YOUTH ANIMAL SCIENCE EVENTS FILL MONTH OF MARCH

Auburn, Feb. 25, 2004 --- Young people from more than 45 Alabama counties will participate in their own brand of March madness.  That does not refer to basketball, but rather 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 Livestock Expo will be held March 12 through 15 and March 19 and 20 at Garrett Coliseum Complex in Montgomery. Almost 300 4-H and FFA members are expected to show their animals at these shows. 

Bob Ebert, an animal scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said the March competitions have evolved greatly in the 81 years young people have been showing animals in Montgomery.

“It started as a market steer show,” said Ebert.  “The first heifer show was held in 1993, and now competitors show twice as many heifers as they do steers.  In 1996, a breeding sheep show was added to the March events, and this year meat goats become the third species showing at the Junior Livestock Expo.”

Ebert said the rewards of participating in youth livestock programs and events go far beyond the ribbons and trophies. 

“Young people develop skills and abilities they will use throughout their lives. They learn the importance of responsibility, sportsmanship and time management," said 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 beef cattle events, set for March 12 through 15, will include competition in showmanship, heifer classes, steer breed classes, market steers, a beef quiz bowl and ultrasound steer show.  In the ultrasound steer show, the winning steer will be chosen based on the results of an ultrasound evaluation of the steer's carcass.

“We expect to have the most different breeds of beef cattle ever to participate this year based on initial entries,” said Ebert. 

On March 19 and 20, the focus changes from beef cattle to sheep and meat goats.  Events include a sheep and goat quiz bowl competition, a breeding sheep show and a breeding meat goat doe show.

The week's activities will conclude with an awards luncheon on March 20, which includes tickets for the afternoon rodeo performance, compliments of the Southeastern Livestock Expo.

CONTACT:  Bob Ebert, 4-H youth livestock specialist, (334) 844-1563

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