Youths prepare cows for showings

GREENWICH Washington County Fairgrounds resembled a Hol- lywood beauty parlor as kids primped and pampered their cows under the watchful eye of experienced instructors.

About two dozen youths, ages 5 to 17, took part in a 4-H Show- manship and Fitting Clinic on Saturday, where they learned how to prepare animals for this year’s Washington County Fair.

Now kids have all summer to perfect skills so they and their cows look extra sharp when fair time arrives in late August.

“You try to groom so they have the beef look,” 4-H leader Shawn Murphy said. “That’s what the

term ‘fitting’ means — getting them to look a certain way.”

Beyond that, animal husbandry teaches kids valuable lessons that will prove beneficial for the rest of their lives.

“They learn how to accomplish a task, how to set goals and get it done,” Murphy said. “It goes beyond beef cattle. It’s a life skill. Most kids, when they start doing this, fall in love with it.”

Beef cattle have become increasingly popular in Washington and Saratoga counties, as former dairies seek ways to keep their land in agricultural production.

Murphy owns Ledge Knoll Farm in White Creek, which has 35 head of black Angus. “We primarily raise and sell heifers for breeding stock,” he said, “although we do raise some for meat production, too.”

His 5-year-old son, Gavin, will start showing animals at this year’s fair.

“He plays soccer and does things after school like other kids, but he’s also takes care of his own cows,” Murphy said. “He’s already liking it. It’s something he wants to do.”

Across the barn, Murphy’s niece, Jala Mur- phy, 17, worked intently on grooming her cow with electric clippers.

Animals come out looking like kings and queens after being fussed over with hair-styling products and blow dryers.

“The bigger picture is that we’re exposing these kids to possibilities, so if they go on to higher competitions they’ll know what to expect,” Murphy said.

In addition to physical appearance, kids were taught how to handle animals and impress judges in a show ring.

“I’m learning how to keep a cow calm, how to train it, brush it and lead it,” said 9-year-old Rylan Rist of Argyle.

About two dozen youths belong to Washington County Junior Beef Club.

For more information on the program, contact Shawn Murphy at 518-6864180 or Robert Bentley at 518-222-6443.