One of the most popular attractions during rodeo season is the livestock show, garnering crowds of eager watchers to see each animal in act. The FFA partakes in this well liked show, with their annual competition at the Katy Livestock Show this February.
The Katy Livestock Show is a rodeo show that supports agriculture education within Katy ISD. Tompkins FFA, an organization that focuses on teaching students about the process of raising livestock and other agricultural elements, has attended the Katy Livestock Show and this year is no exception.
The competitions the FFA students participate in vary from something more on the agricultural side like floral arrangements to something more on the livestock side like raising pigs. FFA Vice President, junior Bryce Richman raised two pigs for the show, caring and tending to the two pigs. To raise an animal for the show, it takes months of dedication and consistency of caring and tending to the animals. FFA students manage their animals’ eating and overall health, giving them medication if necessary. Students are required to pay for all of this themselves.
“The time in the show ring reflects your time spent in the barn and if you worked hard,” said Richman. “It will pay off and the judge will hopefully like what he sees in your animal.”
Many of the FFA students were met with success in their competitions. One student, Reese DuBose for a lamb showing auction, received first place, two students, sophomores Fiorella Porta and Nicholas Loftis for swine making auctions, and one student, freshman Kevin Gonzales for lamb showing auction, received third place. For each of these students, they have the opportunity to receive a profit from their raising of the animal. Since the students pay for all aspects of raising their animal, including food, medical care, and grooming, they are able to earn money from all their hard work. Richman himself made $2,000 from the pig he raised last year. However, the financial aspects are not the only thing that FFA students gain. They also receive the hard and laborious experience of raising animals. This hard work they will be able to apply it to other elements of their lives.
“I’ve learned so much about patience and hard work,” said Richman. “ I’ve learned that if you work your tail off, it’ll pay off and your efforts won’t go unnoticed.”
Similar to the Katy Livestock Show, FFA’s next showing will be at the Houston Livestock Show taking place in March. Until then, students interested in seeing livestock shows can go to the Houston rodeo show, which not only has livestock shows, but also interesting attractions.
Popular music artists like the Jonas Brothers, HARDY, and Lainey Wilson will be performing at the rodeo. Along with these acts, livestock showings and interactive events, such as the petting zoo and pony rides, will be available for guests to take part in. Guests can also see an inside of the unique agriculture exhibits like the “Milk Parloring” and “Up Close Bee”.
The Houston rodeo takes place from Feb. 27 to March 17 from 9 a.m to 9 p.m at NRG Stadium. Standard ticket prices start at $25 with a $5 per ticket convenience fee.
