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Youth
Animal Science Events Fill Month of March
 Auburn,
Feb. 22---March madness doesn't refer to basketball in Alabama,
but to the extensive youth livestock events slated for the month.
Three district junior beef cattle expos are scheduled for Cullman,
Dothan and Montgomery. The Alabama Junior Beef Expo will be held
March 8 to 11 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. More than 200 4-H
and FFA club members are expected to show their heifers and steers
at these shows. Young people will compete in showmanship classes,
breed classes and market steer classes.
Bob Ebert, Extension
animal scientist, says that by participating in youth livestock
competitions, young people learn skills they will use throughout
their lives.
"They learn the
importance of responsibility, sportsmanship and time
management," says Ebert. The animal depends on the youngster to
provide for its needs and that builds maturity in the young person.
Young people also learn the importance of being considerate of
fellow competitors and judges even when they may not win."
The Alabama Junior Beef
Expo will include an ultrasound steer show for the first time. The
winning steer will be chosen based on the results of an ultrasound
evaluation of the steer's carcass.
In addition, young
people will have the opportunity to participate in a Beef Quiz Bowl.
This event offers an opportunity for young people to participate
without having the obligation of raising and showing an animal.
On March 15 and 16, the
focus changes from beef cattle to sheep. Youth from across the state
will participate in the Alabama Junior Sheep Expo. The expo will
feature a sheep quiz bowl competition and the youth breeding sheep
show.
The week's activities
are concluded with an awards luncheon on Saturday, March 16, which
includes attendance at the afternoon rodeo performance, compliments
of the Southeastern Livestock Show and Rodeo.
CONTACT: Bob Ebert, 4-H
Youth Livestock Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
(334) 844-1563
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