GRILL MASTER CHALLENGE-Multiple local 4-Hers competed in the Grill Master Challenge held during the Tennessee State Fair. (photo submitted)

CLAY COUNTY EXTENSION NEWS:

CELINA-The Clay County Extension office recently announced the results from various 4-H events and they will also be holding a pond shocking demonstration the first Friday in October.

Registration is currently open for the demonstration to be held in the west end of the county, while winners from both the Central Region 4-H Grill Master Challenge and multiple summer livestock shows have been revealed and recognized.

Pond demo

Sign up for a pond shocking demonstration is open here at the extension office to register for a hands on look at the beneficial tool for managing fish and their habitats.

The demonstration will be held next Friday, October 7 from 4-6 p.m. at the pond between Clyde Brown and Byran Coons on Union Hill Moss Road and can be found using 1490 Union Hill Moss Road as the address.

“It is important to monitor these systems closely and correctly to ensure a health fish population,” local extension agent Kristen Rich said.  “So we hope you will come test the waters with us!”

Grill Masters

At the Tennessee State Fair, 19 local 4-Hers competed at the Central Region 4-H Grill Master Challenge.

Local extension agent and county director Haley Barnes explained the contest aims to teach youth how to effectively and safely prepare meat on a charcoal grill.

Barnes said participants were judged on the grilling process, sanitation, and overall quality of the finished product.

“The contest also teaches youth how to prepare cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry, and life skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and responsibility,” she said.

With 142 youth participating in this year’s contest, Clay County 4-Her’s proved that practice and hard work pay off, as the following placed within the top ten: Alexis Lindsey (3rd), Erin Meadows (7th), Roman Briggs (8th), Eli Rich (1st), Kyler Hickman (4th), Kendall Hamilton (7th), Samantha Lindsey (8th), Lance Burchett (10th), Claire Kendall (8th), Kylee Hix (8th), Witt Kaslikowski (10th), Cordell McLerran (1st), and Faith Burks (8th).

As a senior high participant, placing 1st in his species, Rich is now eligible to compete in the state contest. The Grill Master Challenge is just one of the many opportunities youth have through the 4-H program within Clay County.

Livestock shows

Several local 4-Hers had successful showings at various events this summer, according to local extension and 4-H youth development agent Cora Key.

Key recognized four local youth, who excelled while competing in the Central Region Goat Show in July, the State Goat Show in August, and the Central Region Sheep Show this month.

Most recently, Jasper Donaldson and Kendall Hamilton earned multiple awards.

Donaldson’s included 4th Place Skillathon, Reserve Champion WFX Ewe, and Reserve Champion Hampshire Market Lamb.

Hamilton’s achievements included 3rd place Skillathon, 1st Place BFX Ewe Lamb, Champion Natural Colored Market Lamb, and Champion BFX Market Lamb and Grand Overall.

In August, Alexis and Samantha Lindsey fared well.

Alexis’ awards included 5th Place Skillathon and 3rd Place Market Goat, while Samantha earned 7th Place Skillathon, 6th Place Registered Doe Showmanship, and 6th Place Market Goat.

The Lindseys also received 3rd Place Commercial Doe Kid (Alexis) and 2nd Place Commercial Yearling (Samantha) at the goat show in July.

For more information about anything concerning the Clay County Extension office or 4-H program, call 931-243-2311 or visit their Facebook page.

LIVESTOCK SHOWS-Jasper Donaldson, Kendall Hamilton, and Alexis and Samantha Lindsey all fared well in 4-H Livestock Shows this summer. (photos submitted)