By RANDALL KIMES

Clay County 4-H Sheep Project members will be participating in the 2009 Tennessee Junior Livestock Exposition in Cookeville during the week of July 13 – 16.

In addition to showing their animals they will have the opportunity to participate in a showmanship contest and a skillathon contest.  Exhibitors will also have an opportunity to participate in a 4-H oratorical contest where they will give a speech on a topic related to sheep.

The event is not only an animal show but an exhibition of the youth showing them. The 4-H livestock projects have the primary purpose of developing youth.  The project is designed to teach animal husbandry skills as well as social skills that will be used throughout life.  Boys and girls experience events that result in development of responsibility, cooperation, sportsmanship and many other positive character traits.

In addition to competing at Expo, the 4-H members have been competing at  local county and regional shows.   Many of them will compete in County Fair Shows across the regional, at the Tennessee State fair and some will travel to Lousiville KY later in the fall to compete in the North American Livestock Expo.

Make plans today to come out to one of these shows and show your support for these 4-H  members.