As a community organization, Florida 4-H enjoys partnering with local businesses, organizations and other entities to provide unique positive youth development opportunities for all youth in our area. One of these opportunities has recently presented itself through the partnering of Madison Farm Bureau, 4-H, and FFA to put on a Special Livestock Show for any youth with any form of special needs or disability. The show will take place on October 10th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Madison Agriculture Center where our North Florida Livestock Show and Sale takes place each February. This will be a daylong event where youth will have the opportunity to interact with small swine with the help of a 4-H or FFA teen volunteer, learn how to care for the animal, grooming techniques and the important impact it has within our community. After the youth have time to interact with the swine, they will then be escorted into the show ring and learn how to properly show a swine project.
They will then have their picture taken with their show trophy. Participants and their families will be provided lunch by Madison Farm Bureau at the Madison Extension Office. Each youth will receive a goodie bag filled with fun facts and information about Madison Farm Bureau, agriculture and livestock, local 4-H activities, FFA activities, and their own Special Livestock Show t-shirt. If you know of a youth who would benefit from participating in the show and who lives in Madison or Hamilton County please contact Lindsey Lawson at Madison Farm Bureau or Becky Bennett at the Madison Extension Office for registration information. The registration deadline is September 18th at 5 p.m. We are looking forward to teaching our youth the importance of agriculture and livestock within our community, the benefits of partnering with local organizations and most importantly demonstrating to the community the importance of an all-inclusive environment for youth of all abilities.