Happy Holidays! - Don't Forget the Livestock!

     I will make this short. Happy Holidays to all you 4-H and FFA members! I hope you will enjoy your break from school. Please remember these things during your winter break.

• You DO NOT GET TO SLEEP IN! Your animals expect to be fed the same time in the morning and the same time at night as they have been. They won't care if you are still in your pajamas, so ditch the fuzzy slippers, put on your mud boots and coat, and head to the barn.
• You DO NOT GET TO RELAX ON EXERCISING AND GROOMING! This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your animals. They need their exercise during the break to help build muscle, keep those rumens moving and appetite going. Breaking calf hair, moisturizing hog hair or combing out leg wool all takes time, and you have some now.
• You SHOULD PRACTICE SHOWMANSHIP! This is your homework during winter break. Don't be the one during the county fair saying "I wish I had worked more on showmanship."
• CLEAN UP THE BARN! You have been putting it off because of school, sports and other activities, so now is the time to really get it clean. Get the feed sacks hauled to the trash, clean up the hay stack, sweep the floor, pick up the shovels, rakes and tack you have just left out because "I use them every day."

     Two weeks off seem like an eternity, but it will go by fast and will be busier than you think. Get out to the barn and take advantage of the extra time you have.


Scott Stinnett
Extension Associate
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension