Annual Extension event is an opportunity to learn about, join and support programs for Washoe County youth

Madeline Cushman, a member of University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program, shows her dairy goat at Extension’s 2023 Washoe County 4-H Livestock Show.

Over 60 school-age youth will be showing their project animals during University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Washoe County 4-H Livestock Show at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Pavilion, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., April 20.

“We’re inviting the community to join us, as over a hundred people do each year,” Extension 4-H Youth Development Instructor Kelsey Conklin said, “to support local youth, and to learn more about the positive youth development programs available to you and your families.”

Conklin said Extension’s 4-H Clubs welcome youth ages 5-19 to join year-round, to learn about a variety of topics, such as science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM); shooting sports; gardening; companion and livestock animals; agriculture; and more. She said the 4-H Livestock Show provides a sneak peek into what it would be like to join a 4-H Livestock Club.

The annual family-friendly event provides 4-H youth the chance to show the livestock animals they have been raising, earn ribbons for their animal husbandry and livestock industry knowledge and skills, and receive valuable advice from livestock professionals.

Youth participating in the show will be exhibiting sheep, swine, meat and dairy goats, and beef in showmanship and quality classes. The top performers will win ribbons and advance to compete in the Nevada Junior Livestock Show in May.

The show helps youth develop essential skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution, public speaking and communication, to succeed in school, in the workplace and in life.

“We couldn’t do this without donations and service from volunteers, families and local businesses,” Conklin said. “Thank you, especially to the main show sponsor, Reliance Grounds Management, for contributing to the growth of the next generation of true leaders.”

4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, five times more likely to graduate from higher education, and two times more likely to pursue STEM opportunities outside of school and make healthy choices.

To learn more about Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program and its Washoe County 4-H Livestock Show, including how to join, volunteer or donate, contact Kelsey Conklin.

Persons in need of accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at least five days prior to the event with their needs or for more information.