4-H teaches responsibility

Sep 29, 2014

Fresno County 4-H member Tanner Rosales and his goat Bonnie graced the cover of October's Central Valley magazine as time for showing the animal at the Big Fresno Fair approaches.

Tanner, 10, hails from a family with a long 4-H tradition. Mom Kellie Rosales started in 4-H at age 9. Grandma Teri Penfold grew up in 4-H and is now a leader.

With more than 6 million members, 4-H is the nation's largest youth development organization, supporting students ages 9 to 19 through an expansive and varied program designed to shape future leaders and innovators, the article said.

In California, 4-H is part of UC Cooperative Extension.

The article described the months-long process Tanner has undertaken to show a farm animal at the fair. He meets weekly with the 4-H goat leader and makes one or two additional trips to work with Bonnie on his own.

4-H members are responsible for regularly walking their animals, feeding them, weekly weigh-ins, giving any oral medications, practicing showing in a ring and touching the animals so they're used to being handled.

"The 4-H program teaches the commitment needed to properly prepare a goat for show - and more importantly - how to see a project through to completion," the article said.

Rosales said she appreciated the opportunities and experiences that 4-H provided.

"I just want that for my kids," she said. "I want them to know they're going to work hard, and when they work hard it's going to pay off."


By Jeannette E. Warnert
Author - Communications Specialist
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