The Ellis County Youth Expo was a grand experience again this year giving local students an opportunity to grow right along with the animals that they care for and raise. At the Expo, large schools are mixed in with smaller ones, friends show against friends, siblings vie for bragging rights and in the case of Italy’s own Austin and Aaron Pittmon, “Twins!”

No matter the circumstances, everyone started out on their journey with a clean stall, pen or cage to provide for their steers, swine, lambs, broilers, rabbits, goats and heifers.

Expo participants also have an arena to harness their creative side by entering the food, textiles, photography, woodworking/metal and art divisions. Italy’s students rustled up tasty cookies and decorative cakes, captured unique moments with their cameras, lassoed a stitch or two and sketched inspired works of art.

The Grand Champion Market Lamb winner was Jaclynn Lewis from Italy FFA. She was very proud of her new belt buckle and banner that adorned the top of the pen. The work was long and hard but it paid off. Bailey Eubank of Ellis County 4-H, holds the title for Reserve Champion with her shorthorn steer. Ethan Saxon and his steer came in with a Reserve Division. Aaron Pittmon holds the title of Reserve Breed Champion Market Swine. Dan Crownover holds Division Champion with his steer. Hunter Hinz, just a 2nd grader at Stafford Elementary in Italy, earned 1st place and Best of Show with his spectacular photo of red cardinal surrounded by white Texas snow.

Other winners included:

Katie Byers (Italy FFA)-Market Lamb
John Byers (Italy Junior FFA)-Market Lamb
Matt Brummett (Italy FFA)-Market Steer
Bailey Bumpus (Ellis County 4-H)-Market Steer
Colton Campbell (Italy FFA)-Market Steer
Jacqualyn Cawley (Ellis County 4-H)-Market Steer
Abby Griffith (Italy FFA)-Market Swine
Molly Haight (Italy FFA)-Market Swine
Trevor Mott (Ellis County 4-H)-Market Lamb
Austin Pittmon (Italy FFA)-Market Swine
Haley Pittmon (Italy FFA)-Market Swine
Kaitlyn Rossa (Ellis County 4-H)-Market Steer
Robert Sparks (Italy FFA)-Market Steer
Madison Washington (Italy FFA)-Market Swine
Jesica Wilkins (Italy FFA)-Market Steer
Ty Windham (Italy FFA)-Market Swine
Anna Viers (Italy FFA)-Market Swine

Worth mentioning is a student from Milford FFA-Mike Owens. He fabricated a metal bar bender that took first place and won third with his market steer. His FFA teacher, Mark Jackson, was very impressed with his student, “I wish had more students just like him. He is a great kid.”

The Ellis County Youth Expo, faculty and students would like to thank the buyers that help with these efforts every year. The top five buyers from 2009 were Byrum Ranch, Haight Ranch, LLC, J&G Concrete Products, Mill Creek Ranch and Circle H Contractors.

“I would like to thank all the buyers for coming out to the Ellis County Youth Expo and supporting the kids from around the area. A special thanks goes to Mark Souder, Sr. for helping to transport the animals to and from the Expo as well as the Houston Livestock Show™. Thanks to Principal Tanya Parker for checking in on the students and showing interest in their projects, that’s often not seen at other schools,” stated Italy Ag Teacher Sonny Dickerson.

The Expo helps provide education for each participant. They are taught work ethics, how to maintain and grow food animals, leadership skills and life skills. This is the greatest show and sale in Ellis County. Below is the list of students from Italy that participated in the 2010 Ellis County Youth Expo:

Swine:

01 – Light Weight Duroc:
Molly Haight – Italy FFA, 3rd in class
Brandon Jacinto – Italy FFA, 11th in class
Yasenia Sam – Italy FFA, 4th in class
Molly Haight – Italy FFA, 3rd in class

02 – Medium Weight Durocs:
Aaron Pittmon – Italy FFA, 1st in class/Reserve Breed Champion

06 – Light Weight White OPB:
Ty Windam – Italy FFA, 2nd in class

08 – Heavy Weight White OPB:
Austin Pittmon – Italy FFA, 4th in class

10 – Dark OPB:
Madison Washington – Italy FFA – 3rd in class

13 – Heavy Weight Black OPB:
Haley Pittmon – Italy FFA – 2nd in class
Taylor Mathers – Italy FFA, 5th in class

16 – Light Weight Hamp:
Blake Vega – Italy FFA, 4th in class
Hannah Washington – Italy FFA, 12th in class

17 – Medium Light Weight Hamp:
Justin Hayes – Ellis County 4-H, 9th in class

21 – Medium Weight Hamp:
Taylor Mathers – Italy FFA, 9th in class
Abby Griffith – Italy FFA, 2nd place

23 – Light Weight York:
Alex De Moss – Italy FFA, scratch due to injury

27 – Heavy Weight York:
Morgan Cockerham – Italy FFA, 6th in class

28 – Light Weight Cross:
Mary Tate – Italy FFA, 12th in class
Ryan Connor – Italy FFA, 11th in class

29 – Medium Light Weight Cross:
Robert Sparks – Italy FFA, 1st in class

30 – Heavy Light Weight Cross:
Anna Viers – Italy FFA, 6th in class

32 – Medium Weight Cross:
Drew Windham – Italy FFA, 6th in class
Drew Windham – Italy FFA, 11th in class

Lambs:

01 – Light Weight Southdowns:
Trevor Mott – Ellis County 4-H, 4th in class

03 – Heavy Weight Southdowns:
Ashlyn Jacinto – Ellis County 4-H, 5th in class

16 Light Weight Medium Wool:
Katie Byers – Italy FFA, 2nd in class
John Byers – Italy Junior FFA, 4th in class

18 – Heavy Medium Weight Medium Wool:
Katie Byers – Italy FFA, 2nd in class
Cassidy Childers – Ellis County 4-H, 8th in class

19 – Light Weight Heavy Weight Medium Wool:
Jaclynn Lewis – Italy FFA, 1st in class, Breed Champion, Overall Grand Champion

20 – Heavy Weight Medium Wool:
Jaclynn Lewis – Italy FFA, 1st in class

Goats:

Jill Varner – Italy FFA, 11th in class

Pee-Wee Showmanship – Goat:
Ella Hudson (4-years old)

Steers:

British
Ethan Saxon – Italy FFA, 1st in Class, Reserve Division Champion
Bailey Bumpus – Ellis County 4-H, 1st in class
Kaitlyn Rossa – Ellis County 4-H, 2nd in class
Kyle Wilkins – Italy FFA, 3rd in class
Jesica Wilkins – Italy FFA, 6th in class
Brandon Souder – Italy FFA, 7th in class

European:
Bailey Eubank – Reserve Breed Champion, Overall Reserve Grand Champion
Robert Sparks – Italy FFA, 1st in class
Colton Campbell – Italy FFA, 2nd in class
Clayton Campbell – Italy FFA, 2nd in class
Matt Brummett – Italy FFA, 2nd in class
Kyle Jackson – Ellis County 4-H, 3rd in class
Meredith Brummett – Italy FFA, 3rd in class

Heifers:

American Beefmaster:
Jacqualyn Cawley – Ellis County 4-H, Breed Champion, Reserve Breed Champion

Braford:
Russell Helms – Ellis County 4-H, 1st in class, Individual Heardsman Award (Russell received a Silver Plate and a $50.00 check along with the award)

Brahman:
Jacqualyn Cawley – Ellis County 4-H, Breed Champion, Reserve Breed Champion
(Jacqualyn received the Champion Showmanship award)

British-Angus:
Brandon Souder – Italy FFA, 2nd in class

Horned Hereford:
Jon Walton – Italy FFA, 1st in class, Breed Champion

British-Shorthorn:
David Garner – Italy FFA, 2nd in class
Bailey Bumpus – Ellis County 4-H, 1st in class

European-Simmental:
Bailey Bumpus – Ellis County 4-H, 2nd in class

Food, Textiles, Photography, Woodworking/Metal and Art:

Italy FFA:
Meredith Brummett – Cake, 1st place, 2nd place
Meredith Brummett – Drawing, 1st place, 2nd place

FLCCA participants

Ellis County 4-H:
Hunter Hinz (2nd Grade) – Color Animals, 1st Place, Best of Show

Buyer List, 2010 Ellis County Youth Expo:

• BYRUM RANCH – Venus, TX
• HAIGHT RANCH LLC – Italy, TX
• J&G CONCRETE PRODUCTS – Waxahachie, TX
• MILL CREEK RANCH – Frost, TX
• CIRCLE H CONTRACTORS INC. – Midlothian, TX
• GEORGE LUEDTKE/HAYES FARM, L.L.C. – Everman, TX
• CITIZEN’S NATIONAL BANK – Waxahachie, TX
• SOUTHERN WELDING – Maypearl, TX
• R.J. CARROLL COMANY – Arlington, TX
• HEB – Waxahachie, TX
• R.E. WATSON & ASSOCIATES – Kennedale, TX
• STILES LAND & CATTLE – Dallas, TX
• C.P.X. TRUCKING, INC. – Midlothian, TX
• SUPERIOR COMMERCIAL CONC – Waxahachie, TX
• THE BOYCE FEED & GRAIN COR – Waxahachie, TX
• CHUCK FAIRBANKS CHEVROLET – Desoto, TX
• ENNIS BUYERS GROUP – TX
• VINTAGE BANK – Waxahachie, TX
• TXI MIDLOTHIAN – Midlothian, TX
• HBI CONSTRUCTION – Ennis, TX
• MIDTECH POWER & CONTROL – Midlothian, TX
• F.O. AND O. – Midlothian, TX
• ALLEN SAMUELS CHEVEROLET – Ennis TX
• ALEX RODRIGUEZ CONSTRUCTION – Red Oak, TX
• CHICKEN EXPRESS – Ceburne, TX
• COWBOY BANK – Maypearl, TX
• AUTOMATED FOOD SYSTEMS, INC. – TX
• AAA BAIL BOND – Waxahachie, TX
• A4 ENTERPRISES – Palmer, TX
• MIDLOTHIAN FEED – Midlothian, TX
• RENDON MEATS – Burleson, TX
• TEXAS LAND BANK – Hillsboro, TX
• JEFFERSON BANK – Ft. Worth, TX
• FIRST FINANCIAL BANK N. A. – Midlothian, TX
• BROOKSHIRE – Ennis, TX
• TRINITY MATERIALS – Ferris, TX
• TOMMY FORD CONSTRUCTION – Dallas, TX
• HILLIARD DRUG – Waxahachie, TX
• WILLIAMS GIN – Frost, TX
• HELENA CHEMICAL BARDWELL – Bardwell, TX
• WAXAHACHIE FORD MERCURY – Waxahachie, TX
• KEN-DO CONTRACTING – Waxahachie, TX
• MEIER AUCTION SERVICE – Ennis, TX
• AG TEXAS FARM CREDIT SERVICE – Burleson, TX
• DAVID’S SUPERMARKETS, INC. – Grandview, TX
• ARK COUNTRY STORE – Waxahachie, TX
• JANA & RUSSELL MCALLISTER – Maypearl, TX
• THE NAY COMPANY – Waxahachie, TX
• L.P. SUNDANCE CONSTRUCTION, INC. – Ferris, TX
• BETTY MUIRHEAD – Red Oak, TX
• A. T. MITCH CO. – Midlothian, TX
• SON-LAN/ATKINS SEAFOOD/H2O – Waxahachie, TX
• J.L.&T. MANAGEMENT – Midlothian, TX
• EVANS COMPOSITES – Mansfield, TX
• DIAMOND J. P. CATTLE COMPANY – Midlothian, TX
• HARPER CATTLE COMPANY, L.L.C. – Arlington, TX
• ELITE REALTY – TX
• COOK SAW SHOP – Lufkin, TX
• ENNIS FORD MERCURY – Ennis, TX
• INTERNATIONAL POWER IPA – Midlothian, TX
• AGGREGATE HAULERS LLP – Bridgeport, TX
• MASSEY SALES SERVICES – Midlothian, TX
• R.C. CONTRACTORS – Midlothian, TX
• ROGER WEST – Red Oak, TX
• BOYCE WHATLEY – Midlothian, TX
• TRANSIT MIX CONCRETE – Dallas, TX
• AUTRY & HOWARD REAL ESTATE – Waxahachie, TX
• JOHN & DONNA VANDUYN – Galveston, TX
• MAYPEARL RANCH – Ennis, TX
• BEN E. KEITH COMPANY – Palmer, TX
• HUBBARD LIVESTOCK – Hubbard, TX
• U.S. ASSEMBLERS – Midlothian, TX
• MORTON FARM – Waxahachie, TX
• SCOTT GREEN – Waxahachie, TX
• FRED & ANN BRIGMAN – Maypearl, TX
• DIPPIN DOTS – Waxahachie, TX
• DYESS FARMS – Ennis, TX
• BEAKLEY FARMS – Ennis, TX
• RODNEY RANKIN – Midlothian, TX
• S&S CONCRETE – Frost, TX
• BRIAN WATSON – Waxahachie, TX
• SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL – Dallas, TX
• JOHN & LAURA SANDERS – Waxahachie, TX
• MARIN MOTT – Waxahachie, TX
• GLENN MORTON – Tyler, TX
• MOORE’S GOODYEAR – Shreveport, LA
• RONS TOWING – Dallas, TX
• PAUL ERNST – Whitney, TX
• GEBO’S – Ennis, TX
• JOHNSTON FARMS – Waxahachie, TX
• NELSON-PUTMAN PROPANE – Corsicana, TX
• JERRY RAY FARRER – Waxahachie, TX
• W.W. ODOM – Ennis, TX
• SCOTT QUINN – Ennis, TX
• J&L SERVICE AND REPAIR, INC. – Midlothian, TX
• HOUSEWARMERS – Midlothian, TX
• P.E.T. CONSTRUCTION – Midlothian, TX
• ROBERT CUNNINGHAM CONSTRUCTION – Midlothian, TX
• SULIVAN PROPERTIES
• P.E.T. CONSTRUCTION – Midlothian, TX
• RNC RODEO COMPANY – Waxahachie, TX
• GARY GILES – Waxahachie, TX
• MID TEC – Midlothian, TX
• WALKER ENGRAVING – Ft. Worth, TX
• VICTRON ENERGY, INC. – Waxahachie, TX
• JESUS LOPEZ – Hutchins, TX
• JONES CATTLE COMPANY, LLC – Midlothian, TX
• BOB HATCHER – Hurst, TX
• VANCE HINDS – Waxahachie, TX
• WALTON PROCESS TECHNOLOGY – Mansfield, TX
• CHRIS TILE SERVICE – Midlothian, TX
• OAK CLIFF OFFICE PRODUCTS – Dallas, TX
• PALMER FFA – Palmer, TX
• DAN BUCKLEY – Midlothian, TX
• CHICK-FIL-A OF CEDAR HILL – Cedar Hill, TX
• BRAZOS VALLEY EQUIPMENT – Ennis, TX
• RON TOWNLEY – Palmer, TX
• BUD WEATHERFORD – Midlothian, TX
• ROACH WASTE COMPANY – Ovilla, TX
• DIANE HAYES SALINAS – Midlothian, TX
• TAYLOR TELECOMM, INC. – Meridian, TX
• SCOTT HOPGOOD – Midlothian, TX
• PARRISH-HARE – Midlothian, TX
• ROBERTS RECYCLING – Ennis, TX
• SHAMELESS CATTLE COMPANY – Bardwell, TX
• ELLIS JOHNSON DALLAS COMPANY CONVENIENCE
• WAXAHACHIE FFA/4-H
• APEX CONSTRUCTION – Waxahachie, TX
• FRIENDS OF MIDLOTHIAN FFA – Midlothian, TX
• ENNIS JANITORIAL SUPPLY – Ennis, TX
• AQUA MATRIX, INC. – Midlothian, TX
• WEST STAR CONTRACTING – Waxahachie, TX
• FIRST STATE BANK WAXAHACHIE – Waxahachie, TX
• BECKY MORGAN – Italy, TX
• LAW OFFICE OF CINDY ERMATINGER – Waxahachie, TX
• JIM BYNUM
• ALL-STATE INSURANCE – Waxahachie, TX
• ITALY YOUTH BUYERS FUND – Italy, TX
• JIMMY HOPGOOD – Glenn Heights, TX
• TEXAS NAMEPLATE COMPANY – Dallas, TX
• MIKE MCMINN – Waxahachie, TX
• J&K EXCAVATION – Italy, TX
• HEIDI BYRUM – Midlothian, TX
• VAUGHN CATTLE COMPANY – Arlington, TX
• 4-K LAND & CATTLE – Milford, TX
• AMERICANA REALTORS – Dallas, TX
• LATTA, INC. – Midlothian, TX
• MARVIN J. MOORE – Italy, TX
• DENNIS HARRIS – Plano, TX
• TRIPLE S. CONSTRUCTION – Frost, TX
• THREET PALLET – Ennis, TX
• SHELLY BAUMAN
• TXI CORPORATE – Dallas, TX
• JACOBY FEED & SEED – Melvin, TX
• TOP CAT – Waxahachie, TX
• LARRY TUCKER – Forney, TX
• LONE STAR WESTERN & CASUAL – Athens, TX
• DAVID BRIGMAN – Waxahachie, TX
• PATSEY MASSEY – Midlothian, TX
• STANN & PAULA BAUCUM – Midlothian, TX
• DIANE WINN – Duncanville, TX
• RAFTER C RANCH – Midlothian, TX
• JAMES RICHARDS – Red Oak, TX
• FRI TEX DAIRY – Waxahachie, TX
• A-BIG TOY STORAGE – Waxahachie, TX
• WIMLISH TREE FARMS – Milford, TX
• STARNS RANCH – Kennedale, TX
• KEVIN BLAKENSHIP – Midlothian, TX
• MARION MOTT – Waxahachie, TX
• BRIAN SCHROEDER – Lancaster, TX
• JEFF CADE – Athens, TX
• B&Z CATTLE – Barry, TX
• STEVEN BEAKLEY – Ennis, TX
• MARY THACH – Waxahachie, TX
• ARTECH LAB – Midlothian, TX
• KENNETH LUNDBERG – Midlothian, TX
• GREGG LUNDBERG – Midlothian, TX
• KATHEY MCINTOSH – Ennis, TX
• SARAH WILKERSON – Frost, TX
• CAMBERS CREEK SHOW GOATS – Forreston, TX
• JOHN & DONNA VAN DUYN – Bryan, TX
• HIRAM SCHOOFIELD – Waxahachie, TX
• BARBARA DOBSON – Grandprarie, TX
• WESLEY JONES – Midlothian, TX
• LESLIE LINCHIED – Red Oak, TX
• RONALD APPLETON – Midlothian, TX
• JERRY MASSEY – Midlothian, TX
• DAN CASEY – McKinney, TX
• LATTA, INC. – Irving, TX
• PAIGE MITCHELL
• CLINT ALMAND – Midlothian, TX
• AUSTIN TERRY – Midlothian, TX
• BEVERLY THOMPSON – Waxahachie, TX
• STEVE CHAMBERS – Waxahachie, TX
• BILL HOLCIM – Midlothian, TX
• J&S PROCESSING – Fairfield, TX
• HAYES FARM
• COLUMBIA PACKING
• HUSE’S PACKING
• GREG SELLERS
• GEBO’S – Ennis, TX
• DEVON PERKINS