My name is Kauy Carr and I am 17 years old. In the fall, I will be a senior at Sudan High School. I live in the small town of Sudan, Texas. I have been a member of Lamb County 4-H for six years and have had the greatest experiences with this program. With the help of my family, I have been managing a herd of goats for about 10 years, and have also participated in beef cattle, livestock judging, skillathon, and photography. I am so thankful to be a “4-H kid” and will take my skills and experiences with me in the future. There are so many projects and activities to be involved in, so let me tell you about a few of them.
My brother and I started out just showing goats and now I manage my herd of over 80 does. My operation has grown in size and quality over the years. I have expanded the variety of goats I own. I have a herd of boer goats that is made up of old show does and replacement does that I have raised. In addition to goats, I have had a beef project since I started in 4-H. I have been raising and showing heifers or showing steers and helping my family manage our cow/calf operation. I help doctor calves, vaccinate the herd, apply pest control to the herd, and assist with pulling calves. I love raising livestock, and being able to evaluate livestock as well as learn about management. This is very important to me.
I have participated in livestock judging for the past four years and it has been challenging to learn how to judge pigs and sheep since I do not have any experience raising these species. I attended the Texas Tech University livestock judging camp two times in the summer to improve my evaluation skills as well as my speaking skills. I know that these skills will be a beneficial to me in the future as I raise and market my own livestock.
I have participated in Livestock Skillathon for two years. I have learned a lot about different species of livestock and the feed, meat and production of them. More specifically, I learned about cuts of meat, and quite a bit about wool judging, including staple length, crimp and lanolin content. I also have learned about equipment used in various species of livestock and can use this knowledge when I have my own herds of livestock later.
One of my favorite projects through 4-H has been the photography contest. I discovered years ago that I really enjoy taking pictures, and as I have gotten older I have realized that I would like to pursue becoming a livestock photographer in the future in addition to being an embryologist and raising goats. Observing livestock photographers in the show ring during stock shows, and studying ads in sale flyers and other publications, has helped me see the relevance of quality photography in our industry and in marketing our stock.
One of the most important parts of my 4-H experience is exploring career options for the future. I plan to go to college and get a degree in Animal Science with an animal reproduction and pre-veterinary focus. Later, I hope to get into vet school and have a veterinary practice. I would like to have a career as an embryologist, have a veterinary practice and be a professional livestock photographer.
My 4-H experience has been awesome this year, and I am looking forward eagerly to the future in 4-H and beyond. All of these projects have relevance and work together for the goals I have for my future. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the 4-H program. I joined 4-H initially when a friend of mine asked me to be her partner for Duds to Dazzle contest when I was younger. We had a great time, and although I have not continued that project, I do appreciate the introduction to 4-H. I also appreciate the guidance and encouragement 4-H gives for community service. My family has always felt it important to contribute to and give back to our community through service. I serve in our local food bank, Operation Christmas Child, benefit events for community members and to build a chapel at our cemetery for keeping our citizens safe and comfortable during inclement weather at funerals. I take the “hands for greater service” section of the 4-H pledge very seriously and am glad to have 4-H to help me find opportunities to serve. I know that in whatever community I settle in as an adult, my 4-H experience will be valuable training for contributing to the betterment of the community and serving those around me, and I am thankful for this background.
The 4-H program is an awesome way to get involved with your community, meet new friends, and learn valuable life skills, and I encourage anyone who is interested to give 4-H a try!