Cowboy Up! 61st Annual Brazos Valley Youth Livestock Show

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By Danielle Anthony Photos By Joelynn Rathmann Photography

The 61st Annual Brazos Valley Youth Livestock Show will be held April 1 through April 8. Showcasing the hard work of the youth of Brazos County, the livestock show features projects in livestock, consumer science, and agricultural mechanics. The intensive work of these projects instills a sense of responsibility, leadership, accountability, and citizenship, otherwise known as the “Pillars of Character,” which are lifelong skills that will impact their lives for years to come. The students from the Brazos County 4-H and FFA will show off their works by competing in the livestock show this spring, with approximately 900 entries and 380 exhibitors.

According to Show President Scott Bishop, the event will kick off with the Queen’s Dance at the Texas A&M University Equestrian Center on Saturday, April 1, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Johnny Lee and The Texas Unlimited Band will perform and a queen will be crowned at the dance. The livestock show begins on April 4 with the commercial steer auction at noon at the Brazos Livestock Auction on Highway 21. The events continue Wednesday, April 5, with the rabbit show, followed by the lamb and goat show. Thursday, April 6, begins with Ag Mechanics judging and viewing of Consumer Science entries, followed by the swine show. Friday, April 7, starts with the turkey and broiler show, followed by the heifer show, and finishing with the steer show.

After the exhibits are judged, a portion will go on to the premium sale, which takes place on Saturday, April 8, at the Brazos County Expo. The premium sale allows the public to purchase the top exhibits. Bishop says, “Everyone competes for Grand Champion and to get that belt buckle, but they also compete to go to sale, which will make money for their college funds.”

By purchasing these exhibits, the buyers are making a direct difference in the future of the 4-H and FFA students in their community. The goal of the premium sale is not only to make a sale, but it is also to “have the public come out and show support for the youth,” Bishop says.

To find out more information on the Brazos County Youth Livestock show and find a detailed schedule of events, visit their website at www.bcyla.net.