Who would have thought these terms would be used to describe me…a past 4-H, livestock showing, member.
Last week I received various emails, facebook messages, and tweets encouraging me to check out this article. This really, really interesting article about 4-H.
It started out being a really great article. Titled “5 reasons to buy from your local 4-H“…Great right?
Well, until you get to the comments portion.
I never would have imagined the reaction that was received from this article. I didn’t realize there were so many non supporters of the 4-H program. I really had to take a step back, just to think.
4-H taught me so much. To hear all about it see a blog post I did a few months back titled Reflections Of A Fair Queen.
How could anyone think anything different other than 4-H being a positive impact on the lives of all youth involved?
Whew…Craziness!
I showed sheep for 9 years.
Every Spring I picked out my lamb to show at the county fair.
Every Summer I spent nearly every day halter breaking it and loving all over it.
And at the end of every county fair week I walked it through the ring for the county 4-H auction. At the end of the auction I put it into a pen, gave it one last pat and said “Thank you, buddy.”
Does this make me a cold blooded killer?
Or, does it make me an educated consumer and producer?
One comment was made that 4-H desensitizes youth.
Does it?
Or does it create an understanding between man and animal?
I feel that because of my involvement in 4-H I have became a more nurturing producer and an even more educated consumer.
And just for the record…Every time we have a sick calf I still give it a little extra attention and check on it more than I may need too. And as we work cattle I still give them a little pat on the rump or a little scratch behind the ear. And at the end of their time on our farms I help load them into our trucks to haul to Tyson in Sioux City, Iowa. Not because I am a cold blooded killer, but because 4-H taught me the true value of life.
Amanda Radke over at the Beef Daily Blog told me a quote one time that really says it best.
Cold Blooded Killer
“Everything lives and everything dies. Death with a purpose gives full meaning to life.”
I was a 10 year 4-H sheep member and I always looked at selling livestock as a business proposition. My father owned a landscape nursery. He never cried when he sold a tree he had raised, water, pruned and taken care of, therefore I never cried when I sold a lamb. It’s just good business.
Some people will never change their views, but you know in your heart that what you did/do is honorable and helps feed a nation. It’s a sticks and stones moment. Hugs and Hang in there!
That is so crazy, some people are so judgemental if you don’t believe what they believe in or dont have their same hobbies. I can not wait to get my girls into 4h, thats the kind of life I want them to have.
That is awesome Sunnie! 4-H has so many great opportunities!