At the end of September the FFA show team went to the Heart of Texas Livestock Show in Waco, Tx. Students placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their showings during the event.
“I’m usually at the barn at 5:30 A.M. and I’ll start giving her food and water to fill her out until I show, then I’m going to go wash her and get her hair going the way it needs to go,” sophomore Loryn Gates said. “Next we show in the ring where we walk in a circle and set them up in two views, rear view which is where the judges look from their butt to head, and profile which is their whole silhouette. There’s also showmanship which is solely based on how you show the calf.”
Kaylee Corley placed first in the Shorthorn class 2 with her heifer named Boujee. She has shown cows for four years and has been beaten the last two years by the same girl, but this year she got good enough.
“I got good enough by putting in the work,” junior Kaylee Corley said. “Every day before school, after school, making sure that no matter if something was wrong, I tried to fix it and make it better and put in extra hours.”
The Heart Of Texas show is a Texas major. There are many contestants which lowers the probability of winning, But Kadence Tucker placed first and second in her classes.
“I was surprised and happy and in shock,” junior Kadence Tucker said. “It’s not something you expect when there’s so many people.”
The students in Agriculture travel to many shows together. Being in close proximity to others has built a space for companionship.
“We have a show group and do literally everything together, if anyone needs help someone’s always there to lend a hand,” sophomore Loryn Gates said. “They’re always going to be open to new ideas and helping out no matter what.”
Creating a bond with the animals is inevitable. Students get up in the morning to take care of their cows before they take care of themselves. Spending time with each other allows them to learn what their cow needs and wants.
“With my scramble calf, she’s the sweetest, kindest, calf. You can sit in her pen for hours and she’ll just let you,” Tucker said.”I had a different calf that’s not as sweet and friendly but she still wants attention just not all the time.”
