H members’ animals are donated back to local food pantries. This not only showcases the generosity of our community members but the full circle of how important this sale is to our community.
“It truly is a wonderful process to be a part of. Our sale informs the residents of Columbia and Greene Counties of all of the wonderful opportunities the 4-H Livestock Program provides for the youth of Columbia County who join our 4-H clubs. Our youth are able to really grasp the concept of what it takes to own their own business and yet be part of something bigger in our community. I am truly honored to get to work with these outstanding youth and adults that have continued to carry on the tradition that Mr. Trowbridge started 27 years ago,” said Margaret Smith, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties’ 4-H Agriculture and STEM educator.
So don’t forget to come on down and witness the tradition of 27 years of the Columbia County at the 4-H Livestock Sale onMonday, September 3 at 1:00 PM in the show ring at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. If you are a prospective bidder, join us at Noon for the “Meat and Greet” with the 4-H members and Mr. Trowbridge.
For more information about the 4-H Livestock Project and/or joining a 4-H club, contact Margaret M. Smith at 518-828-3346 x211 or mms426@cornell.edu.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. The programs provided by this organization are partially funded by monies received from the Counties of Columbia and Greene.
4-H is New York’s only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and the latest research at Cornell University. 4-H participants learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in three primary program areas: science and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. To find out more about 4-H and youth programs in Columbia and Greene Counties, contact us at 518-828-3346 or Columbiagreene@cornell.edu or visit our website,www.ccecolumbiagreene.org . You can also “Like” us on Facebook…Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.
–Margaret Smith, 4-H Agriculture Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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