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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- With temperatures in the high 80s Wednesday, 4-H members showing livestock at the Belmont County Fair took precautions to keep their animals cool.
Junior Fair Board Coordinator Greg Mehlman pointed out the wash racks where 4-H members showing livestock can hose down their animals before presentation. He also indicated the inside of the livestock barns is a relatively cool place for the animals to rest.
"In each barn they have these vented sides that have the drop-down curtains that allow for more natural air flow. There's fans in the buildings.
The exhibitors are able to put fans above their animals, so as far as ventilation and airflow, there's significant possibility for them to get more than what they need."
Mehlman added that fairs have often been conducted in hot weather, and staff and handlers are experienced in keeping livestock at their best before, after and during displays.
Fair board President Ed Campbell said the heat was projected to be high through today.
"We'll keep the fans running and the cooling systems running and do the best we can," he said. "We'll be able to get through it all right."
He added that some animals are more sensitive to heat and need extra care and attention.
Gunner Dudzik of the Country Sunshiners 4-H Club was among those showing cattle. He emphasized the importance of paying attention to the livestock for signs of distress. This is his fifth year showing.
He considers it a warning sign "if he's not walking real good," he said, adding that cows seem to have a high tolerance for heat.
Those showing swine faced some additional challenges, since pigs are unable to sweat and handlers must be careful not to let them get overheated.
Keenan White of the Bonnie Beefers 4-H Club was showing multiple animals. This is his fourth year participating.
"With our pigs we would use water, spray them down and give them a drink. With the lambs we'd give them some water when they need it, but it depends on the weights. If they're over the weights, we can't show, so it depends how much water we give them," he said. "We bring our water from home, because our lambs and pigs and my chickens, they always drink the water from our house. So we bottle it and bring it to the fair so they drink the same water."
"Pigs, they have skin that if they're in the sun too long they will get sunburned more than the lambs, because the lambs have fur," White said. "If you look on their back, if it's a whiter pig like mine ... if it's reddish pink, it's getting sunburned."
He added that he avoids practicing with his pigs in the afternoons.
"With pigs, if you work them in the middle of the day they can get overheated and die and it's not very good. So at the end of the day when it's cooler, that's the best time."
Tiffany Beck of the St. Clairsville area accompanied presenter Earl McWhorter, also of the St. Clairsville area. She said caring for the animals can be a challenge.
"You've got to keep them cool. You have to keep their water cool and get them to the wash rack. Keep them cooled down and out of the sun," Beck said.
"You've got to worry about them getting sunburned, because that can really affect them," McWhorter said.
White said smaller animals such as chickens and rabbits are easier to shade and keep cool.
"They're smart. They can figure out where shade is," he said.