By STEPHANIE BUNKER
Moapa Valley Progress
Officials of the Clark County Junior Livestock Association (CCJLA) now have a definite tally of animals that will be present at the show during the Clark County Fair in April. On Saturday CCJLA held a weigh-in for lambs, goats, and pigs; as well as a pre show at the Clark County Fairgrounds in the Livestock Barn.
The barn came to life as exhibitors brought their animals for their official starting weight and registration for the show. Jr. Livestock Board Secretary Julie Logue explained the importance of the registration.
“We need to know the number of animals that will be in the show to prepare for the fair,” Logue said.
They will also use the first weight of the animal to determine the average daily gain, Logue said.
The numbers for this year’s show are quite similar to last year. This year there are 109 pigs registered, which is only 3 pigs less than last year. Forty-three lambs are registered, which increased by 2 from last year. But the number of goats decreased by 2 this year giving them 17. All told there are a total of 214 entries of livestock animals this year. Of course, this number can change depending on health and weight of the animals at the show.
The number of entries has declined in the last 6-7 years. In 2007 there were 223 entries. The year 2010 saw 198 entries. By 2012, the number had dropped to 130. But 2013 and 2014 are up again with 204 entries last year and a predicted 214 this year.
It is important to get a starting weight on each animal so that the exhibitor can determine what kind of diet is needed in the coming weeks. For example, the ideal starting weight for pigs is to be at or slightly over 100 lbs. Many of the pigs this year came in under this weight, putting pressure on the exhibitor to encourage their swine to pick up its appetite.
The pre show is important for many of the exhibitors that want to excel in showmanship of their animal. CCJLA brought in Lance Carter, a judge from Sacramento California, to give the exhibitors advice for the upcoming show. Carter talked about the strong points the kids had, as well as what they could work on. He also gave advice on how they can prepare their animal to look it’s best for the show. Although it was only a pre show, they did hand out small prizes for placing in the top of the class.
Cassidie Jones is working on her 4th lamb to show this year. It weighed in a little shy of what she would like but she plans to increase its grain and give the lamb supplements in order to make weight.
“I like to do the before-fair show,” Jones said. “I do it to have more practice and so the lamb understands what it’s going to be like.”
Utah Ray will be showing a lamb for the first time this year. He has previously shown pigs and is ready for a new learning experience with a lamb.
“My sister did a lamb last year and I chose not to,” Ray said. “I regretted it. So this year I wanted to try it out.”
His sister Laetitia Ray has been helpful to Utah in instructing her brother. “I’m not a pro but I try and show him how to do it,” she said.
The brother and sister pair described the differences in showing lambs versus pigs. Although they liked both, they found that they are able to get closer to their lambs because they can actually train them and they aren’t as messy.
Parents find showing animals is a good learning tool for their children.
“I like to see the kids participate,” said Amber Munns. “They learn responsibility and it gives them a goal to work towards.”
Munns noted how they can see the progression of the project from start to finish and each year they participate they can do more things on their own.
Kelby Robison said that his son Jesse came to him about wanting to participate in the livestock show. Although Robison didn’t care one way or another, he does think it teaches valuable lessons.
“It is good for him to be involved with livestock,” Robison said. “It is teaching him good discipline and a good way of life.”
Robison has been amazed to see his son devote time and attention to his pig morning and night in preparation for the show.
