Surprise Valley kids practicing showing
Alice Stephan, Mackenzie Hughes (Judging) and Harlyn Hinton, Baylee Hughes and Lillian Bartolo (back).
Surprise Valley kids shearing their sheep
Lillian Bartolo, Zoey Curran (fence), Alice Stephan, and Harlyn Hinton.
In communities across the country, young people are discovering the value of hard work, responsibility, and dedication through participation in Junior Livestock Shows. These events, held at county fairs and agricultural exhibitions, provide an opportunity for children and teenagers to raise and exhibit animals, fostering a deep connection with agriculture and rural traditions. Modoc County is fortunate to have so many young hard working young leaders who participate in the Junior Livestock Show on June 17th-22nd.
Junior Livestock Shows typically feature a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Participants, ranging in age from elementary school students to high school seniors, spend months preparing their animals for the competition. The process involves daily feeding, grooming, walking, training, often starting before dawn and continuing after school and homework are complete.
Jodie Veverka’s children, Kinsley and Kolton, are active participants in 4-H and are gearing up for their upcoming Junior Livestock Show. Jodie appreciates the valuable life lessons that the program imparts to her children. Explaining why she encouraged their involvement, Jodie said, “It teaches them responsibility through animal care, financial management, and understanding the anatomy of their animal—skills that are essential for the real world.”
One of the key aspects of Junior Livestock Shows is the emphasis on education. Participants are not only judged on the physical condition and presentation of their animals but also on their knowledge of animal husbandry. This includes understanding the animal’s nutritional needs, health care, and overall management. Many shows include an interview component where participants discuss their project with the judges.
For Harlyn Hinton, who is only ten years old and in her sixth year of Surprise Valley 4-H and her second year selling sheep. Harlyn says in her time with 4H she has learned how to be responsible and hardworking with all the work she puts into training and raising her sheep. Before she started doing sheep she also raised rabbits. Harlyn hopes to raise cows in the future for the Junior Livestock Show. Harlyn praises 4-H and Junior Livestock Show saying, “it’s a lot of fun and anyone can do it. Working them out, working with them everyday is hard but it all ends up being worth it in the end.”
Beyond the technical skills, Junior Livestock Shows also foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Many young exhibitors form lifelong friendships through their shared experiences. They support each other during the ups and downs of raising animals and celebrate each other’s successes in the show ring.
In addition to the personal growth and social benefits, there are also practical rewards. Successful exhibitors often earn ribbons, trophies, and even scholarships that can help support their future educational endeavors. Some participants also have the opportunity to sell their animals at auction, earning money that can be reinvested in future projects or saved for college.
While the competitive aspect of Junior Livestock Shows is certainly a draw, for many participants, the true value lies in the journey.
As Junior Livestock Shows continue to thrive, they remain a vital part of preserving agricultural heritage and fostering the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and informed citizens.
