4-H Livestock Show & Sale, June 15-16

The 2018 Hawai‘i County 4-H Livestock Show & Sale is June 15-16 at Anderson Arena, also known as Rocking Chair Ranch at 47-5124 Hawai‘i Belt Road. Open to the public, the annual event supports young farmers and ranchers.

Courtesy photo

This year marks a century of 4-H in Hawai‘i; the stateʻs first 4-H livestock club opened in 1918.

Friday’s events begin at 3:30 p.m. and include shows for rabbits, poultry and goats.

Saturday’s large animal activities kick off with an 8 a.m. welcome, followed by 4-H participants showing lambs, hogs, steers and heifers. Competition continues for top showmanship honors in the Round Robin Showmanship Class.

“The 4-H participants are not only judged on the quality of their animals, but also on their showmanship skills,” shares Michelle Galimba, 4-H Livestock Association chairperson. “Each youth demonstrates the ability to effectively present their animal and on their project-based knowledge.”

Grand Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons and trophies are awarded for each species of animal. In addition, youth compete for the show’s overall Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Showman.

Buyer’s registration and lunch is at 12:30 p.m. with the sale of 4-H animals at 2 p.m., including beef steer and heifer, hog, lamb, goat and possibly poultry and rabbits.

The 4-H livestock program provides youths aged 5-18 with hands-on learning opportunities by raising and training livestock. Participants learn humane animal husbandry skills and record-keeping. Students are responsible for the financial planning of their project, plus the daily care, feeding and training of their project animals.

“4-H assists our young people in developing important life skills while working on economically valuable, hands-on projects,” notes Galimba. “We must strongly support agricultural education and experiences for our young people if we are to increase Hawaii’s food sustainability.”