Penn State Extension and 4-H are partnering with the community in a program called “Harvest 4-Health.” According to Ellen Fogel, Extension Youth Educator, “Harvest 4-Health” not only educates youth about where food comes from, but it also demonstrates the link between nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle.

Across the state, youth are involved in activities such as planting community gardens, collecting healthy food items and garden produce to donate to food cupboards and learning healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, program participants are becoming more aware of the scope of hunger in our local communities.

Traditionally, Butler County 4-H clubs have conducted an annual food drive, in partnership with Community Action, to benefit local food cupboards. As part of the “Harvest 4-Health” initiative, the Butler County 4-H program is inviting the public to become involved in “4-H Can Wars” at the Butler Farm Show.

Farm Show visitors are asked to bring healthy, nonperishable food items for collection near the entrance gates. Visitors that contribute canned goods or other food items will receive a coupon good for one free drink with the purchase of two drinks at any Seivers Food Concession on the grounds.

4-H members and volunteers from local food cupboards will be accepting donations and distributing coupons between the hours of noon and 8 p.m. each day at the Farm Show, beginning today and running through Saturday.

Join us in our “Harvest 4-Health” efforts!

Junior Livestock Sale

Butler County 4-H club members and FFA chapter members will be presenting their livestock project animals for sale to the public at the 34th annual Junior Livestock Sale beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Butler Farm Show. This year about 40 steers, 110 hogs, 75 lambs and 15 goats will be sold to the highest bidder. In addition, poultry and rabbit meat pens will be presented for sale.

The order of sale will be rabbits, steers, poultry, hogs, goats and lambs. Buyers from previous years who are interested in purchasing animals again this year should note the change in sale order from 2010.

Livestock projects such as hogs, lambs, steers, rabbits, poultry and goats offer youth more than a blue ribbon at the Farm Show or some extra spending money when their animal is sold. Responsibility is a major part of owning and showing an animal. In addition to the knowledge gained about animal care, skills such as responsibility, money management and sportsmanship are a part of the project experience that will last for a lifetime.

The animal depends on the 4-H or FFA member for food, shelter and care. The day-to-day care and the extra effort required to produce a top quality market animal to show and sell requires a commitment of time and energy.

Money management is also a part of livestock projects. Purchasing the animal, the food it eats, bedding, barn space rental, hauling bills and veterinary fees all must be recorded, totaled and subtracted from the final selling price. The difference is either profit or loss.

Many youths have found that when hours of tending and caring for an animal are divided into the profit, the minimum wage made by their friends working behind the fast food counter looks good.

Animal projects also teach members about ration and nutrition, hygiene and veterinary procedures, skills in showing and preparing animals for show and sportsmanship. Winning is not always possible, but being in the ring helps to make all better for the experience.

Anyone interested in purchasing a top quality market animal is invited to participate in the Junior Livestock Sale. Animals to be offered for sale will be on display throughout the week of the Butler Farm Show.

For more information concerning the Junior Livestock Sale, contact the Butler County Extension Office, 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler, PA 16001. The telephone number is 724-287-4761.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.