Raising Rural Runges: A "FAIRY" Tale

Neither Scott nor I were in 4-H when we were young so this is a parenting area neither of us have in our wheelhouse. As you've gathered by now, we don't join organizations to build resumes or sit on the sidelines - we tend to jump in with both feet. So this is the story of our experience with the county fair our second year in 4-H. Our first year in 4-H we did not enter anything in the fair, just worked our (very hot and busy) hours in the 4-H Food Stand and took it all in. This year we took the "pig by the tail" and tried a lot of new things. This is our "FAIRY-tale" story!

Since Uncle Tom raises hogs, Jake has had quite a bit of experience around them and it seemed like a logical place to begin our 4-H animal journey..... Jake (and his adult advisors) chose his pigs from the barn when they were about 70 pounds - back in May. The 6 pigs he chose had to have an ear tag - much like an earring - so it would be assured he used the same pigs and didn't switch them out for different ones once they were fully grown. Even though we don't live on a farm we wanted him to be involved with the pigs along the way, so there were many trips made out to the farm to "visit" them and measure their growth and such.

He's pretty comfortable with the little guys - at 3 months old they already weigh more than Jake!

Keeley also prepared in advance with a piano piece she was judged on a week before the fair began.

I was busy with my own work, too - lots of cake the week before the fair!

Sunday before the actual fair week began we went to church and came home and made delicious egg, cheese, and Canadian BACON English muffins. Then the boys decided it was time for the girls and I to meet Jacob's pigs. ;)

Kate went 3 feet into the barn....

Keeley wasn't far behind!!!

Scott is a pro at moving livestock!

The pigs were temporarily loaded onto a trailer during practice times for them to get used to Jake being next to them and vice versa..

Why are my boys always smiling when they don't smell pleasant?!?!? They love animals and what they do! I know Scott misses hauling livestock and he was excited to get to show us first hand what he used to make a living doing.

Dad watching his protege walk the pigs!

Keeley shocked us and hopped right in there and was a quick study - walking like a pro!

Few last pointers from Dad :)

Getting the pigs washed up and pretty!

Practice was over for the day - back into the barn until it's fair time!

4-H judging is a whole new ballgame! We had no idea what to expect - you take each catergory entry and stand in line and wait for your turn with the judge. It isn't like a creative arts entry - you have to explain to each judge all the details of your entry and are also judged on your conversation. You also find out what ribbon you won on the spot - no waiting!

Then there are the high expectations when showing livestock at the fair...transportation, early morning chores, pens cleaned, heat to deal with...

Meanwhile, back in the 4-H exhibit building, Jake took Grand Champion yet again and earned his 3rd purple ribbon on his soybean exhibit - keep in mind he had to explain the entire project all over again to new judges.

He also had an art project get an honorable mention.

Keeley is still a Cloverbud since she is in 2nd grade. She wasn't exactly thrilled (and we didn't know any better) that she would only get 1 green Cloverbud Exhibit ribbon for ALL of her entries in the fair. She was disappointed that she went through the same steps as Jacob and wasn't "Judged" the same way he was with the same rewards - lesson learned. (Keeley's are the Veteran's Memorial, African picture, Flowers drawings x 2, and 3 photography entries as well as a potted plant-not shown.) She did awesome and we are proud of her!

Friday was a day for the books! We began with Jacob showing his pigs - he did amazing for his first time!

Jake getting a high 5 from Brent Coleman after showing his pigs :)

We are SO grateful to everyone who took the time to answer our NUMEROUS questions and gave us pointers - whether it be explaining 4-H exhibits, how "showing" works, or livestock load-out - we learned a lot and hopefully next year will go even smoother! There is no 4-H beginners course - thankfully there are lots of people willing to help - special thanks to the Coleman family for taking Jake under your wing!

All in all, his pigs won red ribbons the majority of the time, but we were most proud of Jacob's Reserve Championship in Junior Showmanship. The judge felt that even though Jacob knew his pigs weren't going to win the Champion ribbons he showed them very well. He knew what he was doing and kept his animals moving. This ribbon means more to Scott and I than all the other blue and reds combined - So proud of the little man we're raising!

After the swine show it was time to take our shift in the 4-H Food Stand!

How many 4-Hers does it take to load a pop cooler!?!

Then it was demonstration time in the 4-H building. Keeley made Egg Salad.

Jacob gave a presentation on Bicycle Safety - a topic he's very passionate about.

Our 4-H Club - the Golden Gleaners - and their profound thoughts...

Jacob's says "You bought it, a trucker brought it."

Keeley's says "Be Happy. Be Bright. Be You."

Heading back to the barn with their shakes from the Dairy trailer ;)

Cleaning up the barn and checking on the pigs one more time before heading to baseball.

Jake's baseball season has come to an end!

Bright and early Saturday morning was the 4-H and FFA Auction. Businesses have the opportunity to bid on their favorite animal. They don't actually get to keep the animal, it just shows their support to 4-H and FFA. The child gets to keep the majority of the money with a portion of the proceeds going back to the 4-H Foundation.

G&M Runge was the bid winner of Jacob's pig!

New this year was an event called "Celebrity Showmanship". Adults from the community were selected by the 4-H clubs and asked to give their hand at livestock showing a try. Scott was chosen for this event and he was right at home showing a cow, pig, and even an imaginary rooster (due to the bird flu)!

A little role reversal - Jake is checking out Dad's showmanship!!!

It's not just the kids that learn new skills at the fair!!!

After Scott worked the fair gates for Farm Bureau, I mowed the lawn and made a quick supper, and it was back out to the fair for bedtime chores. Teamwork at the water pump!

We knew Sunday would be a big day and everyone was already tired after the long week, so we made a big brunch to power-up!

I've shared before how much I LOVE baked bacon! I remembered to take pictures this time. Place a cooling rack inside a jellyroll pan (or pan with sides to catch the grease) and lay your bacon out.