Burnet County Livestock show takes to the rings

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The rewards of long months of work will be on the line for more than 200 Burnet County youth when they take to the show ring Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 4-6, in the 2018 Burnet County Livestock Show.

“I’m proud of the work of the families and volunteers that make the show successful each year,” said Brandon Evans, chairman of the Burnet County Livestock Show Board of Directors. “I grew up showing in this county and had no idea the amount of behind-the-scenes work that took place for me and others to be able to participate.

“We welcome everyone to come out and see the kids hard work on display. The past two years we have hit record highs at the sale held on Saturday due to huge community support. We are hopeful for another great year with your help!”

Last year, the 50th anniversary of the show, included a sale that raised $422,290 for Burnet County FFA and Burnet County 4-H students. It topped the 2016 record of $367,240.

Both FFA students and 4-H members take part in the 15 show categories: Ag Mechanics, Future Feeders and Showmanship; Dairy, Angora and Boer Goats; Breeding Sheep and Market Lambs; Market Steers and Heifers; Market and Breeding Swine and Gilts; Poultry and Rabbits.

Beginning long before the opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, boys and girls will be delivering and grooming livestock for three days of events, culminating with the Premium Sale at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Following a Buyers Lunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, another ceremony will include the presentation of special awards—Outstanding Senior, the Burnet Livestock Show Scholarship, Top Hand and Top Breeder.

Exhibitors all must be schooled in Burnet County in third-12th grade and all the livestock must be fed under the supervision of agricultural science teachers or Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents.

But the glory doesn't necessarily end here. The young exhibitors may go on to larger youth division shows in Kerrville's Hill Country District, Fort Worth, Houston or San Angelo; even the State Fair in Dallas.

As a spectator sport, a livestock show is a great event. So, if you never have seen youngsters put livestock they have raised and trained through their paces, mark the dates. A full schedule and names of all the hard-working board members and judges can be found under “Rules” at the show website: www.burnetcountylivestockshow.com or check the Tuesday edition of The Highlander for the times of your favorite category.

2018 Burnet County Livestock Show Schedule

Thursday, Jan. 4

10 a.m. Barn Opens

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ag Mechanics Check in

11 a.m.-noon Check in, sift, classify Dairy, Angora, Boer Goats and Breeding

Sheep

noon-1 p.m. Sift Poultry

noon-6 p.m. Swine arrive in barn

1-2:30 p.m. Turn in weight cards; sift, classify Market Goats, Market Lambs

1:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony

2 p.m. Ag Mechanics Show

3 p.m. Ring A Shows in order: Dairy Goat, Angora Goat, Boer Goat, Breeding Sheep

3 p.m. Ring B Shows: Poultry and Showmanship

4 p.m. Ag Mechanics Awards

5-5:30 p.m. Weigh, sift, classify Market Steers; Check in Heifers

6-8 p.m. Weigh, sift, classify Market Swine; check in, sift, classify Gilts

6-8 p.m. Weigh and sift Rabbits

Friday, Jan. 5

8 a.m. Ring A Shows: Market Goat, followed by Market Lamb

8-10 a.m. Ring B: Rabbit Show

noon-5 p.m. Market Swine Show, followed by Breeding Swine

5-5:30 p.m. Future Feeders (no cattle or swine)

5:30 p.m. Ring A shows: Steers, followed by Heifers

Saturday, Jan. 6

11 a.m. Buyers Lunch

12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony and Special Awards Presentation

(Outstanding Senior, top Handf, Top Breeder and Scholarship Presentation)

1 p.m. Premium Sale