4-H'ers prepare to show animals

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Jan. 16, 2004
Lambs, pigs, cows and goats all cared for by Lauderdale County 4-H'ers will take center stage at the 37th Annual Livestock Show.
The Saturday event begins at 1 p.m. at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
On exhibit will be six market steers, 11 market hogs, two market lambs, three goats, three commercial beef-breeding heifers and six non-commercial, beef-breeding heifers.
About 10 youths, ages 7 to 18, have been working with their animals for months preparing them for the big day.
Amanda Thomas, 18, a senior at Clarkdale High School, has been showing lambs for 13 years. This is her last year to participate in 4-H and she has some advice for the younger participants.
New to the livestock show this year will be Mason Irby, a second-grader at Southeast Elementary School. Irby will show two pigs.
Irby's father, Marcus, was a 4-H'er and encouraged his son to join the program.
The livestock show is just the first step for many of these young exhibitors. The youth will show their animals at the Southeast District Livestock Show in Hattiesburg Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and the Dixie National Round-up in Jackson next month.
Randall said community support is a must for 4-H programs like the livestock show to continue.
The next stop for these animals will be Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. when the 4-H'ers present their animals at the Lauderdale County 4-H Livestock Sale at the Meridian Stockyards, 49th Avenue South.
The market animals will be shown in front of buyers who will bid on the animals. The public is invited to attend. If you are 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.
WANT TO GO?
What: 4-H Livestock Show
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Lauderdale County Agri-Center, Highway 19 South
Admission: Free
For information: 482-9764