New Haven--Sheep and goat 4-H members gathered at the Addison County Fair and Field Days grounds in New Haven on June 29 for a day of educational and fun activities. Several brought animals with them while arrangements were made for youths without an animal of their own to borrow one.

Twelve 4-H’ers, ages 8 to 18, participated in the 2024 Sheep and Goat Day, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H and organized by Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator. A bag lunch was provided by Greg’s Market in Middlebury and paid for by the State 4-H Sheep and Goat Committee.

Participants were TJ Ashley, Whiting; Amos, Iris and Safford Dedam, Peacham; Olivia and Emilee Gordon and Natalie Layn, all from Monkton; Luke and Natalie Morrison, Danville; Genji and Elisa Navarrete, Richmond; and Makayla Warner, Middlebury.

They took part in several workshops, including one taught by Amy Davenport, a veterinarian with Otterknoll Animal Care LLC in Wallingford, on parasites. Davenport also conducted a health check on all participants’ animals prior to the start of the event.

Separate sessions were held on fitting and showing for both goats and sheep, with Carolyn Morrison, Danville, instructing the goat 4-H members and Jill Merkel, Richmond, the sheep 4-H’ers. Natalie Layn, a Monkton 4-H’er, assisted Merkel with her two workshops.

Craft projects with Bailee Layn-Gordon, Monkton, rounded out the day. The youths made pom pom sheep or goats and a treat for their animals using peanut butter and rolled oats. They also made halters for either a sheep or goat in a workshop led by Merkel.

 Each participant received a T-shirt and certificate of participation.

The Vermont 4-H sheep and goat projects teach young people how to care for and show sheep and goats in local, state and regional shows. 4-H members enrolled in these projects also have an opportunity to compete in quiz bowls and skill-a-thons; and improve their skills at clinics, blocking and fitting contests and other events.

To learn more, contact Wendy Sorrell at (802) 656-7641 or wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.