New Haven—4-H’ers enrolled in the sheep and goat projects had a full day of activities, June 24, at the Addison County Fair and Field Days grounds in New Haven.

4-H Sheep and Goat Camp 2023 was jam-packed with workshops and demonstrations, all designed to help the 4-H’ers learn about general healthcare, fitting and showing and related topics. The event was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H with lunch provided by the Vermont 4-H Sheep Committee.

Participants were Remington Card, Williston; Hailey Feltz, Colchester; Ellie Higgins, East Burke; Natalie Layn, Bristol; Elisa Navarrete, Richmond; and Ava Smith, Danby. Each received a camp T-shirt, feed bucket and certificate of participation.

The morning session included ice breakers led by Gabby Ochs and Siri Swanson, both from Orwell, and Bekah Parent, Bridport. These adult volunteers, all former 4-H’ers, conducted a hands-on showing workshop with sheep provided by Swanson and Jill Merkel, Richmond. The 4-H’ers also took part in a craft session, taught by Donna Perrin, Middlebury, to learn about dyeing wool naturally.

After lunch, Steve Lyons and Cindee Wheeler from Stannard gave a demonstration on using dogs to herd sheep. The group learned about hoof care and vaccinations from Megan Watrous, Orwell, and sheep milking from Alissa Shethar, owner of Fairy Tale Farm in Bridport.

The event was organized by Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension livestock educator, with assistance from Sheep Committee members Jill Merkel, Richmond; Bekah Parent, Bridport; and Siri and Wendy Swanson, Orwell. Addison County Fair and Field Days provided the venue at no charge for this event.

The Vermont 4-H sheep and goat projects offer an opportunity for young people to learn how to care for and show sheep and goats in local, state and regional shows; compete in quiz bowls and skill-a-thons; and hone 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.