MINERAL WELLS—The Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s Junior Livestock Show 2025 is in the books.
Despite rain, snow and a little ice the show went off without a hitch. The schedule had to be altered a bit but remained on point to get the Future Farmers of American and 4H projects shown and sold. Director Deeann Hampton did a great job of juggling times to accommodate all weigh-ins and classes.
FFA and 4-H club members from all over Palo Pinto County brought their livestock projects to the Expo Center in Mineral Wells to compete in this annual affair. From cattle to chickens, goats to rabbits, they all came, all clipped, trimmed and fluffed.
Some were muzzled, most were haltered, and some were just led around by the tap of a stick. The kids were dressed in the warmest clothes they had, which usually included insulated overalls, while they mucked out the pens where their companion of the last few months would be warm, dry and comfortable for the next few days.
The event began at 7 a.m. on Jan. 7, with the rabbit weigh-in and show, followed by the Showmanship class. (For those that might be new to the lingo, one class is held to determine who shows their rabbit, hog, steer, whatever, the best.)
There were over 300 entries in the rabbit show alone, according to organizers. So you can imagine the nightmare in separating the different breeds and weights, assigning them a class, and then keeping up with who won first and what won second. Kudos to folks that check and double-check all these details.
Jan. 8 was the busiest day of all. It began with the broiler (chicken) weigh-in and show. Following that, the sheep and goat weigh-in. Then the sheep show, then the goat show.
Again, the sheep and goats were divided into classes by breed and weight. In the past, these classes have sometimes run up until 9 or 10 p.m. But with the winter weather about to set in, adjustments in times of classes prevented the shows from running too late.
Jan. 9 was to open with the swine (pig) weigh-in but due to the weather, the director allowed the exhibitors to bring their pigs in the night before just in case roads were impassable the next morning. Weigh-in and shows went off without a hitch and yes, there were different classes by weight and breed.
The Agricultural Mechanics Project show was also held, Jan. 8. Students build various equipment to be used in agriculture using welding, woodworking and a lot of ingenuity. Only guidance from the teacher is allowed.
Friday always seems to be the big day. The steer and heifer weigh-in began at 8 a.m. on Jan. 10, followed by the Horticulture Project check-in and show. Horticulture, according to Google, is defined as “the science and art of growing plants for food, medicine, and aesthetic purposes.”
Horticulture classes in the high schools produce farmers, florists, holistic pharmacists and everyday gardeners growing vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs.
Then the big show! The cattle have been clipped, washed and blown dry. Their hooves have been painted, their tails backcombed, their noses wiped. The exhibitors have washed their faces, changed into their finest show clothes, combed their hair and put on their best smile.
These kids have worked endless hours making their steer or heifer ready for the next 10-20 minutes in hopes of bringing home the Grand Champion Belt Buckle.
Jan. 11 was Sale Day. The community turned out to help these brave youth by “buying” their project. At this particular sale, the money goes to the student to help buy a project next year or help with expenses as the exhibitor goes on to the majors.
After the sale, as the trucks were being loaded, there were tears. These animals have been the best friend of some of these kids.
Some were glad to see the animal go after being dragged through the mud, kicked, bit and pooped on. But they did it. They followed though!
These are the kids you don’t hear about. The ones that are at home taking care of an animal they may not even like. But they put in the work and have something to show for it. Be proud of your community.
Thanks to all who helped to put on the show. Directors, judges, helpers, auctioneer, spotters, parents and teachers. We owe you a deep debt of gratitude. Until next year….
