4-H’ERS ATTEND TENNESSEE 4-H SHEEP CONFERENCE

Approximately 100 4-H’ers, parents, leaders and Extension agents attended the annual Tennessee 4-H Sheep Conference, June 12, at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. The 2006 4-H Sheep Conference had a new format to enhance the 4-Her’s leadership and hands-on learning experiences. During the conference, sheep project members participated in skillathon, grooming and showmanship training. Participants had the opportunity to bring their own project lamb to work with during the conference. Teen leaders were assigned to assist less experienced 4-H’ers with their training. Also, participants were informed of the new speech contest at Expo and a shearing contest at the Wilson County Fair.

4-H’ers participated in learning stations for quality assurance, equipment identification, meat identification, sheep breeds and feeds and nutrition. Members of the Tennessee Sheep Producers Association developed the skillathon activities, and the teen leaders taught the information to their group.

Several sheep project members brought very informative sheep project exhibit boards. Winners were:

Junior: John Edwards, Campbell County (Title: Bed Time)
Junior High: Ashley Jones, Claiborne County (Title: Shear Delight)
Senior: Bethany Wolters, Maury County (Title: Heads I Win - Tails “Ewe” Loose)

David Layman and Kevin Hensley of Loudon County won the Senior Lamb Quiz Bowl over six other county teams. Junior Lamb Bowl winners (scoring 90% or better) were John Edwards, Campbell County; Keith Hightower, Wilson County; Jared Bruhin, Sevier County; and Sam Koeshall, Loudon County.

Dwight Loveday
Associate Professor
4-H Youth Development