WAIMEA — Open to the public, the 2018 Hawaii County 4-H Livestock Show &Sale will be held at Anderson Arena, also known as Rocking Chair Ranch, in east Waimea on Hawaii Belt Road June 15 and 16.
The annual event supports young farmers and ranchers, and this year marks a century of 4-H in Hawaii; the state’s first 4-H livestock club opened in 1918. 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.
The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. June 15 with shows for rabbits, poultry and goats. On June 16, large animal activities will kick off with an 8 a.m. welcome, followed by 4-H participants showing lambs, hogs, steers and heifers. Competition will continue 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,” Michelle Galimba shared, 4-H Livestock Association’s 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 animals. In addition, youth compete for the show’s overall Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Showman.
Buyer’s registration and lunch will be 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.
“4-H assists our young people in developing important life skills while working on economically valuable, hands-on projects,” Galimba noted. “We must strongly support agricultural education and experiences for our young people if we are to increase Hawaii’s food sustainability.”
Questions or additional information: Contact Michelle Galimba at mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com or 430-4927