WOOD COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW

Get some young people and a bunch of critters together on a beautiful spring day, and it makes for a good time. Students from the ag programs at schools throughout Wood County met in Golden, along with members of area FFA clubs, for the 3-day event that included showing of cattle, goats, pigs, rabbits, dairy and chickens.

Blair Jones, a senior at Winnsboro High School, won Grand Champion with his steer, Magnum. Blair was sponsored by Wayne's Farm & Ranch, and said he has been showing steer for four years. "I won three of those four years," he said. "So I must be doing something right."

He did say that there is no big secret to raising a champion, but he did emphasize how important it is to walk the steer every day to help build muscle. That and feeding them the right food.

After finishing high school, Blair plans to go to college at Tarleton State University and study animal science.

The $8900 the steer brought in the auction on Saturday should help with tuition. Blair said he was grateful to Wood County Electric, S & J Contractors, and Wayne Redding for their support.

 Other Winnsboro wins included a third place in pigs for Allie Mitchell, a 6th place for Jeffrey Boone and Hunter Powell in pigs (fourth and fifth class respectively). Andrea Beare took first place in the first class of goat showing, and Cody Jordan took 6th in first class.  After the busy day of being on exhibit, Chipper, (below) Cody's goat had to take a nap.   

Qenton King of Winnsboro took 6th place in second class for goats, and Derek Pettit took 2nd in fourth class.

The ag teachers from Winnsboro, Billy Fowler (L) and Richard Lovorn, both said they are really proud of all the kids who worked so hard all year. "It takes a lot of time and effort to raise the animals," Lovorn said. "And the kids really need our support."