The Central Area Livestock Show kicks off today, Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee and 4-H and FFA exhibitors from the Ag-Ed Central Area will compete.
Jeremy Frye, coordinator of the show, said it runs through Saturday, Jan. 29.
He pointed out it’s open to any 4-H and FFA member, 8 to19 years old, within the Central Area of the Oklahoma FFA Association. He said an exhibitor who is eight years old by Sept. 1, enrolled in the third grade and enrolled in 4-H is eligible to participate.
The dozen counties comprising that area include Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Payne, Oklahoma, Cleveland, McLain, Garvin, Murray, Stephens, Jefferson, Carter and Love.
Frye said, “Last year, we had more than 650 4-H and FFA members exhibit more than 1,600 head of livestock. This year, we expect to see similar numbers in both the number of exhibitors and livestock,” he added.
“Things are going well,” Frye stated, as he was preparing for the show.
“The kids are still wanting to show and get out and do it,” he added, noting, “the fact they are able to show is good and the kids can get back to some normalcy,” referring to the impact COVID-19 has had.
He noted pre-entries closed Friday, Jan. 21 at midnight, and late entries will be accepted on site during the show.
Entry fee is $25 for lambs, does, wether goats, barrows and market hogs and $35 for heifers and steers. Late entries are assessed a $10 late fee on each entry, Frye said.
Frye noted that “masks will be required in and around all show rings and seating areas.”
The Market Lamb Show begins at noon Thursday. Also on that day, doe goat competition starts at 1 p.m. followed by the wether show.
On Friday, the breeding gilts competition starts at 10 a.m.
The Prospect Steer Show is at 9 a.m. Saturday followed by Market Steers and heifers.
The Market Hog Show starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday.