Member Spotlights

Mitchell, Fresno County

Mitchell, Blossom Trail 4-H, Fresno County

Spotlight-Mitchell Mitchell joined the dog care and training project this year.  Over the summer, he drove to his cousins’ farm in Oregon (“the longest drive of my life!”) and picked out a Border Collie puppy.  Mitchell weaned and housetrained his new puppy Timber.  Timber and Mitchell began working on obedience and agility skills at 4-H meetings.  Mitchell says, “I plan to teach Timber more in the dog project next year so we can compete and hopefully someday train him to work cattle.”

Mitchell’s year in the beef project was very eventful.  Unfortunately, his older cow and calf got sick and were unable to compete at the Fresno Fair.  On a happier note, Mitchell helped his heifer Slo-Mo give birth to a very nice calf.  Mitchell has also been working with his market steer in order to get ready for the fair.

The horse project kept Mitchell busy as well!  He worked with his horse Skeeter for weeks, preparing for their very first show.  “We walked into the ring and I set him up and next thing I remember is holding a red ribbon!” exclaims Mitchell.  Along with his second place award, Mitchell won third and fifth place honors in other classes.  Mitchell learned many valuable lessons through the horse project, such as horse judging, first aid, and mane braiding.

Along with his dog, horse, and beef projects, Mitchell was also involved in the rabbit project.  He enjoyed success at the Fresno Fair with his two meat pen rabbits, which he later sold.  Sadly, some stray dogs got into Mitchell’s rabbitry and terrorized his rabbits, killing several.  Mitchell worked hard to calm down his rabbits, and he was able to continue showing with the help of many people.  Mitchell is continuing to expand his rabbit project, and he has many goals for next year.

“I hope by sharing my experiences in 4-H, both bad and good, will help others to learn from my mistakes and successes,” says Mitchell.  He certainly kept busy this past year.  Mitchell has embraced the learn-by-doing approach of 4-H, and he is sure to enjoy continued success!

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Student Assistant, mereese@ucdavis.edu