More than 100 Garland County Junior Livestock exhibitors have worked hard all year, preparing their livestock for showing at the 2018 Garland County Fair, which runs through Saturday. Most of these youths belong to a local 4-H and/or to their school's Future Farmers of America program.
These youngster's commitment to raising top-notch animals usually begins before dawn each day. During the year, they feed, water and care for their stock, which includes cattle, swine, goats, sheep, poultry and rabbits. Their work continues after school daily as they groom, trim hooves, exercise and teach their animals to lead and set up properly for the judges at the show. They sometimes spend sleepless nights helping with birthing or dealing with an animal's illness.
With a work ethic instilled by their parents and the agricultural programs at one of the seven school districts in Garland County, these youths are training to be the future leaders in the United States.
Livestock judging at the Garland County Fair will take place tonight through Thursday, when judges will select the finest of each species of livestock being shown, with these animals being featured in the Premium Sale on Friday. Individuals, businesses, organizations and political candidates will have the opportunity to bid on and "buy" these animals, with the funds going to offset the costs incurred by the youngsters and their families in raising and caring for their livestock. The animals will stay with the youths and will likely go on to other fairs. All youngsters who show an animal will be rewarded for their participation through the fundraising efforts of the Garland County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, the Garland County Junior Livestock committee, FFA Alumnis and many others.
The premium sale will be held Friday, beginning with a complimentary lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Extension Homemakers Club building. Anyone with a desire to reward these youngsters for their commitment to the future of agriculture is welcome to bid on an animal.
The public is welcome to tour the livestock area during the fair and watch the judging that takes place each evening, plus the Premium Sale.
For further information, call Keith Rucker at 501-318-8756.
Society on 09/11/2018