According to http://www.4Honline.com, over four million youth participate in 4-H projects each year, across the United States. This is the time of year for all 4-H members to put on the finishing touches, a little more practice, and the last bit of grooming in preparation for their local fairs.
It’s happening all over the country but, according to Richland County Extension Agent Josie Evenson, Becca Deming is different. Becca is going to show eight different animals in this year’s Richland County Fair. She said, “My goal is to get Grand Champion in showmanship for every animal I show this year.” She has won several Grand Champions for showmanship in the past, at least one for every species of animal she has shown but never all in the same year. This year, she plans to show eight different animals. They will be one goat, two lambs, three pigs, one steer, and a friendly dog she adopted at Raise The Woof in Dickinson, North Dakota, last year. “Showmanship is my strong suit.” she said.
Becca belongs to a 4-H family that has been in the area for many generations. The sign by the road west of Fairview says since 1906. Becca’s mother, Kelly participated in 4-H as a child in McKenzie County and now Becca and all of her siblings but one has participated as well.
Becca started her 4-H journey eight years ago and plans to continue for two more years before she ages out. Then, after graduation, she plans to go to college in Glendive or Miles City for a Fish and Wildlife Degree. Then, she plans to further her education with a zoology degree from the University of Florida in Gainsville so she has a chance to intern at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She had considered going to Williston State college but decided against it. Now, though, she and the rest of her family are very active in 4-H. Becca attended Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman July 9- 12. She presented a clinic on showmanship in Sidney at the fairgrounds Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. It was free and all were welcome to come and bring their animals.
Becca’s family members often continue to help out with 4-H even after they have become too old to participate. Her mother, along with other 4-H leaders and older 4-H members, organized a jackpot show on the 19th of July. Demings offer to allow 4-H members who do not have the facilities for a large animal to keep their 4-H project on the property. Becca’s grandparents raise Black Simmental cattle and often have 4-H participants asking to purchase one for their project
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