4-H has expanded the scope of their programming over the years to focus more on overall youth development.

The roots of the club, originally intended to educate young farmers on new farming technology at the start of the 20th century, remain strongly rooted in agriculture, however.

That’s why the annual 4-H dairy show and chick chain judging held on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Marshall County Showground is always one of the headline events of the year.

This year’s chick chain competition, one of the signature events in the 4-H calender, offers students an opportunity to raise pullets over the summer, giving them an opportunity to learn about responsibility while offering the pride of raising food for their family at the same time.

In early March, 47 students, from fourth grade to high school, picked up the chicks from the Extension office, resulting in 27 pens of full-grown, egg laying chickens entered in the judging.

Julie Giles, with the Marshall County Extension office, said that this year saw more participants in both shows, as well as more livestock, and more support and involvement from the community as a whole.

“Overall, it was a very good community event for the youth in Marshall County,” said Giles.