Agriculture leaders, teachers, fair boards, 4-H and FFA members will have the opportunity to attend one of two training options offered at the annual West Virginia University Extension Service Livestock Retreat Nov. 2 and 3 at WVU Jackson’s Mill near Weston, W.Va.

The event gathers state and nationally known leaders in the livestock judging community to help assist with the planning and implementation of livestock showing.

Daylong workshop for adults

On Friday, Nov. 2, adults who organize or assist with livestock shows should attend a free workshop from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The title of the workshop is “Blue Ribbon Kids through Showmanship and Quality Assurance.”

Topics covered include positive youth development, working effectively with fair boards, establishing and reviewing rules and ethics.

The feature presenter is Clint Rusk, coordinator for the National 4-H Livestock Judging and chair of the animal science department at Oklahoma State University.

Overnight retreat for youths

An overnight retreat is scheduled for 4-H and FFA members who have livestock projects. The retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2 and ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Workshops will focus on beef, small ruminants and swine. Topics covered include animal handling and welfare, nutrition, selection, evaluation and showmanship.
Pre-registration is required for both the daylong workshop and the overnight retreat. There is no cost for the daylong program but there is a charge for the overnight retreat.

For participants registered prior to Oct. 12, the cost is $25, which covers meals and breaks. For an additional $10, participants can add dorm lodging to their bills.
After Oct. 12, costs for registration increases to $40 for meals and breaks and $15 to include dorm lodging.

For more information, or to register for the event, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

10/08/12

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CONTACT: Cassie Waugh
Office: 304-293-8735; Cell: 304-376-1829