TYNDALL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Bon Homme County 4-H Achievement Days last nearly a full week, occurring on a sprawling plot of sheds and stables right off the main drag in Tyndall.

The extra time allows the event to ease into the grueling schedule and allow plenty of time for judges to observe the livestock and their handlers once the animal shows get going. Mitchell Now was able to speak with Carmindy Ferwerda immediately after she finished being critiqued as part of the goat segment. Leaning over a railing that led the participants from the arena to the pens, she discussed how important it is to get detailed and exacting feedback on her efforts.

Rilyn Thury, 17, was sitting in the stands watching her friends take part. She is an old hand inside the ring at this point, having carried on the family tradition of showing swine, something she has done since she can remember. Before the interview started, she had to get confirmation on what age she was when she first took part. Her answers epitomize the calm that comes with experience.

Campbell Mogck, 15, showed cattle this year. She talked about some of the activities that organizers build into the event that allow the youth involved to cut loose. After a full week having to be at their best, it is hard to remember that the participants are kids. Bon Homme County does a good job tapping into the seemingly infinite well of carefree innocence that comes with being young through the Barnyard Games.

Photos from Bon Homme County are below:

Mitchell Now and KMIT’s coverage of the Bon Homme County 4-H Achievement Days is possible thanks to the support of Fort Randall Federal Credit Union, Farm Credit Services of America, Duke’s Bees, Kaler Agri Services, Kimble Livestock, Community Bank of Avon, Ron’s Market of Avon, and Martin Trudeau Insurance.