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January 29, 2010

Livestock competitors to compete statewide

By Rich Flowers News Editor

When the cold January winds blow in Fort Worth, its stock show time. For many Henderson County 4-H and FFA members, it also means the beginning of a series of livestock competitions.

Henderson County AgriLife Extension Agent Rick Hirsch said the county will have a presence in major shows in Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston before the 50th Annual Henderson County Livestock Show rolls out March 22 though 27.

“Next week, we’ll be taking market steers for 4-H and FFA to Fort Worth,” Hirsch said. “Next week, the market lambs and market goats are down there.”

Every animal shown at a major competition represents months of work and preparation on the part of the presenter.

“Anyone can enter, and each person is responsible for their project,” Hirsch said. “For the major shows, the entry’s are done mid-November through the first of December. The steers for example, must have been validated in June.”

The validation process gives proof that the exhibitor has been in possession of the animal since the validation date, and the animal has not been presented at a show by any other exhibitor.

“Most of these steers have been owned since February or March of last year,” Hirsch said.

The goal of a presenter is to place an animal in the auction sale at one of the major shows. That’s when the student can see his labors pay off in a big way.

“That animal can be sold at a very good price to pay for expenses,” Hirsch said. “It’s a scholarship activity tied to animals.”

Winners in the breeding events will often keep their entries, and raise their own animals.

“Henderson County as a whole, 4-H and FFA has been very competitive in the breeding show divisions. We’ve had several champions in various beef breeds. On the market side, we’ve had a lot of success as well. The county has sold numerous steers and barrows at the various shows. To compete in both animals, you have to have some good animals.”

The San Antonio show runs Feb. 8 through Feb. 19, followed by the big Houston contest March 8 though March 20. Henderson County will have several entries in San Antonio, and an even bigger presence in Houston.

Between the major show dates, several of the county FFA and 4-H members also compete in jackpot shows around east Texas. A jackpot show is a 1-day competition that an organization might put on as a fundraiser that offers a cash prize to the winners.

When the gates open on the HCLS in March, the competition will be intense.

“When it comes to heifers, it’s one of the strongest in the state,” Hirsch said. “All the market classes are extremely competitive.”

Henderson County Cooperative Extension Agent Hillary Grider works closely with the 4-H students in projects throughout the year. Various FFA units are active schools around the county and also produce numerous winning entries.

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