The annual Wood County Junior Livestock Show (WCJLS) to be held Thursday, April 14 through Saturday, April 16, at Lester Cole Show Arena located behind the Mineola Middle School. Both first timers and seasoned exhibitors from Wood County FFA Chapters and 4-H Clubs will be on hand to show over 200 animals and agricultural projects over the course of the event.

Quitman FFA students have been busy working on projects for the show. The Quitman program will be represented by 20 students, some showing livestock and others building projects for agriculture mechanics.

“I want people to know just how hard our kids work every day to prepare for the shows. They are constantly working on their projects,” Quitman agriculture instructor Brant Lee said. “We are looking forward to a good turnout for this year’s show and hope a lot of folks come to see what all these young people have done.”

Entered in the livestock competition showing hogs from the Quitman FFA are Brooke Lee, Kathryn Hudman, Marcus Pollard, and Megan Ross. Showing dairy heifers are Avery von Reyn, Brentley von Reyn, and Julia Simpkins. Showing goats this year will be Daniel Kernes, Gabby Chaney, and River Chaney. Thomas Rubio will be showing a steer and Julianne Hampton a commercial heifer.

Projects entered in Agriculture Mechanics will be Brazos Hightower, swing set; Brooke Lee, cedar chest; Cody Frazier, smoker; Dawson Hudman, deer cleaning station; Hunter Patterson, fire pit grill; Jackson Sanders, horse shoe gun rack; Jordyn Blalock, chiminea; Kathryn Hudman, coverable chicken house; Lane Blalock, deer feeder; and Sarah Davis, a bench.

The event will kick off Thursday, with the agricultural mechanics projects judging at 1:00 p.m. followed by the broiler show at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, judging will begin with the swine show at 8:00 a.m., followed by the commercial heifer show at 10:30 a.m., the steer show at 11:30 a.m., the rabbit show at 12:30 p.m., the dairy show at 2:00 p.m., the goat show at 3:00 p.m., and will conclude with the lamb show at 4:00 p.m. Showmanship judging will immediately follow each individual show.

Yantis FFA will have 27 students with various projects while Alba-Golden FFA is being represented by 24 students, Winnsboro 27, and Mineola 16. Hawkins FFA has over 40 various entries and Wood County 4-H which has students from area schools will have over 35 representatives.

On Saturday at noon, a Buyers Stew will be held at the Mineola Middle School Cafeteria on Loop 564 next to the football field. It will be served by the well-known and widely appreciated cook, Sam White. The premium auction is scheduled to follow the luncheon at 1:00 p.m. in the Lester Cole Show Arena.

The Wood County Junior Livestock Show is a wonderful chance for the public to see local youth present outstanding examples of leadership and agricultural skills, and have the opportunity to bid on over 200 quality animals and projects. Through the generosity of local individuals and merchants, the premium Buyers Auction raises money for scholarships for graduating seniors.

The Wood County Junior Livestock Market Show is a project of the Wood County Young Farmers. The purpose of the Wood County Young Farmers is that of the State Association of Young Farmers of Texas; to provide educational programs designed to meet the needs of men and women with a vested interest in agriculture. These interests include but are not limited to: Leadership training and experience for leaders and good citizens; participation of families in civic and community service work designed to improve the way of life in their community, state, and nation

For more information about this event, go to , call any local Agriculture Science Teacher or call the Wood County Extension Office at (903) 763-2924.