Cooler weather has arrived and that could only mean on thing, the 4-H livestock exhibitors are gearing up for the 2018 North Florida Livestock Show. The show and sale is sponsored by the North Florida Livestock Association and will be held February 19th – 22nd, in Madison. Over 130 4-Hers and FFA youth from Taylor, Madison, Jefferson, Suwannee, Lafayette and Hamilton counties will be showcasing their swine and steer.

Many of the exhibitors began looking for their steer projects before school started and the swine exhibitors purchased their swine in October. It takes a lot of hard work to get the animals ready for the show. Animals must be broke to lead and exercised and special attention must be given to feed and care management. Each exhibitor is also responsible for keeping daily records of their animal for their project book. And, of course, exhibitors must be diligent in the ever-daunting task of finding a buyer for their animal.

As part of the preparation for the 2018 Livestock Show, Taylor County youth met with Corley Sweat, from Baker County, Florida. Corley is no stranger to the livestock arena. She has won showmanship multiple times and has a passion for the livestock project and what it teaches youth. She reminded the kids of many questions the judge may ask, such as: what are the different cuts of meat of their animal and what is the breed of the animal? She taught them grooming and feed techniques, as well. The youth concluded the clinic with a hands-on steering and leading exercise.

With only weeks remaining until the Annual North Florida Livestock Show and Sale, youth are working on project books, changing feeds to ensure their swine or steer has s good balance of muscle and fat, and securing sponsors to purchase their animal.

This year you and your family should stop by and check out the show in Madison.

• February 19th- Swine Show at 6:00 pm
• February 20th- PeeWee and Youth Livestock Scramble at 6:00 pm
• February 21st- Steer Show at 6:00 pm
• February 22nd- Livestock Sale/Auction at 7:00 pm

If you or your business is interested in sponsoring a 4-H youth livestock project, contact the Taylor County Extension Office, 850-838-3508.

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