Norman North Senior Trisdon Metseff and Junior Charli Paneque showed many animals at the Cleveland County Fair in September. Metseff showed goats, rabbits, chickens and sheep. Paneque showed a goat.
Metseff is a senior and currently a member of the Oklahoma Cleveland County Chapter of Head, Health, Hands and Heart better known as 4-H. This organization gives communities the opportunity to experience health, science, agriculture and citizenship.
Metseff is currently taking the Veterinarian Assistant Class at Moore Norman Technology Center to become a mixed-practice veterinarian. A mixed-practice veterinarian is a vet who works with all animals from household pets to farm animals.
Paneque joined the Norman Chapter of the National FFA Organization formally known as Future Farmers of America the spring semester of 2022. She is currently the Chapter’s vice president.
“I always loved going to the fair” Metseff said, “this ismy fourth year actually showing at the fair so I am getting used to it.” Mettsiff has previously won awards for showing poultry along with reserved grand champion in the market lamb category.
“Showing goats is similar to sheep but still very different,” Paneque said. “You have to train them to be comfortable walking and stopping whenever you need them to and you have to work with them on their brace.“ Competitors must also be sturdy in order to hold their animals in the correct position.
“It’s also super important to work their hair. depending on your goat’s hide color, you may have to use brightening shampoos or hide paints to help them stand out. Most people use sheen to create a natural shine.” Sheen is a spray used to create a natural shine in the hair.
There are also additional categories for judging in competition. “You want them to stretch their hind legs as far as they can to showcase their muscles and figure” The judges base the score on Structural Correctness, size and Body Capacity, style and balance and sexual characteristics.
“What really got me into showing animals when I was in 8th or 7th grade my parents got some chickens and so I started showing at the county fair and other local shows. After that my love for animals started to grow” said Metseff.
The 4-H website says the club is a positive environment where students can receive guidance from adult mentors. “It is a very friendly environment,” said Metseff. “Its structure is kind of like FFA, but it is not run by the school, so you do not get any homework.”
Paneque is not affiliated with the 4-H division but instead competes with the FFA. The Norman FFA chapter has its main building on the Norman High School campus. Both schools share this program and are open to all students.
“We try our hardest to create a fun, welcoming, and engaging atmosphere in the Ag building.” Paneque said, “we love all of our chapter members and we want them to feel at home.”
Article updated at 11:27 on September 28, 2023.
Correction to Paneque’s name. Article previous identified Paneque as showing sheep, rather than a goat.
