Extension Spotlight

Across the country, the calendars that hang in every home are full of events that are now crossed out. Weddings, birthdays and graduations all struggle to be celebrated and the overall feeling of hopefulness for the summer of 2020 is diminishing. However, for 4-H and FFA members of Phillips County, the third week of July is highlighted, circled or chalked-full of events. Because, for those youth, county fair is the best week of the summer, this year especially.

And it is the promise of being able to exhibit their projects this year that push 4-H and FFA members to continue to work hard every day. Whether it is waking up bright-and-early to halter their steers or feed their pigs or skipping time to ride their bikes to finish their sewing project or to put more detail into their leathercraft project, youth of Phillips County know that sacrificing small things now will make their fair experience that much better.

But, outside of the pride they will let themselves feel at fair, these projects also help youth in other ways. Kylee Workman was just finishing her junior year at Haxtun High School when the current global pandemic closed her school, ended her sports seasons and distanced her and her friends. However, the secret to her positive mindset has been to spend her time with her livestock. Kylee is showing a hog and two sheep through FFA and is enrolled in Veterinary Science through 4-H.

She says that the relationships that she is developing with her animals has become increasingly important to her since she has lost so much time with her peers, teammates and friends.

"My animals have kept my spirits up in a time where it is so easy to get discouraged," she says. Kylee also explained that the extra time that she has had because a lack of events has allowed her to grow closer to her animals than ever before.

"They have become my friends and the time I spend with them has replaced the social interactions that I was used to," she explains.

However, more than that, Kylee said that she feels like she is making a difference in her community by contributing to the food system. The individuals that purchase animals at the Junior Livestock Sale will feel confident that they are not only receiving high quality meat but are also able to fill their freezer at a time when grocery stores are struggling to keep meat cases stocked.

4-H and FFA members learn the importance of serving others even when that creates challenges for themselves. It is never easy for youth to walk out of a sale ring with an animal that they have given so much time and attention to and that will surely be evident at this year's sale. But, knowing that their animal will provide meals and peace of mind to families within their community creates a sense of pride and peace for themselves as well.

The 4-H and FFA members in Phillips County are in no way exempt from the isolation and challenges that have come along with this pandemic. But learning the lesson to push on even in times of hardships is extremely valuable. Because the extra time that they are investing in their livestock and general projects is in return, an investment to themselves and their communities.