By Andi Anderson
Youth members involved in the bucket bottle calf project are invited to attend an educational project meeting scheduled for February 4.
The meeting will be held upstairs at Dallmeyer Hall on the fairgrounds and is open to all interested members and their families. It is designed for both beginners who are just getting started and returning participants who want to advance their project skills.
The meeting will run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and participants will be divided into age groups to ensure information is shared at an appropriate learning level.
The same program content will also be offered again on March 30 for those unable to attend the February session.
Department superintendents will lead the meeting and provide guidance on key areas of the bucket bottle calf project. Topics will include calf selection, animal health, daily care, record keeping, and county fair requirements.
These discussions are intended to help youth understand their responsibilities and build confidence in managing their project animals.
Family mentors who have experience with the bucket bottle calf project will also be available. These mentors will answer questions and help families connect with others who can provide support throughout the project year. Learning from experienced participants is an important part of developing good animal care and project management skills.
Record books and interviews are a major component of the project. Superintendents will review record book expectations and share sample materials to help members understand how their work will be evaluated.
Past participants are encouraged to bring old workbooks and score sheets to use as learning examples. New workbooks and calf ear tags will be available for purchase at the meeting.
Specific project rules will also be reviewed. Calves shown in the bucket bottle division must be born between January 1 and April 30 of the current year and must be under the care of the exhibitor within two weeks of birth.
Nursing after two weeks is not allowed. Exhibitors may identify up to three calves but may show a maximum of two at the county fair. All calves must be castrated or banded by May 15 and must be dehorned.
The bucket bottle calf project is part of 4-H, which helps youth learn responsibility, animal care, record keeping, and respect for their communities and the environment.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Iowa, Education, Livestock