Vienna FFA, 4-H organizing Maries County Livestock Expo

The show goes on

By Laura Schiermeier, Staff Writer
Posted 8/13/20

VIENNA — The Maries County 4H and FFA Livestock Expo 2020 is being organized by chapter and club leaders and parents so the Vienna area’s young agriculture producers can show and sell …

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Vienna FFA, 4-H organizing Maries County Livestock Expo

The show goes on

Posted

VIENNA — The Maries County 4H and FFA Livestock Expo 2020 is being organized by chapter and club leaders and parents so the Vienna area’s young agriculture producers can show and sell their animals this year. This was temporarily put on hold earlier in the year when the Maries County Fair Board canceled the annual fair because of the Covid-19 coronavirus concerns. But the youth needed a way to sell these animals and the leaders of the FFA and 4H clubs stepped up to plan host the event, just without the context of the fair.

Leaders say the youth show, awards and livestock sale will be the same as it was in the past, but it won’t have the lights and noise of a busy fair going on around it. A group met at the VHS agriculture room last Thursday night to go over the details of the show/sale to be held on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 3 and 4 at the livestock barn at the Vienna City Park. Those attending the meeting were Vienna FFA President Hannah Shanks, FFA Sponsor Sara Schwartze, Rising Stars 4H Club co-leader Brenda Johnson, Stockmasters’ 4H Club leader Carrie Kleffner and co-leader Renee Groene, and Stockmasters’ hog leader Amy Neier. Scott Veasman is the veterinarian on the committee.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 2 when the hams and bacon will be brought to the Youth Building at the park from 4 to 7 p.m. where they will be judged.

On Thursday, Sept. 3 the rabbit and chicken show will be held at 7 p.m. and the larger animals will be brought to the livestock barn 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4 is a big day at the livestock barn as the show begins at 8 a.m. There are 62 youth 4H and FFA participants. The show will begin with hogs, followed by sheep, bucket calves and cattle. At the livestock show, the participants will be judged for showmanship. At the end of the show people can sign up for over-the-hill showmanship awards, which is people over 21 years of age who find an animal at the barn they can use to show. It has been a popular part of the show in the past as it’s a lot of fun. There will be a winner in each class.

An awards program will be held on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by the livestock sale at 6:30 p.m. The agriculture youth in the Vienna area have worked hard all year preparing for this event and the community is encouraged to come out and support them.

Schwartze said they encourage spectators to come for all of the events, even without a fair going on around the event. “Come out and support the kids,” she said, adding all are welcome and encouraged. They will respect social distancing.

There will be a hidden judge at the events and this judge will select the winners of the junior (ages 8 to 12) and senior (age 13 and up) herdsman awards. This is a show participant who goes above and beyond, knows the industry of their animal, and they help others when no one in looking. These are important awards.

The youth already have signed up as this was done before Aug. 1. Premium sheets will be sent out to supporters. The premiums are used by people who want to support the kids but don’t want to purchase an animal, or supporters can buy an animal and also give selected kids premiums. All those who gave premiums will be announced at the sale.

The premiums are a good alternative for people who aren’t comfortable going to the show and sale because of the coronavirus. Premium sheets are available at The Maries County Bank and can be turned in at the bank for Brenda Johnson, or at the livestock barn the day of the sale. Johnson said supporters and buyers with questions may contact her at 573-659-4185

Because of the coronavirus, there will not be a supporters’ dinner this year. However, at the event, the VHS Junior Class is working on having a concession stand. 

On August 28 there will be a barn cleanup beginning at 6 p.m.