by Prudence Caskey | Jul 25, 2024
The origins of county fairs can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first recognized county fair was held in 1811 in Berkshire County, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Berkshire County Fair exhibited produce, livestock, and other agricultural commodities. Throughout the 19th century, the popularity of county fairs spread across the agricultural communities in America. The fostering of community spirit and camaraderie. County fairs’ economic impact has benefited local communities, with exhibitors traveling into town to showcase their wares. Fairs were about more than rides and funnel cakes initially. It wasn’t until 1893 when George Ferris invented and showcased the Ferris wheel at the Chicago World Fair, that rides became part of fairs. But are fairs really still relevant today?
Fairs are a place where youth can demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed through their project work in 4-H. There are three ways youth can do this at a fair: 1. Exhibit non-animal project work, 2. Exhibit an animal they have raised, and 3. participate in a judging contest.
Exhibiting Non-Animal Project Work– Exhibiting what you learned in your project is a culminating experience for 4-Hers. Youth can exhibit plants they have grown, preserved foods, things they have sewn or crafted, or photos or posters about their projects. Adult exhibitors sometimes enter a separate competition by showcasing quilts and baked goods or bringing in their prized roses. As fairs grew, many businesses decided to showcase their new products. Early fairs were the place to find the newfangled washing machine, refrigerator, or even a new tractor!
Exhibiting Animals– Raising a livestock project can be a valuable source of life lessons and teachable moments, even though many people may not initially consider it as such. A 4-H member is making a serious commitment when they sign up for a livestock project. A commitment to their parents or grandparents who helped purchase the animal. They must be committed to completing the project and the record book. Mostly, that child is seriously committed to the animal they are raising.
Youth can learn much from a livestock project—confidence, responsibility, empathy, goal setting, financial responsibility, and sportsmanship. Livestock projects at county fairs can range from raising a bantam chicken to raising a 1,200-pound steer. Each project can teach youth valuable life skills. In 1952, E.B. White published a book about youth raising livestock for the county fair called “Charlotte’s Web.” In the story, the little girl raises a pig for the county fair, growing up alongside the pig, Wilber. It is highly recommended if you have not read the book or seen either of the movies.
Competing in Contests– Most fairs offer subject matter specific contests where youth can demonstrate their project knowledge. In the Florida Panhandle, there are contests for Horticulture Judging, Wildlife Ecology, Sewing, Consumer Choices, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Agriculture. During these contests, youth use what they have learned to problem solve, communicate, and work as a team. Next time you hear the fair is in town, enjoy the corn dogs and cotton candy, but remember the exhibit hall. You may run into a 4-H club member caring for their animal or watering their plants in the horticulture exhibit.
For more information on 4-H, please contact your local 4-H office. You can find your local office here.
https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/4hn/2021/03/04/meet-the-author-prudence-caskey/
Prudence Caskey, Santa Rosa County 4-H Agent II
by Prudence Caskey | May 14, 2024
Cloverbud participants
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Washington County Ag Center came to life with 64 4-Hers and 141 chickens for the 2024 Northwest District Chick Chain show. The show was the culmination of the seven-month Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain project.
In September 2023, at the beginning of the 4-H year, 4-Hers took ownership of day-old chicks and began their journey in the 4-H poultry science project. They learned about poultry nutritional and (more…)
by Prudence Caskey | Jan 11, 2024
As we enjoyed a beautiful Christmas day in the panhandle, we need to start to brace for some colder weather as we welcome the new year. Here are a few ideas on how to protect your animals in the colder weather. During this upcoming cold snap, your “critters” will rely on you to survive it. As you think about how to best protect your outside pets and livestock, remember the three W’s. (more…)
by Prudence Caskey | Aug 31, 2023
Who can participate in the NW District Chick Chain Project?
4-H Youth ages 5-18 from the Northwest District of Florida can enroll and participate in the NW Florida 4-H Chick Chain project. Those counties include Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
What is the Chick Chain project?
Join 4-Hers from our 16-county Northwest Extension district and learn how to raise and care for chickens. At the end of the project, there’s a district show where you’ll show off your birds and everything you’ve learned. This website will support you throughout your project. (more…)
by Prudence Caskey | Apr 1, 2022
To get help for someone call or text this number
Understanding Signs of Human Trafficking
The common misconception when the average person hears about human trafficking is that the victim has been kidnapped and sold into slavery across the world. The visions of young people restrained in the back of a semi tuck or cargo ship may come to mind. The reality of the matter is kidnapping of victims only happens in about 9% of these cases. The sad fact is that most victims are trafficked by someone they know and trusted at one point. Many victims even feel they are doing their trafficker a favor now and then in exchange for a new cell phone, video game, or some other type of prized possession.
Understanding the signs of human trafficking is the first step to helping the victims find their freedom. Many youth who are venerable can be influenced and controlled by savvy individuals they initially see as a trusted adult. Through research, the susceptible victims are targeted and are in over their heads before they know what has happened. Often, these victims feel stuck without any hopes of relief or rescue.
The signs to look for are subtle and for experienced traffickers, sometimes well hidden. A sudden change in appearance or attitude could be a sign of youth hanging out with a new crowd. If you notice youth that have a new friend who is considerably older, this could also be a signal that the relationship may not be healthy. Here is a sample of additional signs to look for:
- Sudden absences from school
- Repeatedly running away
- Abrupt change in attire, behavior, or relationships
- The existence of an older “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”
- Being escorted by an older male or female who is not their guardian
- Sudden existence of costly material belongings
- Homelessness
- Signs of psychological pressure, such as anxiety, depression,
- An overly submissive attitude
- Tattoos or other branding marks
- Lack of control over their schedule or money
- Unable to possess their own proof of identification
- Signs of physical trauma (like bruises, cuts, burns, or scars)
- Coached or rehearsed responses to questions
If you are a trusted adult and changes are noticed, a few well-placed questions, may help the victim open up a little. Victims may be resistant to questioning but may speak more freely with an open-ended conversation. Can you tell me more about, “the new friend’s name here”? What do you do when you hang out with “new friend”? Why did “new friend” buy you such a nice cell phone? It is not necessary to confirm abuse before calling the Florida Abuse Hotline to report suspicion. Remember, these victims can also be young adults that have been trapped inside a human trafficking ring for years. If abuse is suspected, please call Florida Abuse Hotline (report abuse for children) TEL: 1-800-962-2873 TTY: 1-800-4955-8771 The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Please use the links below to report a child or adult abuse. National Human Trafficking Resource Center 24/7 (for adults). 1 (888) 373-7888
BeFree Textline 24/7 Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE) Send a text for crisis support, referrals, and more – to get help for victims and survivors of human trafficking or to connect with local services.
Exhibiting Animals– Raising a livestock project can be a valuable source of life lessons and teachable moments, even though many people may not initially consider it as such. A 4-H member is making a serious commitment when they sign up for a livestock project. A commitment to their parents or grandparents who helped purchase the animal. They must be committed to completing the project and the record book. Mostly, that child is seriously committed to the animal they are raising.
