By By Beth Randall / 4-H youth agent
March 21, 2004
Raising and showing animals is not easy, but it is very rewarding. If you don't believe me, just ask the Lauderdale County 4-H livestock exhibitors.
Showing your animal takes dedication. The animals must be purchased by the ownership deadline and cared for by the exhibitor. That means feeding the animal as well as grooming and training the animal for the show ring. That's not all; exhibitors, parents, and volunteers must attend an ethics training before they are eligible to participate in the shows.
In addition to the 4-H shows, Lauderdale County is fortunate to have a 4-H Livestock sale. This year marks the 37th year for the sale, and we are so appreciative to have great supporters to purchase their market animals.
Grand Champions
Industrial Electric purchased Justin and Wesley Milstead's 1,305-pound steer for $2.50 per pound.
The 157-pound lamb owned by Amanda Thomas was purchased by Lucille Thomas and Marie Bailey for $3.25 per pound.
Alexas Strickland's 222-pound hog was bought by Sunbelt Motors for $4 per pound.
Reserve Champions
A&B Electric and A&B Communications purchased the 1,175-pound steer owned by Justin and Wesley Milstead for $2.25 per pound.
The 168-pound lamb owned by Amanda Thomas was purchased by Maples Gas for $5.20 per pound.
Benefits Management Group purchased Tucker Wagner's 276-pound hog for $3 per pound.
Steers
Henderson Steel purchased Jessica Blue's 1212-pound steer for $1.75 per pound.
Clearspan Components and Medical Arts Surgical Group purchased the 1,130-pound steer owned by Justin and Wesley Milstead for $1.40 per pound.
Lauren Harrison's 1,110-pound steer was purchased by Gipson Steel and Structural Steel Services for $1.85 per pound.
The Medical Store and Gilmore Family Dentistry purchased Sera Beth Pinkard's 1,020-pound steer for $2.15 per pound.
Slay Steel purchased Tucker Wagner's 262-pound hog for $2.75 per pound.
Laura Lucky's 250-pound hog was purchased by Lauderdale County Farm Bureau for $2.50 per pound.
Planter's Supply purchased Justin Lucky's 212-pound hog for $3 per pound and Summer Lucky's 212-pound hog for $3.95 per pound.
Steel Enterprises purchased Laura Lucky's 270-pound hog for $2.75 per pound.
Mason Irby's 236-pound hog was purchased by Massey Supermart Auto Sales for $3.10 per pound.
Ralph Morgan Logging purchased Summer Lucky's 205-pound hog $3.80 per pound.
Southern Tire Mart and Commercial bank purchased the 277-pound hog owned by Justin Lucky for $2.60 per pound.
East Mississippi Electric Power Association purchased Mason Irby's 241-pound hog for $3.50 per pound.
We are equally thankful to businesses and individuals who gave donations to support the premiums for all of the exhibitors. A big thank you goes to Meridian Stockyard, Lauderdale County Farm Supply, Sunbelt Motors, Henderson Trucking, Waters International, The Citizens Bank, Mid South Welding, Bud Thompson, Conway Riley, The Medical Store, Meridian Horse Sale, McDaniel Farms, and The Lauderdale County Cattlemen's Association.
Also exhibiting animals in the shows were Justin and Summer Lucky showing market goats. Showing commercial heifers were Wesley Milsted and Alexas Strickland. Showing Simmental cattle in beef breeding were Sera Beth Pinkard and Lauren Harrison. Bonnie Tartt exhibited her Angus heifer.
You will read more about these outstanding 4-H Livestock Exhibitors following our 4-H Livestock Awards Dinner.
The 4-H livestock program is a great family event. If you are interested in showing animals for the 2005 show season, now is the time to get involved. For more information, call the Lauderdale County Extension Service at 482-9764.