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The 4-H livestock building at the Last Chance Stampede has come alive with youth of all ages. It is a long-standing tradition at the Stampede; and for Tyler Simonson it's no different.

"My grandpa was a 4-H leader and he taught shooting sports and he said it was a was a good program. Other people I know said it was a good program, and it just sounded like something fun to do," Tyler says.

So this year Tyler decided to try his hand at raising a sheep for auction; and he says the lessons learned in the process have proven to be worthwhile.

"I learned a lot about responsibility and a lot about sheep and just a lot of things. Walk your sheep a lot, take care of it really well and it will turn out good in the end," Tyler adds.

Tyler is just one of 25,000 youth across Montana who participate in 4-H, with more and more students getting involved every year.

Grace Harnden has been involved in 4-H for six years, but in the past she has always entered the craft categories. "This is my first time showing an animal in fair, so I have my chicken and my rabbit," Grace adds.

Grace Harnden says 4-H has not only taught her how to interact with others but also how to interact with the animals.

It's a sentiment Tyler shares too, "Getting a good bond with your animal, and just the overall experience. It's just a lot of fun cause you have a new friend."

The 4-H shows will run through Saturday morning, with the live auction Saturday afternoon.