By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The Glen D. Hardy Memorial Livestock Jackpot Show received high praise from parents, attendees and judges this year as the annual show was held last weekend with over 800 animal entries over nearly 200 youth exhibitors.
Young exhibitors came from all across the western United States to compete including Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Utah and, of course, Nevada.
More than 70 of the exhibitors were Clark County Junior Livestock Association (CCJLA) members planning to show their animals in the Fair next month.
“The reason we have organized this jackpot a month before the fair is so the CCJLA exhibitors can get some experience in advance of the fair,” said the event’s coordinator Anna Reber. “It let’s people know what they are dealing with and they can work with judges to get some really helpful showmanship tips.”
All entry fees from exhibitors were put into the jackpot and paid out to the exhibitors as prizes. The payouts for the event totaled more than $9,000, according to Reber.
“This was so much better than last year,” said Brooke DeVoge, a parent of one of the youth exhibitors. “More competition, excellent judges, organized, and such kind people as always. The kids learned so much and the judges took time with each of them to give them pointers. I was so impressed and my heart is full.”
Reber confirmed that the event had grown since last year. The 2023 jackpot brought 620 animal entries, she said.
“It was a much bigger event, with a bigger payout,” Reber said. “The reviews were heard from people about the judges and overall event were really good. A lot of people said they plan to come back next year. So I think it will be even bigger next spring.”
Even one of the special guest judges gave nothing but praise of the competition.
“I am incredibly impressed,” Matt Denetclaw of Shiprock, New Mexico said. “The youth here are absolutely amazing and skilled.”
The Desert Showdown Jackpot was held on Friday-Sunday at the Glen Hardy Large Animal Building on the grounds of the Clark County Fair and Rodeo.
On Friday was weigh-ins and registration check-in. Saturday and Sunday saw two days of competition with the two guest judges from New Mexico: Denetclaw and Zane Webster.
Day one had Denetclaw judging the swine and cattle while Webster oversaw the goats and lambs. On the second day, the two switched.
Each exhibitor had time to receive tips and pointers from both of the judges for their animal entries.
Youth competed in four different age categories including Juniors, Intermediate, Seniors and Pee Wees for Showmanship.
“I’ve just got to congratulate all the winners on a great show,” Denetclaw said. “I hav been super impressed with the youth and the fine stock they are raising.”
The next stop is the Clark County Fair and Rodeo for many of the CCJLA competitors in last week’s show. The fair takes place on April 10-14. The livestock auction will be held on Saturday, April 13.
For more information about the show and the auction visit www.ccjla.com.
