CASS COUNTY — The Cass County 4-H program recently announced a brand-new program for youth wanting to learn more about livestock before investing a lot of money to own one.

A two-day event to showcase the program will feature topics like nutrition, general care, common diseases, showmanship and market tips.  There will also be hands-on opportunities to try newly learned skills on live animals.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 24 and 25 at the Cass County Fairgrounds. The program is designed for youth ages 9 through 19. Cost is set at $10 for 4-H members and $30 for non-4-H youth. A lunch and a T-shirt will be included.

“At last year’s fair, we had a phenomenal turnout of youth doing the livestock judging contest, and many more asking questions about it,” said Hailey Harman, the Cass County 4-H program coordinator. “This fun activity will also be something we will be doing at this program and will benefit the kids as they look to purchase livestock in the future.”

Also included will be a session on recruiting buyers for livestock during the fair auction.

“This is an important part of the process of raising your livestock for fair,” Harman said.  “We can certainly tell which youth have paid attention to the little details of getting proper information to potential buyers… and actually where to even find potential buyers.”

Cass County 4-H said registration is open now through June 21 at the MSU Extension office in Cassopolis.  For more information about Cass County 4-H programs, call (269) 445-4438.