The (Livestock) Show Must Go On . . .

Growing up in Baton Rouge, I never appreciated the dedication and hard work of the 4H youth until we had one of our own. Well, let me tell you, these kids (and their families) are tough and dedicated to their livestock.  It’s freezing in Southwest Louisiana, as it is in most of the country right now, but the Parish 4H Livestock show was scheduled, and despite the extreme cold, the show went on.    

Show Preparation

Yesterday evening after work and school, Chris and Marie spent their time readying the stock trailer with everything they would need for today. . . hay, feed, shavings, halters, brushes, sprays, registration papers, vet certificate, etc.  Due to the weather conditions, the decision was made by them to only take her showmanship cow to the Parish show, but that didn’t reduce the amount of trailer stocking needed.  However, that decision did lessen the amount of animal prep that was required as she only needed to get one cow cleaned and ready. 

Today is Chris’ birthday, but he was happy to spend his day supporting Marie in her 4H activity. They were up early for a 6:30 am departure from the ranch, and I followed shortly thereafter bringing breakfast, boots, and Buddy heaters. 

Show Season Rewards & Lessons

I know you may be thinking that this sounds like a lot of work in miserable circumstances, but please don’t knock it until you have tried it.    Showing 4H livestock brings out the best in the kids and their families.  The Parish shows represent the beginning of the 4H show season, with District and State shows to follow.  It is the culmination of months of preparing their livestock through nutrition, exercise, and time for a competition where not only the animal is judged but also the student’s handling of the livestock and his or her knowledge of the animal is scrutinized.  It is a time of community where the students support and cheer for one another, and families are willing to lend a helping hand to others. 

As you walk through the show barn, you will see why families continue to encourage and support their children in these 4H activities.  Generations of families come together to support the kids, many of whom have been showing for generations and have time-tested wisdom to share.  Visitors often come by the show barn to let their children see and touch livestock and ask questions.  The 4H kids are cheerfully doing tasks that are unpleasant but necessary, such as scooping poop to keep their pens clean.  While waiting for the show to start and between classes, people take the time visit and catch up with friends and new acquaintances.

The time in the show barn feels simpler and less hurried.  There is one task at hand, i.e. to care for the livestock and have them ready to enter the show arena at the appointed time.  While the goal of each participant is to win the blue ribbon, the lessons they learn in getting to the show arena will stay with these kids far longer than the thrill of the ribbon they take home. 

It is my hope that more children and families will come see that the experience and lessons learned in showing 4H livestock are well worth the investment of time and energy and that for generations to come, the livestock show will go on. 

Grace Ranch . . . By God’s Grace; For His Glory!