With the arrival of the new year, youth still have time to register for the 50th Annual Martin County 4-H Youth Livestock Show and Sale, a milestone event for the county’s 4-H program. The annual show and sale provides youth with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in responsibility, animal care, and agricultural education.
To participate in the 4-H Livestock Show, youth must be enrolled in 4-H through Martin County and choose an animal project. In Martin County, youth may choose from lambs, goats, or hogs. Once a 4-H’er has selected their project and obtained an animal, they are responsible for the daily care of that animal, including feeding, cleaning, health checks, and training. Throughout the project, youth learn about animal care, nutrition, and safety, while also developing skills in responsibility, time management, and record keeping. Each participant is required to complete a project record book to track expenses, growth, and what they learn during the project.
While preparing for the livestock show, youth groom and train their animals. Participants also learn showmanship, which refers to properly handling and presenting their animals. This practice and preparation are guided by parents, volunteers, and Extension staff. Youth then put their knowledge into action during the show, which includes both market and showmanship classes.
Following the show, a livestock sale is held where animals are sold to local buyers. In Martin County, the sale is non-lethal, meaning buyers pay for the animals, but the animals are not sent to market. Youth may also keep their animals. However, participants also have the option to send their animals to market if they choose. Earnings from the sale can help offset project expenses or support future projects, providing youth with experience in marketing, budgeting, and business management. Overall, a 4-H animal project allows youth to develop work ethic, responsibility, confidence, financial literacy, sportsmanship, and leadership skills.
Martin County 4-H will be accepting registration for the 50th Annual Livestock Show and Sale until January 9, 2026. For youth interested in participating, a Selection and Care Workshop will be held on January 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at 104 Kehukee Park Rd., Williamston, NC. This workshop will teach participants what traits to look for when selecting an animal and how to properly care for it.
If youth would like to participate in the workshop or the livestock show contact Katie Harris or register through our Google Form!
