Woodstock--Several Vermont 4-H working steer members participated in the Draft Animal Day at Billings Farm and Museum on May 8.

The day-long event was a combination of a youth working steer clinic, led by Heidi Thuotte-Palmer, University of Maine 4-H state activities coordinator, and demonstrations by the 4-H'ers and others for the public. A total of 20 teams from throughout New England participated, including eight teamsters from Vermont, for many, the first time out in public with their teams.

The Vermonters included three members of the Clever Clovers 4-H Club in Tunbridge: Charlotte Aiken, Tunbridge, and Amanda and Joey Ferris, Braintree. Representing the Green Mountain Teamsters of Pomfret were Landon Campbell, Randolph; Lily Larocque, Randolph Center; Clyde Tracy, South Royalton; and Matt Whitney, Chelsea. The eighth teamster was Keegan Tabor of Randolph, who is currently not a 4-H member.

Throughout the day, the youths presented demonstrations in fitting and show, cart class and stone boat. For fitting and show, they demonstrated how to clip and groom an animal and the proper fit of the yoke and equipment.

In the cart class, they were required to hitch their team to a two-wheeled cart and maneuver it through a series of obstacles within a set time limit. For the stone boat demonstration, they showed how they use basic commands to get their team to pull a stone boat, a type of sled for moving heavy objects.

They also participated in the parade of oxen and working steers and "Meet a Teamster" event, which wrapped up the day. All received rosette participation ribbons for helping to inform and educate the public about 4-H and working steers.

Billings Farm hosted the event, which included a number of activities showcasing draft horses, oxen and working steers. Demonstrations were offered on harnessing and plowing fields with a team and cooking using historic recipes for shoofly pie and switchel. Visitors were invited to test their skill at plowing as well as to visit the farm's animals and view historic farm equipment on display.

To learn about the Vermont 4-H working steer program, contact Wendy Sorrell, University of Vermont Extension 4-H livestock educator, at (802) 651-8343, ext. 513.