4-H PEI Volunteers Host Successful
Explore Livestock Showmanship Day
​to Inspire the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders!

​On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Crapaud Agriplex buzzed with energy as 28 enthusiastic 4-H PEI members aged 9 to 21 gathered for the Explore Livestock Showmanship Day. This hands-on event was designed to spark a renewed interest in livestock projects and reverse decline in exhibition participation.

Under the guidance of seasoned industry experts, participants stepped into the ring to try their hands at showing various animals. The day featured six specialized livestock sessions--Beef, Dairy, Horse, Poultry, Rabbit, and Sheep—with each youth participating in three different categories. Attendees were also treated to a captivating dog showmanship demonstration courtesy of Dominica McCutcheon.

The primary objective of the day was to foster excitement for showing livestock at Island fairs and exhibitions. "Participation in 4-H livestock projects has dwindled some over the past few decades," said event organizers. "We want to see a resurgence of interest in these programs. The youth taking on these projects today are the literal future of agriculture in Canada."

A Community-Driven Effort

The event was born out of the initiative of three dedicated 4-H volunteers who spearhead and coordinated the entire day: Grace Hughes, Parker Smith, and Molly Loane.

An event of this scale relies heavily on community support, and local families and experts generously stepped up to provide both instruction and livestock:
  • Beef: Chloe Loane (Instructor) & The Loane Family (Animal Supplier)
  • Dairy: Annika Versteeg & Katie Hughes (Instructors) & The Versteeg Family (Animal Supplier)
  • Canine: Dominica McCutcheon (Presenter)
  • Horse: Jill Lockhart (Instructor) & Amanda Tweedy (Animal Supplier)
  • Rabbit: Silvia Beaton (Instructor & Animal Supplier)
  • Poultry: Stephen Webster (Instructor & Animal Supplier)
  • Sheep: Ila Matheson (Instructor) & The van Breugel Family (Animal Supplier)

In addition to the instructors, numerous parents stepped up to chaperone, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for all. To keep the energy high, participants and volunteers enjoyed a pizza lunch generously donated by Cardigan Feed Services Ltd.

Grateful for Our Sponsors

4-H PEI extends its deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors whose financial and resource support made this impactful day possible:
  • PEI 4-H Trust
  • 4-H PEI Council
  • 4-H PEI Beef Team Committee
  • 4-H PEI Dairy Team Committee
  • Clarence Farm Services Limited
  • Illsley's Feed and Farm Supply Ltd.
  • Amalgamated Dairies Limited
  • Lilac Lodge Holsteins & Jerseys
  • Cardigan Feed Services Ltd.
  • Dairy Farmers of PEI

​With the success of the Explore Livestock Showmanship Day, 4-H PEI is confident that the future of Prince Edward Island’s agricultural community looks bright, skilled, and incredibly promising.
We are very grateful to the supporters of this event!
We are also very thankful for the enthusiastic work of the 4-H PEI Agriculture Ad Hoc Committee volunteers for planning and coordinating this event for our members! 

​Members of the committee are:
Grace Hughes
Molly Loane
Parker Smith
Jackie Harlow (staff - administrative support)

*If you have an idea for a provincial 4-H event you would like to form an ad hoc committee for please reach out to 4-H staff for details.*