Livestock Doubleheader

Kyle Caires (HNFAS) was focused on kids and animals for the weekend when he recently hosted two events on Maui. First there was a small ruminant workshop for over 50 4-H youth and adults at a local ranch in Kula on Saturday, April 21. Attendees received hands-on experience administering dewormers and vaccines, and they gained important management skills such as hoof trimming. Other topics included the importance of rotational grazing and pasture management to achieve efficient weight gain on grass while meeting other goals such as effective parasite control and weed abatement. On Sunday, April 22, many of these youth also attended a beef fitting and showmanship workshop at a local ranch in Makawao. Many 4-H program participants brought their beef steers and heifers and made them available for other youth not enrolled in market and breeding beef projects, so they could learn valuable animal-handling skills as well.