New Haven--Nine Addison County 4-H'ers gained valuable tips about clipping and fitting beef animals at an expert-led clinic, July 10, in New Haven.

Sydney Wilson worked with the 4-H beef members at the day-long clinic, showing them how to clip and groom their animals for the show ring. Under her guidance, the 4-H'ers also led their animals around the ring for showmanship practice and advice on improving their performance.

Wilson, a former 4-H'er and Future Farmers of America member, grew up on an Angus beef farm in Nottingham, New Hampshire. She is currently employed by Top of the Hill Farm, a registered Hereford cattle farm in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and as the New Hampshire Farm Bureau's office assistant and Young Farmer coordinator.

Participating in the Addison County 4-H Beef Clinic were Kyle Clark, Ferrisburgh; Damian Fitzsimmon, Shoreham; Claira and Emma Lucas, Orwell; Natalie Smith and Aiden Wallen, both from Lincoln; and Alexis, Erin and Katherine Whipple, Bridport.

The event was held at the Addison County Fair and Field Days site and organized by Martha Seifert, the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H educator for Addison County.

To learn more about the 4-H beef project in Vermont, contact Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator, at wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.