Italy FFA members head to the Fort Worth Stock Show

Image: Italy FFA members head to the Fort Worth Stock Show — FFA members Left to right: Jon Walton, David Garner, Clayton Campbell, Brandon Souder, Omar Estrada and Dan Crownover. Not pictured: Ethan Simon and Bailey Bumpus.

Italy FFA members head to the Fort Worth Stock Show — FFA members Left to right: Jon Walton, David Garner, Clayton Campbell, Brandon Souder, Omar Estrada and Dan Crownover. Not pictured: Ethan Simon and Bailey Bumpus. (Barry Byers)

Good luck to members of the Italy FFA who gathered outside Hobbs Feed & Supply this morning to stock up on feed and supplies before leaving for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The goal for the day is to carry two loads of heifers to Fort Worth, settle in for a few days, win money and ribbons and then return to Italy on Monday. Often, exhibitors choose not to sell their heifers and will keep them to help start their own herd and possibly raise show calves.

On Thursday, Italy FFA members will repeat the process except they’ll be hauling their steers to the show. The main objective for these exhibitors is to have their steer make the sale and earn money to put toward next years FFA project.

Interest in the Fort Worth Livestock Show continues to be very strong. In 2009, participants traveled to Fort Worth from 41 states, three foreign countries and livestock entries totaled 22,149. Total gross receipts from 17 auctions added up to $5,660,416.

For many, the highlight of the livestock exhibition each year is the Sale of Champions, where the best young exhibitors get their payoff for a whole year of hard work. These 4-H and FFA members put in countless hours of labor while feeding and grooming the animals and preparing them for their big moment in the ring.

The 2009 Sale of Champions was a rousing success, raising more than $2 million for 275 steers, barrows, lambs and goats.

Click here for information regarding the Fort Worth Stock Show

Just wanted to inform everyone that we have several FFA members that will be participating in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo this weekend showing their scramble heifers in case you would like to come out and support them. – Karen Brummett

Saturday the following FFA members will be showing:

  • 8:00 am – Shorthorns – David Garner
  • 1:00 pm – Beefmaster and Polled Hereford and Herefords – Ethan Simon, Omar Estrada and Jon Walton

Sunday the following FFA members will be showing:

  • 8:00 am – Maine-Anjou – Clayton Campbell
  • 1:00 pm – Angus – Brandon Souder

Monday the following FFA members will be showing:

  • 8:00 am – Simmental – Bailey Bumpus