This project began in March when these youth received their own Holstein bottle calf.
Throughout this project these youth have worked long hours learning how to care for their calves, including:
- Completing an in-depth orientation
- Bottle Feedings twice a day
- Daily care and chores
- Weight check in’s
- Workday (calves were vaccinated, dewormed, dehorned, castrated, weighed)
- Halter training
- Showing at Junior Beef RoundUp in August and Mountain State Fair in September
At the conclusion of the project, the calves were sold and the youth are encouraged to invest their profits in a beef animal to raise and show the following year and began to build a herd. The calves are sold in lots after the Mountain State Fair at the WNC Regional Livestock Center. If any buyers are interested in supporting this youth livestock project in the future, contact us at 828-255-5522. Congratulations to each of these youth for their hard work paying off and completing this project!
The 2024 Mountain State Fair Winners:
- Grand Champion Dairy Feeder Steer shown by Maxen Ballard, Yancey County
- Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Feeder Steer shown by Addison Allen, Yancey County
- Junior Showmanship-- Addison Allen, Yancey County
- Senior Showmanship – Kierra Ripley, Buncombe County
