4-H students show off their livestock at the Iroquois County Fair

CRESCENT CITY, Ill. (WCIA) – At the Iroquois County Fair, they have the fries and the rides, but also the 4-H programs. It can be a great benefit for kids as they learn about agriculture, take care of animals, and so much more.

The students showed off their pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even sheep to the judges.

“I’ve just gained a lot of experience and knowledge that I did not have prior. I didn’t know how to take care of these birds until I got into 4-H,” said 4-H student Hannah True.

The program gives students the chance to learn about the animals they work with and get an understanding of what the animal breeding and showing industry is all about.

For example, Benjamin Clifton has been training pigs almost his whole life. He currently has a Berkshire pig named Violet that he said he’s known since birth.

Fellow 4-H student Owen Preen has gained a wide array of agricultural knowledge, as well.

“You get to communicate with many different people through the industry, and you learn different things about different projects within the industry,” he said. “It allows you to see other different sides of what’s going on within agriculture.”

Most students come from families that have spent generations learning these skills, but for Hunter Hull, he’s grown his flock of coturnix quail birds all on his own. For his bird showings, judges will be looking for trimmed nails and beaks.

“The livestock turns you into a harder worker,” 4-H student Beau Howe said. “It takes a lot of time, dedication. You got to be willing to go out every day, any hour.”

The Iroquois County Fair will continue until Sunday.

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