Oakley Lewis with Hocus. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News

The 80th annual Coastal Plains Jr. Livestock Show and Sale was held at the Lenoir County Livestock Arena on Monday and Tuesday. Monday had goats and lambs, a cattle show, and a breeding gilt show. On Tuesday there was a market hog show. Both days featured children, farm animals and a lot of smiles.

"We're glad 4H is coming back alive after COVID because the kids need it and they learn a lot of things about life and taking care of animals," said Pitt County resident Marsha Hall.

Hall went on to say, “We would not have this opportunity were it not for the Cooperative Extension Agent Andy Burlingham. His farm and these are his lambs and goats. He shares his farm with us and his interests.”

The Coast Plains Jr. Livestocks partners local farms with children to allow them an opportunity to interact and learn from the sale of livestock. Most of whom wouldn’t have the opportunity to interact with farm animals.

“Hocus is five months old. Her favorite things are hay, water, treats and sugar,” said youngster Oakley Lewis at her first show.

Children from Lenoir and surrounding counties were able to take part in the event which showcased farm animals including lambs, goats, cattle, and hogs. The counties share resources to reach more children.

“They are meat goats, which they sell for meat. We like to show them,” said Hackney Hall, a veteran of Jr. livestock shows with eight under his belt.

The Jr. Livestock Show allows children to learn hands-on. They can learn about winning and losing as well as about death and genetics.

“This is Ellie. She doesn’t like to walk. She always tries to lay down,” said Savannah McDonald, on her second Jr. Livestock show. “She’s not that wild sometimes. She’s being good today.”

The children that showed animals were excited about being a part of it and were willing to share what they learned about their animals.

“They process a lot of different things that will benefit them,” said Marsha Hall.