2014 Jefferson Davis Parish Livestock Show

This week was the Parish Livestock Show in our local town which is the Parish seat. It was Benjamin's first year to show livestock and he was a little nervous, but had been working with his animals in the afternoons. My Dad came with his truck and trailer and helped us load them and drop them off at the Parish barn the evening prior to the show.

We got the animals all settled in and normally wash them, but we decided to just give them a 'spit-shine' with a wet towel since it was going to be getting really cold the next morning.  Benjamin brought Rosie and Lili to show and we also brought Amy (Rosie's little heifer) so she wouldn't be so hyper looking for her calf.  Tricia took this photo below of some kids whose animals were on the same aisle as us.  After the show was over, they kicked back and relaxed next to one of their beef cattle.

Livestock shows will tire you out!

Benjamin was kicking back as well, right next to Amy and Lili, who were munching on some hay in their hay sock.

Taking a seat while the little calves eat

In the actual show, the calves wear a more formal leather halter.  Benjamin dresses a little more formal as well.

Benjamin with Lili

Here is Benjamin in the ring with Rosie.  In the actual show you want their bag to be fully bloomed (full of milk), so what you do is skip a milking so they are really full. The trouble with that is that they are uncomfortable.  Since Rosie needed milking and her calf, Amy, was nearby, she was real rambunctious. She swished her head back and hit Benjamin square in the nose, making his eyes water.  He stuck with it and finished showing Rosie, winning Reserve Champion.

Rosie in the ring

And here he is in the ring with Lili.

Lili lining up

Lili was well behaved, although a little vocal, but that is typical.  Benjamin showed Lili in Showmanship and did a great job.

Lili bellowing for her mom who is back at home

He got several nice rosette ribbons and a fancy plaque.  He really brought home the goods!

Benjamin with his winnings

And another shot.

Benjamin's MoMo Kay and Papa were able to cheer him on to victory and provided moral support.

The old boy has lots of decorations for his wall now.  He texted and called his brother who's at college to let him know of his success.  Russ was proud of him.  

We were proud, too.  For his first show, Benjamin showed with skill, patience, persistence, and was cool under pressure.  

 

Way to go, Benjamin, Rosie, and Lili!