Junior Market Show:

A Reflection of Tenacity and Commitment

 

Dr. Mario Villarino

 

 

 

                  As I wrote this piece for you, we were still counting all the added money for this 2013 NETLA show. Just as reflected by the NETLA president (Kevin Gibson) early on the week, the 2013 has been so far the one with most money collected for projects (but not the one with most entries). Hopkins County 4-H had good representation with the following members making it to the sale: Rhye Caudle (Lamb), Aleigha Gauntt (Lamb), Nala Stowater (broilers), Sarah Weatheread (broilers), Rachel Stanley (steer), Aaron Stanley (steer), Samuel Stanley (steer), Canyon Thomas  (steer), Kelsie Adams (swine), Josh Couch (swine), Aubrey Giles (swine), Colton Price (swine), Kasen Price (swine), Jalyn Hrabal (swine) and Jace Mayers (swine). The following 4-H members executed deserving honors in showmanship: Canyon Thomas (Jr. Steer), Jalyn Hrabal (Jr. swine)(Grand champion heifer), Rhye Caudle (Jr. Lamb) and Savanna Allen (Jr. Heifers).

Congratulations to all the Hopkins County 4-H members who validated projects and got them ready for the show. It is always gratifying to see the satisfaction of our members when they have the opportunity to show and sale their project at the Junior Market Show.

 

 

 

 

For many, the experience starts when they make the decision to get a project or purchase one. Some of our younger exhibitors have been exposed by their families to livestock projects and shows by tradition, and they just can’t wait to begin a project on their own. Others, however, are the first one of their family raising a project, and excitement merges with fear when the project begins. This is one of the most unique benefits of raising livestock projects: contrary to objects, the livestock project itself teaches and reflects the work done with them. I remember talking to one of my 4-H members during the livestock sale as she mentioned how tired her arms were during the sale after showing and preparing her lamb. There is a physical and emotional investment in showing a project that is very unique because can get covered by the excitement of showing a project in front of hundreds of expectators at our civic center, and many potential employers of our community. So, congratulations to all the organizers, buyers and participants of the 2013 NETLA livestock show, and let’s start getting ready for NETLA livestock show 2014, just 12 months away from now. If you are interested in participating with a livestock project, look me up and ask me about 4-H!.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or e-mail me at m-villarino@ag.tamu.edu

 Coming up events: Basic Vegetable Gardening with the Hopkins County Master Gardeners at the Ag Workers Building (957 Connally street) Thursday March 7th 7:00 to 8:00 pm. $10.

 

 

       

 

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