Last week, 4-H youth participated in a fitting and showing lamb clinic at the Peila View Farm in Oxford. The youth group learned how to properly shear and show lambs for auction and market. (Submitted photo)

OXFORD – Preparing to show lamb for auction or breeding takes knowledge and skill sets. At last week's 4-H lamb fitting and showing clinic, youth participated in honing their skills to become better showmen. 

The clinic was hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County Animal Science and Agriculture Educator Victoria Ryan at Peila View Farm located in Oxford.

"We had an influx of kids that had only shown their lambs once before or not at all and were interested in growing their knowledge, but not sure where to start, so we put this clinic together," said Ryan. 

"About 16 4-H youth participated, ages from five to 15 and we spent about four hours learning the ins and outs of showing a lamb and proper fitting, " said Ryan. "Some 4-H youth were experienced with years of showmanship, so they became our team leaders."

She said the clinic taught skills to those preparing to show their lambs at the fairground auction coming up and others were there to learn about breeding stock, learning what to feed their stock and breeding ewes to continue having generational lambs.

"We also worked out skills on pushing into the lamb to tense up the muscle," said Ryan. "This technique shows off the muscular animal versus a fatty animal."