FORT WORTH -- Two weeks after the crowds packed up and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo ended, Joshua Newcomb brought his five sheep to the Swine Barn to compete in the Junior Livestock Show.
"This is nice because it's smaller and a little less competitive," said Newcomb, who lives in Rendon, near Burleson. "It's more relaxed."Lighter crowds and a more intimate atmosphere drew a record 536 young people from 4-H clubs and FFA to this year's Junior Livestock Show, which is restricted to Tarrant County.The show ended Saturday as Newcomb and others sold 167 animals in the auction at Will Rogers Memorial Center, which brought in $232,688. In comparison, buyers spent more than $2.9 million on 288 animals at the Stock Show.But smaller paychecks do little to deter the youths.Many participants said they compete in both shows, spending at least an hour or two a day feeding, grooming and training their animals."Honestly, I think this is more fun than the Stock Show," said Makenna Ruder, a student at Mansfield Legacy High School. "It's not as crowded. It's a little more relaxed."Darla Crouch-Reynolds, the show secretary, said the event provides an outlet for families to work together and bond."This is family-oriented," she said. "Families can be together, work together, travel together."Competing also teaches young people crucial skills, Crouch-Reynolds said."They learn time management, responsibility, how to take care of something," she said. "This provides tools and skills they will take beyond high school."Krissy Jury, a Texas Wranglers 4-H club member whose chicken won reserve grand champion, said the judging is typically a little easier at the junior show, which makes it easier for beginners. "It's easier, more laid-back," said Jury, a student at Dawson Middle School in Southlake, adding that she uses any winnings to buy chicken feed.Some participants say they use the Junior Livestock Show as a training ground for the Stock Show.Friends Kendyl Slaboda and Grace Jestis of Saginaw said they have picked up many tips and ideas for training their goats, which they hope to use when they compete in the Stock Show in high school."I love agriculture," Slaboda said. "I definitely want to stay involved."Jeff Newcomb, Joshua's father, said the county show allows area youths to earn money to buy more animals and equipment and raise money for college. "This rewards young people in our county for their hard work," Newcomb said. "Kids deserve this recognition."Sarah Bahari, 817-390-7056Twitter: @sarahbfwHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
