Community members learned about showing and raising chickens, rabbits and goats last weekend during a public clinic hosted by the Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H Small Animal Council at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

4-H leaders and livestock showmen taught youth from across the county how to start and succeed in herdsmanship, animal husbandry and showing.

“With a group nearly double the size of last year, the need for these types of clinics is clearly growing in the community," said 4-H Program Coordinator Cyrus Vore. “Youth in the area crave an outlet for agricultural education, and 4-H is more than happy to support fulfilling that need. Our leaders and experienced members are more than qualified to help spread this information in this kind of setting.”

Vore said future clinics and events include partnerships with members of the North Idaho State Fair Youth Stock Show and Sale.

“We’re here to educate and provide extra opportunities to youth they wouldn’t ordinarily receive. It’s incredible to see the outreach continue to grow as more people learn what we have to offer,” Vore said.

To keep up with other 4-H opportunities, follow the UI Extension, Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H Program page on Facebook.