4-Hers start new year with kick off party

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H started its new year Monday, Sept. 4 with a kickoff party at Webb Park.

“There were a few families there that I had never met before, which is shocking in a town this size,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “That was exciting, getting to reach out further. The kids played and played until they couldn’t play any more.”

Adult leaders gave overviews of different projects.

“We answered lots of questions about shooting sports,” Bell said. “We want to get more kids involved in that.”

The next club meeting will be Monday, Oct. 2 at a time and location to be determined.

Upcoming Events

The first food meeting is 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at The Feed Store.

On Sept. 18, the Horse Club will visit Abilene to watch Hardin-Simmons University’s Six White Horses.

Commercial Steers

Those planning to show commercial steers this year must declare their intent by this Friday, Sept. 8.

Initial weigh-in is 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Rathjen Ranch (the old Pitzer Ranch) at 1650 County Rd. 112.

Final weigh-in will be Jan. 7 with record books due Jan. 9.

Swine Tags

Anyone planning to show a barrow or gilt at a major show must have a state tag for each animal. Those who will just show a gilt at the county show only need a county tag.

Tags are $15 each and must be ordered by Friday, Sept. 22.

Rabbits & Chickens

Orders for rabbits and chickens must be placed by Friday, Sept. 15.

Rabbits will cost between $30 and $50 each. Chickens will cost approximately $1.74 apiece.

Rabbits may be purchased as a market pen of four or individually for bucks and does.