Tyrrell County Livestock Show

Yesterday, one of the hallmark 4-H events in Tyrrell County took place. The Livestock Show is the farm animal extravaganza of the Century (annually). What happens at a livestock show, you might ask...

1) Animals (goats, pigs, lambs) are raised by area 4-H'ers. They raise them for this specific competition. How are they evaluated? Well, a child will win the event if their respective animal has the most "marketable" traits...muscle expression, standard appearance, and overall appearance. They'll feed them corn or hay to get them there. Why is it important? Well, livestock is a majr and traditional part of North Carolina's economy, and training children to learn livestock production by doing it is just the 4-H way.

2) On Show Day, animals are weighed and sheared and showed, at Tyrrell Hall. The County 4-H Agent, and other Extension Agents rally together to orchestrate the big undertaking.

3) The animals are finally shown...market class, then showmanship. Showmanship gives the 4-H'ers an opportunity to show what they have learned - and not just how well their animal appears. A successful showman will always keep the animal in between themselves and the judge, will continue to exercise control over the animal, will "set-up" the animal so that it's feet are squared, and will answer some tricky questions about their respective animal. Ribbons are awarded to top placements in market class and showmanship.

4) The fundraising aspect follows the show. There is almost always a catered meal. The catered meal is easily my favorite portion of the festivities. Nine times out of ten, the meal is barbecue with boiled potatoes, corn bread fritters, and cole slaw. It's hard to go wrong with that...but the baked goods that accompany the meal are what I'm there for...

5) The end.

I'm happy to report that Lee, our Director, is alright after his day of weighing lambs and goats and pigs. He is proficient in the ways of the livestock and really loves helping. I like to help, but love to watch. I, too, have shown in livestock shows, but that was 20 years ago. I will accept your congratulations for my Reserve Championdom in my email inbox...

Enjoy the day...