Young people across Josephine County who are involved in agriculture, livestock care, or youth farm programs will soon have an opportunity to sharpen their skills and learn directly from one of Oregon’s leading youth livestock educators. Oregon State University Extension Service is hosting a full-day Animal Science Training designed to help youth better understand the care, feeding, and handling of animals commonly raised for fair and agricultural programs.
The training is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Community Learning Center located at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, 215 Ringuette Street in Grants Pass. Organizers say the event is open to all youth in the region who are interested in animal science, whether they participate in programs such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Youth and Agriculture programs, or are simply interested in learning more about livestock care.
The daylong program will be led by Candi Bothum, the State 4-H Animal Science Coordinator for Oregon. Bothum works statewide helping young people develop practical livestock management skills while also promoting responsible animal stewardship. During the March 14 training, she will guide participants through several foundational aspects of livestock care, including proper nutrition, feeding strategies, maintaining animal health, and developing showmanship skills for the fair ring.
According to organizers, the training focuses on both the science and the practical experience behind raising animals successfully. Youth attending the event will learn about how proper nutrition affects growth, health, and performance, as well as how to recognize signs that an animal may need medical attention. Participants will also gain insight into daily care routines that help animals stay healthy and comfortable throughout the year.
Another key component of the training will focus on showmanship and handling skills. These techniques are particularly valuable for young livestock exhibitors preparing for county fair competitions. By learning how to properly guide, present, and handle their animals, youth can improve their confidence in the show ring while also ensuring their animals remain calm and well cared for during events.
Organizers say the training is meant to be practical and accessible for youth at all experience levels. Some participants may already be actively raising animals for fair projects, while others may simply be curious about agriculture and livestock care. Either way, the goal is to provide a welcoming environment where youth can ask questions, build knowledge, and connect with others who share an interest in animal science.
The event is free to attend, making it accessible to families throughout Josephine County and the surrounding area. OSU Extension officials say community participation is an important part of their mission to support youth education and agricultural learning in rural communities.
“The Animal Science Training will feature Candi Bothum, State 4-H Animal Science Coordinator, presenting basic nutrition and feeding, health maintenance, and showmanship and handling skills,” according to the event announcement. Organizers add that youth “will learn about proper nutrition and care for their animals along with showmanship and handling skills that will help come Fair time.”
More information about the training can be found online through the Oregon State University Extension Service event page. Families with questions may also contact the Josephine County OSU Extension office.
Those needing disability-related accommodations are asked to submit requests by March 11 to ensure proper arrangements can be made before the event.
With the Josephine County Fair season approaching later this year, organizers hope the training will give young livestock exhibitors the knowledge and confidence they need to care for their animals responsibly while preparing for the show ring.