4-H shows starting in the Meridian area

Area students are getting the chance to show off their livestock in a chain of shows that will be happening over the next few months. With the 4-H program standing for Head, Hands, Heart, and Health, it not only focuses on raising livestock, but life skills as well.

“I love that it teaches kids to do their best. It really teaches integrity and patience, because these animals are coming from their mothers and they don’t really trust us. So, you have to be very patient and very diligent in working with them so that all your hard work pays off in the show,” said long-time 4-H member Nina Hay.

While Hay has been doing the program since she was eight, Bella Temple is in her first year and has been raising market lambs.

“My thing that I love about 4-H this year is that everyone will help to support you, and the lambs may be a lot of work, but it pays through in the end,” said Temple.

These students also have plenty of opportunity to receive scholarships, and, most importantly, the opportunity to care for another living being.

“It teaches them to care for their animals well because they depend on you. They’re in a pasture, they have no way to access grain, they have no way to access water, so they depend on you. It’s good for kids who don’t get to work with or see animals every day. So, this is a good opportunity for them to learn how to properly care for and train an animal,” said Hay.

This is the first of many shows leading up to the Dixie National Junior Round Up in Jackson, MS.