As fall turns to winter once again, the changing of the seasons brings more than holiday cheer to many families. For youth livestock exhibitors and their families, this time of year also brings late nights, early mornings, cold temperatures and an increased commitment of time and energy as they prepare their animals for livestock shows. The skills and life lessons learned through youth livestock projects are immeasurable, but their impact can be clearly observed if you have the opportunity to watch these youth in the show ring.
Depending on the species, livestock exhibitors can dedicate over a year to a single livestock project. Additionally, youth participants begin to understand the high level of responsibility and commitment that is required when livestock is in their care. Much like with other competitive events, practice makes perfect, and in the case of livestock projects, a lack of time and effort invested in the feeding, training and grooming of the project animal directly correlates with the outcome on show day.
While animals are judged based on a combination of conformation characteristics and body condition, exhibitors are also judged on their showmanship skills, which are honed during countless hours of preparation and practice. Showmanship, which depends largely on a cooperative animal, is pivotal, and as such it is one of the most important aspects of the livestock project. Like all good things, these skills take time and effort to develop.
There are many different opportunities for youth livestock exhibitors to display their hard work and dedication. Families travel to any number of weekend jackpot shows scattered across the area throughout the fall, trying to gain valuable ring experience for both animals and exhibitors alike. Winter and spring bring the opportunity to show on the largest scale at locations like Houston, San Antonio, San Angelo, Austin or Ft. Worth. While all of these options provide tremendous benefits and opportunities, none of these even come close to the overall impact and importance of county livestock shows. Much akin to a homecoming football game, the county livestock show is the opportunity for local youth to display the fruit of their efforts in front of friends, family and the entire community. County livestock shows are also vitally important as they provide the best opportunity for youth to recoup some of the costs associated with their livestock projects due to the incredible support from area businesses and individuals at the county livestock sale.
Here in the Big Bend region, we are fortunate enough to have a truly premier opportunity
for youth livestock exhibitors through their participation in the Big Bend Livestock Show. Every
year, dozens of families and volunteers dedicate their time and effort to help ensure that the Big
Bend Livestock Show Association continues its legacy of providing youth in the Tri-County area
with a top-of-the-line experience while exhibiting their livestock projects. January 9-11 will mark the 81st year of the Big Bend Livestock Show, and if you have the opportunity, it is well worth the time to stop by and see for yourself the lasting impact that livestock projects continue to have on today’s youth.
For more information, please contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office for
Brewster and Jeff Davis counties at (432) 837-6207, or by email at luke.hendryx@ag.tamu.edu
Hendryx is the Ag and Natural Resource Extension Agent for Brewster and Jeff Davis counties.