CUMBERLAND, Maine — Farmers from across the state gathered at the Cumberland County Fair to show off their animals. Many of them are full-time farmers, but some of them are high schoolers.
"I raise all of my sheep all year round," said Taylor Lucas. It's not exactly something you'd expect to hear from a fourteen-year-old.
"I breed them, I take care of them and then I get them ready for all of the shows I go to," boasted the 4-Her.
This has been Taylor Lucas' routine for years - bringing her sheep to shows like the one Sunday at the Cumberland County Fair, as part of the Cumberland County Sheep 4H Club.
"We say learn by doing because that's what the kids really are doing," said Rachel Domin, leader of the club. Domin grew up raising sheep through the 4-H program. As the leader now, she knows firsthand the importance of keeping the program going. "It's a way for agriculture to continue."
Domin explained that farm knowledge isn't as accessible as it used to be and the club helps to provide learning opportunities to future generations. Ronan Martel is one of those generations, coming up on ten years of membership. "I started when I was 4 years old. I love working with animals. I like the relationship and the bond," Martel shared.
Martel's love for the club has been contagious. Octavio Parra-Franco is friends with Martin and said he learned quickly through him why a job in farming is important, inspiring him to become part of it himself.
"I think it's great that new people like me and just about anyone can join. If people don't know how to do this the agricultural system would collapse," said Parra-Franco.
Being part of the club doesn't mean the teens will become a full-time farmer, but according to Domin, it keeps their options open. "It helps to teach them about how to do it, how to make it happen," she affirmed.