The Lincoln County Junior Livestock Show is finishing up today and Friday and the Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show begins next Tuesday.
The Lincoln County show is at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Chandler. The beef show begins at 1 p.m. with prospect steers, market steers, selection of sale order, County Bred Steers and mini Herefords.
On Friday there is a livestock judging contest starting at 10 a.m. The premium auction is scheduled for 6 p.m. that evening.
The Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show starts next Tuesday. March 1, at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee. The sheep show kicks it all off at noon.
It will be followed by the doe goat show then the wether goat show.
The livestock show runs through Friday, March 4.
Between 350-400 FFA and 4-H exhibitors are expected at this year’s show, Suzanne Gilbert, chairperson of the show said.
“From 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, heifer papers will be checked and steers will be weighed,” she said.
Beef judging starts at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Heifers will go before the judge first, then the steers.
“The swine show is on Thursday starting at 10 a.m.,” Gilbert stated.
The premium auction is Friday evening, March 4, beginning at 7 p.m.
Gilbert mentioned, “The show office is located this year on the south end of the Otto Krausse building in room A.”
It’s the 85th year for the show.
“As far as animals, we are up by 10 head on cattle from last year, 98 head for 2022. We have 80 head of sheep, and around 50 head of goats. Swine will number around 300,” she noted, adding, “That of course is always our largest number.”
Gilbert emphasized that all animals will be released at the conclusion of each species show. “Each animal that qualifies for the Premium Auction Sale is required to go to the picture backdrop as they exit the show ring after being selected for the sale for each species,” Gilbert stated.
“Masks are not required or mandated,” Gilbert said.
“The auction block will be on the west wall rather than the north wall. The buffet reception for the buyers will start at 5:30 p.m. There will be round tables set up and spread out to provide social distancing,” Gilbert noted.
At 6:30 p.m. the awards and scholarships will be handed out with the premium auction starting at 7 p.m.
Gilbert said that 110 animals will make the annual premium auction that concludes the show.
She believes, “The show gives the students the opportunity to finish this year like it should be. Kids are still active in doing what they love.”
She acknowledges, “We as the committee have had some hurdles to make sure the show goes on for the 85th year. We need the buyers to come out and support the agriculture youth with their animals.
This year’s PCJLS honorees, Gina Rounsaville and Jeremy Frye, will be recognized again and presented their jackets Friday evening.
Four $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to seniors. “Last year’s winners will actually receive their $2,000 check after they have attended and completed a semester and proved that they’ve enrolled in the next semester of college or trade school or training beyond high school,” Gilbert emphasized.
She said the funds are invested with the Community Foundation of Oklahoma and the interest is what pays for the scholarships each year. “We’ve had the money invested since the first year we did it,” she stated.