ELLERBE — The bleats of goats mixed with the lowing of cattle at Millstone 4-H Camp on Sept. 9, where the Richmond County 4-H Livestock Show featured both goats and heifers. Cattle were introduced to the show just last year, adding a new dimension to the traditional goat competition and drawing participants from across the region.
Youth from both 4-H and FFA put their hard work on display as they guided, groomed and showed animals they’ve been raising for months.
For 4-H and FFA member Eden Strepe, the afternoon was a chance to showcase her goat, a six-month-old named Dean. “With horses, they’ll do anything you ask them to do,” Strepe said. “But flipping to a stubborn goat and not really knowing what to do is really hard.” She admitted Dean can be “a little salty” — rearing up and flailing when he doesn’t get his way — but said the experience has been worth it. “The opportunities FFA gives me, and the friends I’ve made — that’s my favorite part,” she said.
On the cattle side, Cyana Briles of Briles Farm in Randolph County brought her Brahman cattle, a breed more common in Texas and Florida than North Carolina. Known for their heat tolerance, Briles said, “When it’s 98 degrees and humid, my cows will be laying in the pasture in the full sun, taking sun baths. If I had Black Angus, they’d be in the creek panting.”
Briles, who participates with her grandchildren in the 4-H Farm Credit Circuit, said the show experience is about more than ribbons.
“These kids have to feed, wash, and halter-train their animals every day,” she explained. “When they don’t place, I tell them what they could have done better. At the next show, when they improve, their confidence has grown tenfold.”
Despite noting a decline in agricultural programs compared to years past, Briles said she believes in the future of agriculture.
“When I see all the ag kids, I believe in the future of this country,” she said.
The Richmond County 4-H Livestock Show was sponsored by local businesses and supported by families, friends and volunteers. Admission was free, and food was sold on-site by American Legion Post 147.