Children and young adults will present animals and learn a little about themselves in the University’s annual livestock show.
The AgCenter will be hosting its 70th annual livestock show Feb. 5 through Feb. 12 for 9 to 19-year-olds to show off animals they have raised over the last year.
Some 5,000 youth will be coming from throughout the state to compete in the show.
Competitors will be presenting animals — ranging from chickens and horses to cattle — for cash prizes and scholarships.
Priscilla Cella, an agricultural business student and former show competitor, said the hands-on education gives children a unique perspective.
“A lot of people don’t even realize that their food comes from these animals,” Cella said. “These shows can teach a lot about the livestock industry.” Though the judges will evaluate mainly the animals, the children will also be judged on how well they present their animals.
Dwayne Nunez, who oversees the show, said the competition is a great opportunity for children to learn several lessons at once.
“We want the children to think about morals and ethics while they compete with their animals,” Nunez said.
Shannon Bere, livestock show coordinator, said the show teaches kids methods to improve their character by asking them to care for an animal over an extended period of time.
“The benefits are two-fold,” Bere said. “Younger competitors learn to be responsible, and as they get older and more is expected of them, they really begin to learn about their animals.”
Nunez said he believes that livestock shows offer children a chance to learn valuable lessons while having fun at the same time.
“We are out here showing off livestock, but what we’re really doing is educating children,” Nunez said.