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Collin County students compete for bragging rights at Myers Park & Event Center
Photo courtesy of Kellie Anfosso - McKinney Boyd High School senior Sierra Francis won first place in Hereford Breed on Dec. 29 during the North Texas Showdown at Myers Park & Event Center. Francis and other local youths will compete again this week at the Jr. Livestock Show, which will conclude with a barbecue dinner, awards presentation and a premium auction on Jan. 12.
By Kelley Chambers, kchambers@starlocalnews.com, @KelleyChambers7 on Twitter
They come from all corners of Collin County with four-legged friends in tow, all ready to show off their hard work for a chance to be best in show.
Starting Wednesday, FFA and 4H students from grades three through 12 will converge at Myers Park & Event Center for the Collin County Jr. Livestock Show, boasting everything from poultry to cattle. The annual show is a local follow up of sorts to last month's North Texas Showdown, in which youths throughout Texas and Oklahoma presented their prized possessions.
A livestock board made up of all agricultural teachers, extension agents and parents meet monthly throughout year planning for this week's competition, reviewing the rules and creating a sense of organization for an event that is expected to draw close to 700 participants, said Chris Schraeder, extension agent for Collin County AgriLife Extension Office in McKinney.
While students also work throughout the year caring for their animals to make sure they're the best of the best, the owners themselves must also shine when it comes to showmanship, and must prove their knowledge when asked questions about the animals care while showing the animal.
"This is something they have to plan on and prepare themselves ahead of time [for]," Schraeder said. "They learn how to take care of the animal, what type of feed [to give them] to make sure it's healthy ... it's similar to having the responsibility of raising a pet, but at the same time trying to condition this animal to be the best overall animal."
Aside from receiving a commemorative belt buckle and bragging rights for being best in their division, winners also increase their chances of receiving full scholarships through 4H and FFA, perhaps one aspect that has enabled this show to be shared by generations of local families.
The show will conclude with a barbecue dinner, awards presentation and a premium auction on Jan. 12, in which local businesses and booster clubs bid on their favorite farm animal to help cover some of the owner's expenses.
"Shows like these are rich in Texas tradition," Schraeder said. "It's a very big commitment, and a lot of times these kids don't capture that money back but if their animal does a good enough job, the donations will go to that kid. They can then keep the animal to go on to the Fort Worth or Houston livestock show."
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