With the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show (BCYLS) just around the corner, eager and expectant youth across the county are ready to show projects they have created over the past several months. The BCYLS is an opportunity for students ages 8 to 18 who reside in Brazos County to get involved with agricultural life and mechanics and consumer sciences, while learning the importance of responsibility. The show also provides scholarship opportunities for those participants graduating from high school.
Nicole Terry, an advertising chairman for BCYLS and mother of a participant, describes the long processes involved with raising livestock or creating something by hand for youths who decide to enter the livestock show. “The kids put in a lot of time,” says Terry. “There is so much work that goes into this before the show...it takes a lot of time and energy. It really is a family affair.”
Traditional livestock entries range from rabbits to steers to chickens. After a judging process, the livestock deemed high quality may be sold at auction at the conclusion of the show. Since the addition of the consumer sciences to the show, students now also may enter items such as baked goods, homemade jewelry, wood or metal work projects, and floral arrangements. The items are also judged and made available for sale.
When asked how the community may get involved, Jay Wilder, president of BCYLS, explained the many possibilities. “Our scholarships total around $7,000,” says Wilder. “Some of that money is donated by local businesses and individuals, but the real opportunity is volunteering your time. We are entirely run by volunteers, they make the show happen.”
Wilder explained there are a number of committees on which individuals may serve, as well as the volunteers needed to help run the event.
This year’s Brazos County Youth Livestock Show will begin March 26 with the final auction taking place March 29. The event is being held at the Brazos County Exposition Complex. For more information on the event schedule, rules, or volunteering, visit www.bcyla.net or call the Brazos County Extension Office at (979) 823-0129.
