Freshman Haley Plumlee has always had a love for animals, and through her participation in 4-H, her love has grown to include chickens.
Plumlee participates in a category of 4H that allows her to choose a species of livestock and raise it. Members go to meetings, keep records, and prepare for events. During exhibitions, members display their animals in front of judges while answering questions.
This process, for Plumlee, is as much about family as it is about chickens.
“My grandpa had chickens as a kid and participated in 4-H like I do, and when I asked for chickens, he was pretty on board with it and really helped me achieve my goal of raising livestock,” Pumlee said.
Plumlee helps with the chickens on her grandparents’ farm as often as she can.
“When I do come down to their house, I try my best to take care of them as best as I can.” Plumlee said.
The caretaking Plumlee helps with usually includes cleaning the coops, feeding and bringing water, getting the chickens accustomed to being around people through handling and spending time with them.
In June, Plumlee plans to show her prized chickens at the Brown County 4-H Fair, but for her, the work never stops. It’s a year-long endeavor.
“In 4-H, as livestock owners, we are required to completely attend meetings over all things livestock, like how to care for a sick animal or the proper nutrients animals require,” Plumlee said.
During her years of participation in 4-H, Plumlee learned to prove her knowledge of her animals through confidence.
“I’ve really learned just how to be confident in what I know,” Plumlee said. “When you go into the showmanship ring and a judge asks you about your bird, your confidence is just as important as the knowledge.”
For Plumlee, the satisfaction comes from the hard work and preparation leading up to the exhibitions.
“I really love how at the end of a show day everyone can just get together and admire the work we all put in as a whole and how we can improve next year.” Plumlee said.
Plumlee said her love of caring for animals won’t stop when the competition does.
“Right now, I just show livestock for fun, but I can definitely see myself owning animals as an adult. I want to encourage others to participate in 4-H.”
