There’s a new 4-H barn in town! Thanks to a creative community partnership, local youth enrolled in Gunnison County 4-H can now raise livestock even if they don’t have space at home. The newly repurposed green-and-white barn—located just north of Gunnison—is within easy walking or biking distance from downtown, making it a convenient and accessible option for young animal project participants.

This spring, 16-year-old Cooper Imel became the first 4-H member to take advantage of this exciting new opportunity. New to 4-H this year, Cooper is raising two goats—Waylon and Whitley. She drives to the barn twice a day to feed and care for them. While school was in session, her morning visits were brief, but she used her afternoons to bond with the goats. Over the past two months, she’s patiently trained Waylon and Whitley to walk with a harness—a process that requires gentleness and consistency, as young goats aren’t always eager to cooperate.

Cooper is grateful for the support she’s received from her parents, her sister, and her boyfriend, all of whom have helped with chores and offered encouragement during challenging moments. She’s also had guidance from Gunnison County Extension Agriculture Specialist Hannah Cranor-Kersting. Hannah has assisted with everything from feed selection to minor health issues and even tips for managing a slow-flowing frost-free spigot in the colder months. A former 4-H member herself, Cranor-Kersting is thrilled to see the barn opening doors for youth who might not otherwise have the chance to raise livestock.

“I showed in 4-H for 11 years, and it really made me the person I am today,” said Cranor-Kersting. “I am so excited that this barn gives youth who didn’t grow up around agriculture a chance to be involved. As our agriculture producer population ages across the country, I think this partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service gives us the opportunity to recruit new producers in our valley.”

Now that summer is here, Cooper balances her responsibilities at the barn with a part-time job. She’s learning valuable time-management skills as she cleans stalls, monitors feed intake, and ensures both goats get the nutrition and exercise they need. She’s even built a wooden climbing structure with her dad to keep the goats entertained when she’s away. Waylon and Whitley enjoy both their spacious indoor stall and an outdoor run that lets them move freely during the day. Cooper also walks them in a nearby pasture, taking advantage of Gunnison’s beautiful summer days.

“Spending time with the goats helps me unwind after a long day,” Cooper says. “It’s peaceful at the barn.” Still, she admits it would be nice to share the space with other 4-H youth. She’s encouraged younger club members to consider using the barn and hopes to return next year to raise both sheep and a steer. CSU Extension staff are eager to welcome Cooper back in 2026—along with other youth ready to work hard and gain essential life skills through livestock projects.

The 4-H barn is the result of a collaborative effort between Gunnison County Extension and the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). Planning began in late 2023, when the CSFS Gunnison Field Office relocated to a new site just north of town along Highway 135. Foresters Mike Tarantino and Ashley Baer offered the unused barn space to local 4-H youth. Since both CSFS and CSU Extension are affiliated with Colorado State University, the partnership came together quickly and efficiently.

Throughout fall 2024, Gunnison County Extension staff, 4-H volunteers, and community members worked hard to prepare the barn for animals. The project involved moving rocks, painting doors, clearing weeds, and completing necessary electrical and plumbing repairs. Much of this work was made possible thanks to 4-H volunteer Shawn Williams, SAW Contracting, and generous funding from the Nadine Henry 4-H Forever Fund.

Youth and families interested in learning more about 4-H are encouraged to visit the Gunnison County Extension Office at the fairgrounds. The 4-H year kicks off each October and culminates in July at the county fair, where members showcase their projects. This year’s fair kicks off on June 27 with the 4-H Horse Show. The Dog Show will be held on Monday, July 7, and livestock shows begin Wednesday, July 9. The public is warmly invited to attend and support these dedicated young people.

-Written by Gunnison County CSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Perri Pelletier