Randolph Chatham Livestock Show

By: Barbara Dunn Swanson

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Planning has been well underway for the second annual Randolph Chatham 4-H Livestock Show. According to Lauren Irby, Chatham County 4-H Agent, this show will be held Friday evening, September 9 and Saturday morning September 10 at the Ruritan’s Farm Heritage Center in Silk Hope, NC.

The show is part of the Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit, which is sponsored by Cape Fear Farm Credit and Carolina Farm Credit, and also supported by the Chatham County Farm Bureau, the United Way of Chatham County, Silk Hope Ruritans, Southern States Cooperative, the Randolph Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association, and the Chatham and Randolph County Cooperative Extension Centers.
4-H members from 15 counties will be participating in the showmanship program, which is open to youth ages 5 to 19 years of age and who are interested in showing beef heifers, meat goats and lambs. The Chatham/Randolph County show will only involve beef heifers and meat goats. The meat goat show will be held on Friday, at 7 p.m. and the beef heifer show will begin on Saturday, at 10 a.m. The event is free to the public.
4-H members can participate in this show even if they have not officially signed up as part of the showmanship circuit. This is a great opportunity for youth to get experience showing beef heifers and/or meat goats, as well as earn premium awards. Youth interested in participating in the show must register by September 7 with the Chatham County Center of the Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H department. Contact Lauren Irby, by calling 919-542-8202. Registration materials are available at our Extension office, stop by and we can help you to register!
In its first year in 2010, the Chatham/Randolph County 4-H Livestock Show was one of the largest in the showmanship circuit. A large participation is expected again this year.

Becoming involved in a show circuit introduces young people to the ethics of livestock showmanship. Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times act with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education.

If you are a 4-H club leader interested in learning more about livestock showing contact Randolph County 4-H or Adam Ross, Extension Livestock Agent at Liberty 218-4000; Archdale / Trinity, 819-3000, and Asheboro, 318-6000. 4­H is open to girls and boys ages 5­19 without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. 4-H is a United Way Agency.