At our little country home we have a variety of farm animals and in just a few weeks we'll be adding four young pigs to the barn. Growing up my family was actively involved in 4-H. My three sisters, brother and I, along with many of my cousins, all showed animals at the Dodge County Fair. So, it's been pretty exciting to see our kids get involved and enjoy it as much as I did.
In my 4-H days, I showed pigs and steers, once or twice I showed a rabbit and I think possibly a goat. The goats and rabbits were more my older sister's thing, but everyone in our family loved showing the pigs. My brother probably liked his beef cattle more I suppose, but regardless the pigs were always a fun project for us in the summer. Last year was the first year that my oldest son could show pigs. Pictured below, is my youngest son checking out the pigs on their first morning at home last year. Our two older boys will get their fair pigs in a few weeks.
The Dodge County Meat Animal Sale leaders have been raising funds for the past several years in order to install new pens at the fair for the pigs. The old pens have been there long before I was in 4-H and are in rough shape. The pens are rusty and can be difficult to open and close for some of the younger 4-H members. Last year enough funds were raised to replace half of the pens in the barn. This Saturday the Dodge County 4-H Meat Animal Sale Committee is hosting it's annual trivia night event with all of the proceeds going toward purchasing the new pens for the remaining half of the pig barn.
It's always a fun event and again this year Waupun Veterinary Service has sponsored our team and is also among one of the many local businesses sponsoring rounds of trivia at the event. While it's likely too late to get in on the trivia fun if you're not already signed up, local residents can come on out to Dodgeland in Juneau to check out the silent auction or to purchase supper and support the pig project. The doors open at 5 p.m.
I'll have this pretty photo framed and on the silent auction. I took this picture a few weeks ago on my way to a 4-H meeting. These steers are on a farm just down the road from my house. It's been a scene I've driven by so many times over the past few years and have always wished I had my camera along. Finally, the other night I was driving by at the right time with my camera in the seat next to me. I've always loved silhouettes.
While thinking about all the hard work that these 4-H kids put into their animal projects, my husband and I made the sign below. He's the carpenter and I'm the painter. It will also be on the silent auction.
Hope you can come and support the pig project! As you may already know, pigs are in fact one of the smartest animals, well... at least that's what my vet says. :)
