By Brittany Anderson
Whether they were seasoned pros or it was their first rodeo, youth from FFA and 4-H clubs from across the county had the chance to showcase their showmanship and months of hard work at the Hays County Youth Livestock Show this past week.
Along with the Queen’s Court and Ambassador’s Horse Show, 409 students showed swine, poultry, goats, lambs, sheep, rabbits, cattle and home skills and ag mechanics projects between Jan. 22 and 29 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.
Participants had the chance to win a much sought-after belt buckle in their division, signifying their grand prize win — like eight-year-old Noah Robbins of Wimberley 4-H. He won the Junior Showmanship in the Market Rabbit division, garnering a buckle. This was Robbins’ first year in 4-H and first year showing rabbits, but previously won Reserve Champion for food home skills and Grand Champion for art home skills during the 2021 show as a Clover Kid.
The week-long event concluded with an awards show and presentation of scholarship recipients, as well as an auction where participants had the option to auction off their animals or projects to buyers.
Photos from the show can be found at www.hayscountylivestockshow.org or on their Facebook page or photography.michaelcariaga.com. A list of sponsors, donors and the top buyers of 2022 will also be posted.
