4-H judging this week, but it's not all about the animals

This is definitely a busy week for 17-year-old Buddy Haas. At this week's Kane County Fair, the Elburn resident is showing two steers and four lambs during a series of 4-H programs. He needs to make sure all of them eat well, feel good and - last but not the least - look nice. Every detail, including an animal's hair conditions, could count toward the judging of Grand Champion, the highest honor for a 4-H project.

"Hair is very important along with the marketability of animals," Haas said.

Good conditioning could shape the legs nicely, for example. But that is just one of the winning blocks.

Haas said his best way to judge a steer is to feel its covering: Does it have a nice fat-to-muscle ratio? Wide tops indicate more sirloin and long bodies promise more ribs. Too much skin hanging from the brisket is not so cool, while a deep belly is ideal. Don't forget to see how it walks, Haas added, since that tells a lot about the soundness of an animal.

The 4-H livestock judging will start at 8 a.m. Wednesday and run through Saturday, and involve poultry, cows, horses, pigs, goats, steers and rabbits. Closing the program will be the Blue Ribbon Sale on Sunday, which features animals raised and cared for by Kane County 4-H'ers.

This is just part of the clover legion's offering at the fair.

"The biggest misconception about 4-H is that it's just about animal programs," said Deanna Roby, a 4-H educator with the University of Illinois Extension office.

She said the extension office offers more than 100 programs to kids 8 to 18. Besides livestock care, children can choose from a wide range of topics, including cooking, child development, filmmaking and journalism.

Larisa Sica of Elgin will return to the 4-H show for the ninth year. At 16, she has already scored a hat trick by winning the Grand Champion title in three programs: Sewing, veterinary science and public presentation.

Years of involvement has left no doubt on her long-term future. Although the Elgin Academy student hasn't selected a university, one thing is for sure: "I want to be an equine vet specialist," she said.

Haas said the 4-H programs have benefited him, as well. Admittedly shy, he has been building "great friendships" in and outside his 4-H club.

"It's like a giant family within the 4-H," Haas said. "It also teaches you to grow up, build more responsibilities and helps you become a better person."