By By Justin Rodgers / 4-H agent
Jan. 12, 2003
Lauderdale County 4-H will host its 36th annual Livestock show Saturday at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center.
The show will begin at 2 p.m. and I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come out and support these youth for all of his or her hard work.
The 4-H'ers will exhibit 10 market steers, 14 market hogs, two market lambs, 67 commercial and registered beef heifers and one registered dairy heifer for the 2003 show.
These 18 youth have been working with their animals for months preparing them for the big day.
The deadline to purchase steers and lambs was Aug. 1, so these animals should be well on their way to becoming show winners by now. The deadline to purchase hogs and commercial heifers was Dec. 1.
The livestock show is just the first step for many of these exhibitors. The youth will show their animals at the Southeast District Livestock Show in Hattiesburg on Jan. 24-26 and the Dixie National Round up in February.
The livestock project gives youth the opportunity to learn responsibility and perseverance. Showing livestock is hard work. Youth spend hours practicing and caring for their animals for a few short minutes in the show ring, but they gain a sense of great accomplishment.
This is a project that involves the entire family.
Parents play a big role in guiding the young person, reminding them of their duties and providing transportation and moral support. The 4-H livestock program allows youth to learn by doing.
The 36th annual Livestock sale will be at Meridian Stockyards on Jan. 23. The sale will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Grand and Reserve Market animals.
There will be 26 market animals for sale this year that will be purchased by local businesses and individuals throughout Meridian and surrounding counties.
If you would be interested in assisting with the purchase of one of these animals, contact the Lauderdale County Extension Service. Animals purchased can be used for personal use or the animals can be resold at market price at the local stockyard or other livestock markets.
Animals can also be purchased by joint companies if you wish to do so. This program could not be possible without the great support of local business and individuals. We would like to thank the buyers who supported the 2002 county sale.
For more information about the show or sale, feel free to contact the Lauderdale County Extension Office at 482-9764.