It’s that time of year again where harvest festivals and livestock shows take center stage.
Important elements of show preparation include eating, cleaning, grooming, and exercise, all of which play an important role in a young person’s experience on the actual show stage. These jobs may not always be glamorous or fun, but they instill valuable life skills in young people, make them essential contributors to their families, and increase their self-esteem.
Taking the time to dry the goats’ coats so they don’t get cold or sick, taking care of the barn at dusk, feeding them, and keeping the animals in good condition will help children learn about the outside world. It is a duty to teach independence and responsibility.
Many young people in the area are hard at work preparing themselves and their animals for harvest festivals and livestock shows. County shows like this week’s Harvest Festival Livestock Show provide opportunities for 4-H and FFA members to develop a sense of responsibility and unwavering dedication. Today, young people have been removed from agriculture for several generations and often do not understand the importance of agriculture or the impact it has on their daily lives.
Started in 1974 and now in its 50th year, this annual event is dedicated to providing today’s youth with educational experiences across a variety of project areas, including animal husbandry, farm machinery, and home economics projects. The event will be held in Longview from October 22nd to 26th.
At the end of each day, youth who participate in livestock shows gain valuable life skills by maintaining structure, discipline, and a sense of project completion, as well as working on live animal care, agricultural mechanics, or home economics projects. I’m doing it. It is unparalleled in any other form of competition. Indeed, showing livestock teaches responsibility.
Throughout this journey of learning and dedication, participants also worked on time management, responsibility, and meticulous record-keeping to accurately control the costs incurred to launch the project. This includes paying for materials needed for construction, cooking, housing the project, and animal feed and medical care. This is a daunting task, but the participants are fully committed to the challenge.
Date: October 22nd (Tuesday)
9 a.m.: Speech Contest (Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview)
1pm: Poultry Show. Roaster show followed by broiler show
Wednesday, October 23rd
8am: Rabbit weigh-in/check-in/show
Thursday, October 24th
9am: Judging pigs at market
10 a.m. to noon Home Economics Examination
Lunch: Ag mechanics examination
2:00 p.m.: Public viewing of the home economics department.
Friday, October 25th
8:30am: Lamb show followed by goat show
2pm: Market Stair Show
Saturday, October 26th
6:30-7:30am: Prospect steer and heifer show check-in
8:30am: Heifer Jackpot Show followed by Prospect Stairs
5pm: Buyer’s Dinner
6pm: Champion Sale
Show season is certainly the highlight of the year. Please join us in supporting our youth during the show and at the Sale of Champions, where each participant proudly showcases the fruits of their hard work and unwavering dedication. For more information, visit www.harvestfestivallivestockshow.com/schedule.
