By Ashleigh Klein
4-H Program Coordinator
MSU Extension, Wayne County 4-H
The Wayne County 4-H Livestock Clinic is an educational event designed to prepare youth for success in livestock projects and exhibitions.
Open to all 4-H members, the clinic provides hands-on learning opportunities with a focus on animal care, showmanship, and industry best practices. Youth participants engage with experienced presenters and industry professionals to gain valuable knowledge on topics such as feeding and nutrition, grooming, animal health, and proper handling techniques.
The clinic offers species-specific sessions, including beef, swine, goats, rabbits/cavy, and poultry, ensuring youth receive targeted instruction relevant to their project animals.
In addition to hands-on skill-building, youth practice show ring etiquette and receive feedback to help build their confidence and abilities ahead of fair season.
Now in its third year, the Wayne County 4-H Livestock Clinic has continued to grow in size, scope, and impact, serving as a key educational opportunity for youth engaged in livestock projects.
What began as a single-day clinic has evolved into a two-day event, with small animal sessions this year held Friday evening and large animal programming offered all day Saturday, May 16-17, at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
This expanded format allowed for deeper learning and better scheduling for families and volunteers.
In 2025, 40 youth participated, up from 26 in 2024, marking a 54% increase in attendance. Participants ranged in experience levels, from first-year members to seasoned showmen, and they engaged in both species-specific sessions and broader livestock project workshops.
This year’s clinic included: showmanship sessions for beef, dairy, swine, goats, rabbits/cavies, and poultry. It also included educational classes on breed and market classes, nutrition and illness, halter breaking and training, animal first aid, and marketing your 4-H project.
Participants were excited, engaged, and eager to apply the knowledge they had learned.
One youth, after attending the Marketing Your 4-H Project session, shared, “This was my second-favorite class. Pigs were my first. It’s hard to beat pigs.” Another noted, “I didn’t know there were different ways to talk to buyers. I feel more confident now that I know how to explain my project.”
When asked what they enjoyed most about the clinic, one participant enthusiastically responded, “The hands-on aspect! Having the opportunity to touch and interact with the small animals was awesome.”
This sentiment reflects the clinic’s commitment to experiential learning, providing youth with genuine opportunities to connect with animals and develop practical skills through direct interaction.
The impact of the clinic extended beyond the youth as well, thanks to a committed team of more than 10 volunteers and MSU Extension staff, who contributed nearly 100 combined hours to planning, preparing, and leading the sessions. Their dedication ensured a high-quality experience, and their presence helped model leadership, teamwork, and knowledge-sharing.
Additionally, the clinic received financial support from the Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Grant, awarded to Wayne County volunteer Donna Budd in 2024.
This funding allowed for the addition of new sessions and supplies as well as covering the cost of clinicians, ultimately enriching the overall program experience for youth.
We would also like to give a special thank you to the sponsors for the 2025 Wayne County 4-H Livestock Clinic T-shirts: A Design Line Embroidery LLC, Budd Farm, Cadillac Asphalt LLC, Garden Fantasy on Main, Parkway Services Inc, and Robson’s Greenhouse.
The Wayne County 4-H Livestock Clinic is more than just a learning event; it’s a transformational experience for youth, fostering confidence, deepening their knowledge, and strengthening their connection to agriculture. By offering both species-specific and project-based learning opportunities, the clinic equips youth with practical skills, encourages responsibility, and prepares them to be confident representatives of their 4-H projects. Each year, the clinic continues to grow “bigger and better,” proving its value in developing the next generation of livestock leaders and ag-savvy youth in Wayne County.
With strong volunteer support, grant funding, and a commitment to excellence, the clinic stands as a shining example of what’s possible through the 4-H program in Wayne County.
Join us at the 2025 Wayne County Fair! Come see all the hard work and dedication of our 4-H youth on display at the Wayne County Fair, Aug. 4–9, 2025. From livestock to creative arts, 4-H’ers will be showcasing the projects they’ve worked on all year.
Don’t miss the Wayne County Youth Auction on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to support local 4-H members in their market animal projects. It’s a great way to invest in the future of agriculture and celebrate the accomplishments of our youth!