Yesterday was the first Animal Information Meeting for the 4-H year held at the Trolley Bldg.  There was a great turn out.  There were some great topics that were covered.  I will try and remember a few.  First, Margo went over the importance of exhibitors bringing their animals to fair are not only bringing them to show, but to display them to the public and educate them about the animal that you have.  She included that some people may not always agree with you about how you raise your animal and that is okay.  But you are caring for your animal the way you were taught how to in the 4-H program.  If someone is giving you a problem and they are not accepting your answer, 4-H exhibitors should get a superintendent or another adult to help with the issue.

Another issue is that there are not alot of farms around anymore, this may cause a decrease in animals in the future at our fair.  We need to think of ways to recruit more people into the 4-H program.  This could be in the way of leasing out the animal for a non-ownership program as well as other things.

Another topic was how to handle the clover bud program in if they should be able to show animals or not.  The way it is now, the cloverbuds can only exhibit in the trolley bldg.  They are not judged but do get a participation ribbon.  The adult to cloverbud ratio is 1:1.  Some feel that it could be done in levels.  Start with smaller animals first for a 5 yr old.  What are your thoughts on Clover buds exhibiting animals at fair?

Another topic of discussion is currently the horse program has requirements for every horse exhibitor in order to be eligible to show at the county fair.  Should all animal areas be required to have the same requirements? There is Community service and clinics for the horse exhibitors. Please let me know what your thoughts are on this, Should goat exhibitors be required to do so much community service throughout the year? And should there be mandatory clinics that are set up?

I would really like your input on these issues - It is important so we can make any changes to make the goat area better.