The Pee Wee Calf, Beef Breeding and Market Steer Show were held on Tuesday, February 12 at the LaBelle Rodeo Grounds. The show consisted of pee-wee, 4-H and FFA members showing their calves, bulls, heifers, and steers. The steers exhibited at the show ranged in weight from 1,020 pounds to 1,350 pounds. Mr. Brett Brandner of Deland, Florida served as the official judge for the evening. The pee wee show was sponsored by Ragin Graphics, the beef breeding show was sponsored by TriEst Irrigation, and the steer show was sponsored by Family Eye Care. The belt buckle sponsors were Randy’s Garage, Total Truck Parts, D & D Machine & Hydraulics, Creel Tractor, The Carmichael Family, Diane Stramel, CPA and C & C Feed Store.

Ten calf exhibitors began the evening answering questions about their project. The Pee Wee exhibitors consisted of Newt Carmichael, Kaylee Dana, Mia Hartman, Cassi Hendry, Benito Hernandez, Gabriella Hernandez, Dennis Lewis, Jestin Lewis, Timothy Plunkett and Annebeth Raulerson. All the pee-wee exhibitors received a medallion for their participation in showing a calf.

The beef breeding critters were judged on size, growth potential, muscle, balance, structural correctness, capacity, and sex characteristics. The steers were judged on muscling, correctness of finish, balance, capacity, size, as well as carcass desirability. Showmanship was judged on the ability to exhibit an animal to its best advantage, as well as the overall care and training of the animal. The exhibitors were also judged on control, presentation to the judge, awareness of the judge, as well as knowledge of the specie. Planning, practicing, and neat appearance will assist the exhibitor in being successful.

The Beef Breeding exhibitors were Gwendolyn Ash, Marshall Carmichael, Austlynn Lott, Kaelyn Murray, Rein Plunkett and Kaydence Tindall. Kaelyn Murray achieved Grand Champion Heifer with Kaydence Tindall capturing Reserve Champion Heifer. Grand Champion Cow was awarded to Marshall Carmichael with Gwendolyn Ash achieving Reserve Champion Cow. Marshall Carmichael took the Grand Champion Bull award. In the Beef Breeding Showmanship division: Marshall Carmichael captured the first-place award with Austlynn Lott taking second place.

The Steer exhibitors were Gwendolyn Ash, Marshall Carmichael, Jacob Davis, Case Hendry, Ashlyn Hood, Kaelyn Murray, Lane Murray, Alisah Obern, Rein Plunkett, Adam Reinbott, Dallen Steelman, Windall Tindall, Emma Willis and Carl Willis. Marshall Carmichael captured the Grand Champion award. Marshall’s steer weighed 1,260 lbs. Kaelyn Murray achieved the Reserve Champion award as well as the Area Bred Grand Champion award with her steer weighing 1,070 lbs. The Reserve Champion Area Bred award was awarded to Dallen Steelman. The breeder of Kaelyn’s calf was Melvin Guerry and Dallen’s breeder was Seminole Tribe.

Marshall took first place in the Junior/Intermediate Showmanship division with Rein Plunkett capturing second place. Lane Murray captured the first-place award with Gwen Ash achieving the second-place award in the Senior Showmanship category. Furthermore, the first-place average daily gain award went to Carl Willis with Dallen Steelman winning the second-place award.

Marshall, Ashlyn, Kaelyn, Lane, Rein, Adam, Dallen, Kaelyn, Windall, Emma and Carl are members of the A-1 Steer 4H Club. Jacob, Case and Alisah are members of the Rooter Runner 4-H Club. Kaydence is a member of the Double H Livestock 4-H Club and Gwen is a member of the Clewiston FFA.

The sponsors of the events are greatly appreciated as well as the LYL committee, 4-H/FFA leaders and parents. All the exhibitors did a great job exhibiting their critters. The A-1 Steer 4-H Club is led Patricia McGill, the Double “H” Livestock 4-H Club is under the direction of Lynnette Tindall, and the Rooter Runner 4H Club is led by Carmen Corbitt and Jessica Griffin. Jenny Goeff, Ben Randolf, and Sara are the Clewiston FFA Advisors. Cori Hendry provided leadership to the Pee Wee calf exhibitors.