BACK BAY — Kacie Hudzik, a 9-year-old Blackwater resident, participated this month in the Virginia Beach 4-H Livestock Club Show & Sale, including showing her market lamb named Blaze. She enjoyed participating in the event.
“I like how you get to work with your animal and help it,” she said.
She was among the young people who showed animals they have raised during the event at the Creeds Ruritan Community Complex on Friday, June 2. As always, traditionally preserved hams were presented, and this year’s ham project included the work of a number of students from local schools.
From the littlest lambs to the biggest steer, young people raise and train animals before gathering for this annual showcase. The event is a tradition that goes back generations in an area in which farming is still a business for a number of local families.
“It’s a good way of life, I’m telling you,” said Don Horsley, a Blackwater farmer who has been involved with 4-H for decades. “It teaches them responsibility and hard work.”
“Straight to the top,” McDowell said.
“We are a very animal-friendly family,” he added. “We have 12 or 13 chickens. We have four ducks and two steers.”
What does he think of the steer he raised?
“I think he is very beautiful, very good,” McDowell said.
Sophie Shepherd, 14, of Creeds showed her steer again, as she had for the past several years. She said 4-H is a way for young people to learn about agriculture. New members are welcome.
“I hope more kids do it,” she said. “It’s a good way to know where your food comes from.”
“Haven’t showed that to him yet,” noted his father, Doug Boyett, of the film.
Tripp Boyett said the shirt spoke to a kind of specialty in his early 4-H livestock years.
“I thought since since I did goats three years in a row, I’m experienced,” he said.
Tripp Boyett said 4-H taught him how to take care of animals.
“Hard work,” Doug Boyett added. “Responsibility.”
2023 4-H Show & Sale Results
Showmanship
- Hog [Novice]: Hayden Sawyer, grand champion; Scarlette Moore, reserve champion
- Hog [Junior]: Hayden Putz, grand champion
- Hog [Intermediate]: Emily Dawley, grand champion; Conor Whalen, reserve champion
- Hog [Senior]: Addison Naas, grand champion; Hunter Ross, reserve champion
- Steer [Novice]: Haydn McDowell
- Steer [Intermediate]: Jack Shepherd, grand champion; Emily Dawley, reserve champion
- Steer [Senior]: Sophie Shepherd, grand champion; Logan Gentry, reserve champion
- Sheep [Novice]: Kacie Hudzik, grand champion; Riley McIntosh, reserve champion
- Sheep [Junior]: Harper Williams, grand champion; Sawyer Phillips, reserve champion
- Sheep [Intermediate]: Genevieve Cortazzo, grand champion; Eleanor Russell, reserve champion
- Sheep [Senior]: Grace Schratwieser, grand champion; Kimberly Brickhouse, reserve champion
- Goat [Novice]: Makenzie Barnett, grand champion; Sophie Montgomery, reserve champion
- Goat [Junior]: Julia Boyett, grand champion; Tripp Boyett, reserve champion
- Goat [Intermediate]: Gracelyn Phillips, grand champion; Sailor Saull, reserve champion
- Goat [Senior]: Kimberly Brickhouse, grand champion; Grace Schratwieser, reserve champion
Senior Showman
- Grace Schratwieser
Market & Breeding Class
- Market Hog: Austin Cox, grand champion; Hunter Ross, reserve champion; Leah Gentry, 3rd overall
- Market Goat: Selena Perez, grand champion; Kimberly Brickhouse, reserve champion; Makenzie Barnett, 3rd overall
- Market Steer: Logan Gentry, grand champion; Leah Gentry, reserve champion; Sophie Shepherd, 3rd overall
- Market Lamb: Grace Schratwieser, grand champion; Selena Perez, reserve champion; Kimberly Brickhouse, 3rd overall
- Breeding Doe: Wyatt Schratwieser, grand champion; Wyatt Schratweiser, reserve champion; Kimberly Brickhouse, 3rd overall
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