The Rural Voice, 1988-02, Page 22MY EXPERIENCES WITH 4-H
All of my life, I've been interested in
farm work. Although I live on a farm, I
hardly ever go in the barn because my
family doesn't own it. My cousins and
grandparents live on farms, so I've had
a little experience with farm chores. My
farming experiences have also been
limited because I have asthma and I am
allergic to hay, dust, straw, and other
substances found on farms. Until re-
cently, I've been unable to go into barns
for lengthy periods of time. I now have
an inhaler which enables me to stay in
barns longer.
This past spring, my cousin asked
my sister and I if we would be interested
in joining the 4-H calf club. I figured
that it would be fun because I could take
care of a calf and I could expand my
knowledge of the farm. Since I was not
yet 12, I would only be a Pre -Member.
At our first meeting, we learned
about milk and milk products and we
had a cheese taste test. We also learned
the 4-H pledge, which is:
"I plege:
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living,
For my club, my community, and
my country."
We also received a 4-H workbook.
After the meeting, I was convinced that
4-H was the club for me!
The second meeting was about ship -
by Alissa Devereaux, 12, Holy Family School
— 1st for writing, age 12 to 16
ping milk and farms. We saw a film and
then had hotdogs and pop. This sure was
an exciting organization!
In the next week, my cousin called
my sister and I and told us that we could
come and see our calves. We went right
over. I saw my calf and I was very
Fall is coming.
The pigs are fat.
The pumpkins are
ripening.
The animals are
eating more and
more.
The farmer is tired.
The farmer's wife is
baking.
Working and
working until fall is
here.
Andrea Bardens, 8, Stratford,
Hamlet School
— 3rd for poetry, 8 to 11
excited.
I patted
long time.
Every day that month, I went to the
She was soft and really young.
her and brushed her fur for a
Ur" 1116.1..
7
i t[ frliflLi!/!�1
The Future on the Farm — David Walter, 10, Chepstow, Mary
Immaculate School — Hon. Mention for art, 8 to 11
farm and worked with my calf. She was
rather small but was nicely behaved. I
led, fed, and finally clipped her on a
regular basis. She looks bald now. She
obeys me quite well because she is used
to me.
I named her Diemertdale Jet Dana
because she was born at Diemertdale
Acres; her father's name was Bridon
Astro Jet, and I added Dana.
A few weeks later, I took her to the
Ayton Fair. I was competing with four
other members. Dana placed third
because she was so small. I was satisfied
with the results because it was my first
year.
Herd health was discussed at our last
meeting. A local vet came to my cous-
in's barn and showed us how to clip
calves' extra teats, how to clip calves'
horns, how to tell if a cow is sick, and a
few other interesting facts.
The second competition Dana and I
entered was at the Neustadt Fair. I
received third again, due to the size of
Dana.
The 4-H year ended with a fantastic
trip to Pioneer Sports World in Kitch-
ener and an Awards Banquet. I was
unable to attend, but I received a trophy
for participation.
In conclusion, 4-H was a great ex-
perience for me and I'm very glad I
joined. I strongly suggest this program
for anyone who wants to meet new peo-
ple and learn more about farm work.0
SAFETY ON THE FARM
Hi my name is Capucine and I would like
you to know all about farm safety so l will
tell you. I don't want you to get hurt. I will
tell you one thing you should never do.
Don't try to fight off animals because you
think you are tough. They could kick you.
Don't ever go to fix a machine when it is
started. Do never run on the floor, it could
be slippery. Don't go near a power take-
off you could get caught on a tractor.
Have bright lights and a clean work place.
Oh no! Careful! Too late, my friend just
slipped on the floor. Oh! Wait, don't go
away, you might get hurt. Aaaah oh no
ha ha see, I told you so ...
Capucine Onn, 7, Blyth Public School — 3rd for writing
(tie)
20 THE RURAL VOICE