Preparations are well under way for the 76th annual Olton FFA & 4-H Livestock Show, which takes place Thursday thru Saturday, Jan. 21-23 at the Olton Ag Pavilion.
“We are going to have sheep and goats and barrows, heifers and steers like always,” said Kevin Hukill, president of the Olton Junior Livestock Association Board of Directors.
Rebel Royal is scheduled to judge the show again this year.
The barn at Olton Ag Pavilion opens at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, for the arrival of animals. Barns will be open all day for entering livestock with weigh-in beginning at 4 p.m. The weigh-in deadline is 6 p.m. All animals must be groomed and in correct pens and places by 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, and judging gets underway at 10 a.m.
“David Pinkerton is going to be our emcee,” the stock show board president said. “Two years ago, Dennis Givens had to be gone one day, and David filled in. He has agreed to do that.”
Givens, who had served as the announcer for many years, passed away late last year.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic Hukill said there will be a few changes for the 76th annual show.
“We are going to ask people if they show symptoms, to not make themselves present,” he said. “We are going to ask everyone to wear masks, and we will provide masks and hand sanitizer.”
For the first time, the judging Friday and Saturday will be broadcast live, Hukill said.
“If people are uncomfortable coming, we are going to live stream it on Facebook through our new Facebook page — Olton Junior Livestock Association,” he said.
The new Facebook page was expected to be up and running by late this week.
“Grandma can watch the grandkids show and not have to expose herself,” the stock show board president said.
Because of the pandemic, he said home-baked goods will not be sold at the concession stand. However, the FFA and 4-H Cake Auction that raises money for the project center will occur like usual Saturday afternoon.
“We are going to try to do things as normal as we can,” Hukill said. “If there are any issues, we will deal with them as we go.”
Goats will lead things off in the judging at 10 a.m. with Lambs following about 10:30 a.m.
The official grand opening of the show is set for 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, and it is scheduled to include introductions of show directors as well as FFA and 4-H officers, advisors and sweethearts. Barrow judging follows at noon and continues into the afternoon.
On Jan 23, judging resumes at 9 a.m. with the Heifer Show, followed by the steer show at 10 a.m.
The 76th show is set to be officially dedicated during an awards presentation at 12:45 p.m. Awards for champion animals, showmanship winners, the high-point exhibitor and the Tommy Lewis Memorial Herdsman Award will be presented following the dedication.
The FFA and 4-H Cake Auction takes place at 1 p.m., and the Premium Auction Sale begins at 1:30 p.m. Steers, barrows and goats will be in the premium auction, which raises funds for students’ animal projects. Leonard Lawson is scheduled to be the auctioneer.
“The public is invited to support 4-H and FFA members by bidding on animal projects,” Hukill said.
In addition to Hukill, who serves as president and as a beef superintendent, the Olton Junior Livestock Association Board of Directors includes Josh Parkey, vice president and a barrow superintendent; LaDanda Kauffman, secretary and a beef superintendent; Michael McFadden, treasurer and a beef superintendent; Joe Sanchez, general superintendent; Kevin Blount, a barrow superintendent; Brent Burns, a barrow superintendent; Jim Aldridge, a barrow superintendent; Mary Bass, a beef superintendent; Dale Falcon, a lamb and goat superintendent; Callen Pinkerton, a lamb and goat superintendent; and Michael Peggram, a lamb and goat superintendent.
Stock show trophies, ribbons and awards are donated by Happy State Bank and Wellington State Bank.
The Outstanding Exhibitor plaque is donated by Karen Lewis, and the Grand Champion Steer belt buckle is given by MJ Shorthorns - Mary and J.O. Bass. The Grand Champion Barrow belt buckle is donated by Michael and Velvet McFadden, while the Grand Champion Lamb belt buckle comes from Callen Pinkerton Knifeworks and the Grand Champion Goat belt buckle is given by Randy and Kristi Goen. The Supreme Heifer belt buckle is donated by Tony and Susan Soliz.
Reserve Champion buckles and Breed Champion awards are donated by DOLLS - Dazzling Olton Ladies Lending Support.
Senior Showmanship awards are donated by David and Rhonda Pinkerton, Lamb; Colt Redinger, Goat; Jim and Janice Aldridge, Barrow; and Maxwell Hay Farm, Beef. Junior Showman awards are donated by Bryson Williams, Lamb; Joe and Alicia Sanchez, Goat; JH Showpigs, Barrow; and Steve Whitaker and Steven Rose, Beef.
Olton Junior Livestock Association directors oversee the Ag Pavilion and stalling barn as well as working with Olton Independent School District on the FFA - 4-H Community Ag Project Center. The stock show board’s goal is to make the livestock projects and annual show the best it can be for the local youth.