COLUMBIA CO., N.Y. — The Columbia County 4-H Livestock Sale has played a vital role in our Columbia and Greene Counties’ 4-H Animal Science Program for many years. This program has expanded not only the learning aspect of our program but has helped solidify the process of animal agriculture as a whole for our 4-H members. This year will mark the 26th year for the sale founded by Mr. Phil Trowbridge, just one year after he took leadership of the Columbia County Feeders 4-H Club. Mr. Trowbridge and his family regularly open the doors to their farm to host clinics, sales, and tours to all different clientele. The Trowbridge family as well as our 4-H Livestock Committee members truly sets a wonderful example for our members and we are so privileged to have them all serve such a vital asset in our 4-H program.
The 4-H livestock sale is the culminating event for our members’ 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 the animal breed and care but about responsibility, marketing and our country’s food systems.
Kailey Proper, a member of the Country Cousins 4-H Club, stated that “For me the Columbia County 4-H Livestock program teaches me responsibility, and how to properly care for animals. I spend my summer working with the animals to get them ready for the fair. At the fair, I sell my animals, which is a great way to give back to the community. Using the money I earn from the sale, I put it into a fund for college and towards expanding my livestock herd.” As you can see from Proper’s statement most of our members make enough money to cover the costs of their previous animals, purchase a new animal and put money away to further their education. This creates a synergistic program for our youth from start to finish. Essentially, our 4-H’ers are running their own business and, like any good profitable business, they put money back into it.
But all of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. Some of our buyers donate the animal they purchase back into the sale and when the animal is auctioned off again, all of those proceeds go directly back into our 4-H Animal Science Program. Many buyers also donate the meat from those 4-H project animals to local food banks. We are a tightknit 4-H program group and community service is a major initiative for our 4-H’ers. Having our buyers showcase that and lead by example is a true gift to our youth.
Within the Columbia and Greene Counties’ 4-H program we strive to make sure our youth are not only compassionate and responsible but are also well educated consumers. We believe, by giving our members opportunities to excel and connect with industry professionals in all aspects of their 4-H careers, that we are setting them up to truly succeed in their future endeavors.
So be sure to grab a bidder number by 1:00 pm on Labor Day, September 4 at the Columbia County Fair, located in Chatham, NY. You will have beef, sheep, swine, rabbits and poultry to bid on. For more information and/or questions please contact Margaret M. Smith, 4-H Educator, at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties at 518-828-3346 x201. We can’t wait to see you at the fair!
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.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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