“The Alpena 4-H Program is largely based on animal science with many more hands-on learning opportunities,” said Michelle Eagling, Alpena County 4-H program coordinator. “Our local program has over 225 youth involved in year-round clubs but reaches over 750 other youth with hands-on learning opportunities that range from shooting sports, babysitting certification, embryology, and classroom programming. That being said, the bulk of what Alpena 4-H members do is around livestock and animal science. The 4-H community brings over 300 animal projects to the Alpena County Fair.”

What all goes into selecting these livestock projects? Is it luck of the draw on a chick you get in the mail, or will just any piglet do? I had the pleasure of speaking with some passionate 4-H youth this week to get a better idea.

Wyatt Horton, 19, is a member of Pasture Raised 4-H Club.

“I raise Muscovy Ducks, Cornish Cross Chickens, and Broad-Breasted Turkeys, all hatched on my farm,” Horton said. “This allows me to avoid the need to travel or purchase birds from external suppliers. When selecting a project bird, I focus on traits such as feather quality, breast depth, and thigh size. Birds that have difficulty walking often indicate greater mass, but it’s important to ensure the animal is not injured. I particularly enjoy showing turkeys and ducks because of the beauty and gracefulness of poultry breeds. Through 4-H I’ve gained patience, compassion, a stronger work ethic, and determination.”

Courtesy Photo Brayley Nitze poses with her pig.

Brooklyn Leaym,16, on her eighth year of being in A-Z Livestock Club, said cows are the animals that have stuck with her throughout the years.

“Cows are a challenge,” Leaym said. “Some people might think you just walk them in a ring and it’s easy, but I have been through a lot with my steers and getting them to the point of show feels amazing. This year I did not have to travel for my steer but in years past, I have traveled up to three hours to find the perfect steer. When I pick them out, I go by their build and muscle. I look at the back a lot to see how square the overall body is and make sure the back is straight, kind of angling up. I have gained so much from showing livestock, but also just from 4-H in general. It’s taught me how to keep trying and never give up. To breathe when it gets hard.”

Brayley Nitzel, 11, of Legendary Livestock Club, has had pigs for as long as she can remember. She puts in the proper prep work to make her two spotted cross piglets comfortable.

“For their pen, I cleaned the walls,” Nitzel said. “I also scrubbed out and disinfected the water tank. I used a pitchfork to clean up the inside of the pen and then added shavings and some loose hay for them to snuggle in. I then filled the water and put their food in. I enjoy showing animals because I want to be a vet, and I love animals with all my heart!”

Hailey Lucas, 19, of 24 Carrot 4-H Club, is the current 4-H’er of the Year. She breeds and raises her own lambs to show.

Courtesy Photo Lucas is seen with her market lamb.

“Age is one of the most important aspects of the selection process that often gets overlooked by many,” Lucas said. “When choosing a market project specifically, it is important to keep the project end date in mind. In addition to age, it is important that I understand the genetic pedigrees of the lambs so I can anticipate their outcome as they continue to grow and achieve an optimal finishing weight. Over the years in 4-H I have learned many life skills such as leadership, hard work, responsibilities, public speaking, and have developed some of the strongest friendships and memories I will cherish forever.”

When asked what experiences and skills she hopes 4-H youth take away from their projects, Eagling said, “It is always my hope that every child that is in 4-H takes away a skill of some kind. They think they are learning about how to raise a chicken or lamb, but they are getting so much more. Youth gain resiliency, reliability, independence, and finally, what I think is the most important, confidence. The 4 H’s stand for Hands, Heart, Head and Health, which is really the model used to help target skills to help our youth become competent and more prepared for when they reach adulthood. We really try to create programming that allows all levels to thrive and follows our motto ‘to make the best better.'”

The process of selecting and raising young livestock seems to not be just about the animals. It’s a transformative experience that shapes the character and skills of the youth involved. It’s a journey of growth for both the caretaker and their stock, learning lessons that will go with them beyond the barn.

Bryanna Beyer is a local farmer with a passion for educating others about agriculture. She and her husband Collin operate Beyer Farms in Alpena. To reach her, email beyer_farms@outlook.com.

Courtesy Photo Wyatt Horton is seen with his market turkey.

Bryanna Beyer