4-H to upgrade facilities

The Eddy County 4-H program is ready for a renaissance. Over the past 10 years, two of the program's four facilities have been torn down, and its membership has dropped considerably. As far as NDSU Extension Agent Donna Anderson and the Eddy County 4-H Council are concerned, that trend ends now.

This summer they embarked on a capital improvement plan, first by engaging Weisenburger Construction to pour a concrete floor for the 4-H auction barn at the Eddy County Fairgrounds. Then, using the holes cut into the side of the building for the concrete to be poured, new windows were installed in the barn.

Work isn't done in the auction barn, and a new facility – also at the fairgrounds – is in the works. The program needs a home for beef, and a place for 4-H'ers to hone their showmanship skills. Anderson saw what a pavilion built on the Foster County Fairgrounds brought to that county's 4-H program, and she decided a pavilion was a great option here in Eddy County as well.

Former Foster County NDSU Extension Agent Joel Lemer came to New Rockford and brought Anderson the road map, and she took it from there.

"We need to make these improvements in order to move our 4-H program forward," Anderson said. "When given the proper tools and the right environment, the kids will shine."

The Eddy County 4-H Council agreed that changes were needed, and in August, they approved the construction. "It just felt right," Anderson said.

The pavilion will be attached to the west side of the 4-H auction barn for support purposes. The structure will be based on 6-by-6 inch treated wood poles spaced six feet on center at a depth of five to six feet. The roof will consist of 4/12 pitch engineered truss rafters. The roof and west-facing gable end of the pavilion will be covered with metal sheathing. The 10-foot walls will not be sheathed, providing an open air, yet protected pavilion.

The west end of the pavilion will have a 24-by-10 foot high free opening with no poles to facilitate unobstructed views and provide for the unloading of equipment by the users of the pavilion. Panels will be used to enclose the open walls during the 4-H livestock show and offer the ability to tarp the sides to extend the user season. Six-inch deep sand will form the structure's floor.

Also on the docket is a complete rework of the auction barn's electrical system, which is antiquated. The new system will provide electrical service for the pavilion as well. A series of overhead lights for evening or cloudy day use and outdoor outlets will be added to the pavilion.

Once the work is complete, the auction barn will house and show the rabbit and poultry exhibits as well as house the small livestock exhibits- swine, goats and sheep. New show pens for small livestock and rabbit and poultry cages will need to be purchased for the barn. The pavilion will be home to the beef exhibited by 4-H'ers and provide a space for them to hold the livestock show on 4-H Achievement Day.

The Pavilion will also offer protection and cover for 4-H educational events such as multi-county livestock fitting clinics, livestock show practice, 4-H Project Exploration Day and various day camps and workshops. There is also an opportunity to expand and enhance the youth archery program by providing a location to practice and compete in a summertime archery season with space for regional matches.

Another organization that can benefit from the pavilion is the Central North Dakota Steam Threshers, providing them with much needed, protected vendor space. Beyond that, the facility can be used as an outdoor setting for informal meetings, large picnics, wedding receptions, family gatherings and reunions and youth activities.

Anderson has written several grant proposals to cover the costs of construction materials and electrical work. The project's total cost is estimated at $35,733.

Eddy County 4-H parents, volunteers, Steam Thresher volunteers and Eddy County Government have committed to provide labor, a value of nearly $10,000. Volunteers will set the poles, hang the trusses, apply the steel sheathing and fit the panels. The Eddy County Commission will provide the sand and equipment to haul in and spread the floor. The project is expected to be completed by June 1, 2020.

To date, two grants have been secured for the project. NDTC contributed $1,000, and the New Rockford Eagles Club pledged $5,000. Eddy County 4-H also made a request to Garrison Diversion Conservancy District in September, and the funded projects should be announced soon.

At least $10,000 more will be needed beyond what is noted above. The Eddy County 4-H program is a qualified non-profit, and funds contributed are fully deductible in accordance with state and federal law. If you wish to donate to this worthwhile project, please contact Donna Anderson at (701) 947-2454. Donations can be sent to Eddy County 4-H, 205 3rd St SE, New Rockford, ND 58356.

Did you know?

October 6-13 is National 4-H Week! This year's theme is "Inspire Kids to Do."

4-H is the nation's largest youth development and empowerment organization. Enrollment is open NOW for the 2019-20 year! To find out more about how kids can get involved, contact the Eddy County NDSU Extension Office at (701) 947-2454. There are three clubs active in the county, and they can help you determine the club that can best meet your child's goals and interests.