Cloverdale 4-H takes Fair honors

Krista Pagano with Frankie the sheep.

Local 4-H youth had an outstanding run at the Deschutes County Fair last week.

"The kids have done incredibly well at the fair this year," said Pinky Pagano, mother of one of the 4-H club members. "Out of the 17 kids in this club, seven returned with their sheep into the championship round of the Market Class.

"Three took first place, with four returning in second place."

The competition is divided into several categories: Novice (which can be any age, as long as it is the first year of competition), Junior (grades 4-6), Intermediate (grades 7-9), and Senior (grades 10-12).

Haley Hunt was named the Intermediate Champion in the Grand Champion Round. As the Reserve Grand Champion Sheep Showman, she was the second best out of all those who showed sheep.

"It's quite an honor," said Pam Mitchell, leader of the Cloverdale Livestock Club.

Mitchell herself was involved in 4-H as a youth, and has served as a leader for the past 16 years.

"Now (Haley) gets to compete as a Master Showman, which is a cross-species competition. In one day, she has to learn how to show cattle, horses, and pigs. There's a lot to it."

Those who placed included: Tory Leason (Senior division); Travis Duggins, Krista Pagano, Haley Hunt (Intermediate division); Beth Keeton and Adam Hunt (Junior division); Garrett Dowing and Ashley Henry (Novice division).

Preston Gates had the Champion Black Romney Sheep.

Fifteen year-old Krista Pagano, who will be a sophomore at Sisters High this fall, first became interested in 4-H because of her brother's involvement.

"I grew up at the fairgrounds," said Pagano. "Guess I just followed in his footsteps. This is my fifth year showing sheep -- you really learn a lot doing this."

Krista Pagano's ram, Frankie, took first in his class. She also showed Wendy, a Suffolk ewe.

"Market class means the sheep are sold for meat after judging," explained Pagano. "We are supposed to line up buyers before the fair -- we write letters to places that might be interested, like Ray's. We won't know until the fair is over who bought our animals or what price we get."

Thursday, August 2, was the Market class at the Deschutes County Fair, while Friday was Breeding Class. Showmanship was judged on Saturday, and during this competition the students themselves are judged on their knowledge of their animals.

The kids involved in the Cloverdale Livestock Club come from all around Central Oregon and cover a wide age range.

"There's a good blend of kids here," said Mitchell. "The older students work with the younger ones, and help them out a lot.

"They provide great role models for the younger kids."

For more information about the Cloverdale Livestock Club, contact Pam Mitchell at 923-6627.