Life and death of pigs and goats offer important lessons to participants in Atlantic County 4-H Fair

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you feel like it was your responsibility to keep them alive."

On Friday, Doyle paraded a 5-month-old goat named Katerina in front of judges at the Atlantic County 4-H Fair.

Doyle has raised the goat since it was a baby, but like most 4-H participants, she knew that if Katerina was to score well with the judges it would increase her value when it comes time to sell her for milk, breeding or - meat.

"Goat is the most consumed meat and dairy in the world," explained Doyle, who has also raised sheep, pigs and poultry. "They are much more efficient than cows are."

Goats will sell for from anywhere from $150 for a pair to $1,000 each. Some have sold for as much at $10,000 at "spotlight" auctions.

Of all the things that Doyle has learned from her years in the 4-H Club, including leadership, teamwork and creativity, it could be the exposure she has had to life's harshest certainty - death - through raising these animals that could have most positive impact on her.

"It definitely prepares you for the real world," she said. "It gives me a sense of responsibility that a lot of my friends who are not in 4-H don't have. Because I know that if I don't care for them, they are going to die. And when it comes time to say goodbye to one of them, for any reason, you learn how precious life is very quick."

Buck Michel is the Atlantic County 4-H Parents' Association president. His 15-year-old daughter, Caryn, had eight animals with her at Friday's livestock event.

"A lot of times 4-H will downplay the livestock angle because of the 'end result,'" said Buck Michel, of Egg Harbor City. "But in truth, being exposed to that aspect gives these children a way better understanding of the full lifecycle. They learn that animals are born, but sometimes not all of them can live long lives."

Samantha Smith is only 11 years old and she already understands this.

Friday was the first time Smith competed in the livestock competition, and she was the first one out of the gate.

Her 1-year-old Angora goat, Lily, usually follows her wherever she goes. But when show time arrived, Smith literally had to drag a hesitant Lily past the judges.

"I like competing in 4-H because it gives you a lot of experience with animals and helps you with life lessons like responsibility," said Smith, whose family also raises a pig, a miniature horse and about a dozen chickens.

Smith says her favorite part of raising the animals is when she gets off the bus from school and there are new chicks to take care of, even though she knows not all of those chicks will live.

"Things come and go," Smith said matter-of-factly. "You get used to it after a while, but it's always sad losing a pet."

Doyle started participating in 4-H Fairs with ducks when she was 7 years old.

According to her mother, Elizabeth Holman, she had her first encounter with death shortly after her start. The family was raising about a dozen ducks when a couple of neighborhood dogs ventured into their backyard to "play" with them.

"When we got out there, half the ducks were already dead and most of the rest we're dying," Holman said. "I probably should've put the ones that were still alive out of their misery, but I just didn't have the heart to do it. So we just sat there with them while they died - crying."

A few years later Doyle tried raising a pig to compete at the 4-H Fair. It was a short-lived experiment.

"Raising a pig just so it can be slaughtered is not really my thing," she said. "I understand why it happens. It's just not for me."

Caryn Michel also enjoys caring for animals in the early stages of their lives.

"It's always fun when the babies are born," she said. "As soon as you wipe them off, they are so energized and so eager to explore. The more babies there are, the more excitement there is."

The Galloway resident will be a junior at Absegami High School in the fall and, like any teenager, her schedule is packed with obligations such as field hockey practice, school work and socializing with friends.

But she doesn't have a problem putting her life on hold when her animals are in need.

"Going to the movies with your friends, you can always make up. Movies are around for a while," she said. "But someone is only born once and someone only dies once. Those are the moments you should be there."

E-mail Robert Spahr: RSpahr@pressofac.com

If you go:

WHERE: The David C. Wood 4-H Center and Fairgrounds, 6210 Route 50, in South Egg Harbor.

WHEN TO GO: Today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE: 4-H western horse show, tractor pull, crafts for kids, 4-H dog show, tae kwon do demonstration, pet parade and show, rabbit and cavy showmanship competition, Four Leaf Clover Cloggers, 4-H awards ceremony, 4-H talent/variety show, model railroad exhibit and demonstration, vendors, rides, fair games, food, and beverages.

WHAT IT COSTS: Admission is free. Parking is a $3 donation.

For more information contact the 4-H fairgrounds at 609-965-1677 or the 4-H office at 609-625-0056.