Livestock Shows

What’s new at the 2018 N.C. State Fair competitions?

Teacup July 31 July 31

If you’re looking to show off your hidden talents, at this year’s fair you can try your hand at anything from wreath design to rubber-chicken flinging. With expanded contests and diverse categories, everyone can enter for a chance at a blue ribbon. “We’re anticipating a really good turnout,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits director. “Tons of competitors have entered since general entries went live July 1, and we’re expecting a lot more.” General competition favorites are returning this year and some are expanding, including an even bigger Flower and Garden Show with more flower and wreath arrangement categories. The Decorated…

3 brothers and a goat named John

Marisa Linton See July 3 July 3

Meet the Henson brothers—Noah, Jesse, and Caleb. They live in the mountain town of Canton. Every year, they set goals for the season and do their best to achieve them. During last year’s fair season, they had a goal that revolved around a goat named John. They knew the goat was special, and they wanted to make sure he reached his full potential by the time he was shown at the N.C. State Fair. After hard work all season, it was time to walk in the ring with John. The only thing left was to hope that the judge thought…

Students participate in fowl play at the State FFA Poultry Judging Contest

Marisa Linton See May 7 May 7

FFA students from across the state recently came to Raleigh to participate in “fowl play” by competing in the State FFA Poultry Judging Competition. A record 88 teams competed at the contest this year. The event’s purpose is to encourage students to learn more about the poultry industry in the areas of production and management, processing, marketing and consumption of poultry products. Youth prepare months in advance for the big day at the state contest by studying, practicing and soaking up all the knowledge they can so they can be successful in all parts of competition. There are nine sections to…

Scholarship Spotlight: Liz-Anne Earle’s Texas dreams and North Carolina Facetimes

Marisa Linton See April 23 April 23

It was the final show of the Eastern Carolina Lamb Showmanship circuit. Points were close between competitors. This show would determine the circuit champions and who would win the belt buckle. Everyone watched with baited breath to see if the novice showman, although young and cute, could show a lamb as good as the most-seasoned showman. The judge deliberated. Finally, he made his decision and shook the winner’s hand. The audience erupted in applause and hollered. There was one scream, though that could be heard all the way from Texas. Liz-Anne Earl grew up showing cattle and lambs in North…

Nance family invests in youth at Meat Goat Leadership Institute

Marisa Linton See March 27 March 27

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Nance have a passion for both the meat goat industry and for youth. The result is a yearly 4-H meat goat leadership institute made possible by an endowment from the couple. The 8th Annual Billy Nance Family 4-H Meat Goat Leadership Institute was held on Feb. 10 at the N.C. State University Beef Education Unit in Raleigh. Youth learned about more than goats, though. They also gained skills to become an effective leader in their communities and beyond. The institute invites youth ages 10-19 to apply, and the top applicants are selected to attend the day-long…

For the Love of Livestock

Marisa Linton See February 26 February 22

Showing livestock, as so many youth and families in North Carolina do, is not an easy thing. It is not as simple as walking an animal around a ring, accepting a ribbon, and having your picture taken. The days are long and include hours working with your animal, making sure it stands just so. These hours are longer when that goat or steer decides to be exasperatingly stubborn and rebellious. The work is hard. Many a showman have earned their share of blisters from shoveling manure or playing tug of war with an animal. The experience is messy. Mud-caked boots…

NC State Fair Livestock Scholarship Program Helps Fund FFA Livestock Judging Contest

Marisa Linton See February 12 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. The N.C. State Fair Livestock Scholarship Program provides more than scholarships for college students. It also provides funds for youth competing in 4-H and FFA livestock events throughout the year and across the state. The FFA livestock judging competition is one such an…

Youth care for livestock projects in rain, snow, and shine

Marisa Linton See February 5 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. The beginning of the year brought snow with it to North Carolina. There were many excited kids playing in the snow and relishing the delay and cancellation of school. In many parts of the state, children were making snow cream, attempting to build…

10 Reasons Why I am Thankful for Showing Livestock

Marisa Linton See December 1 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. During this holiday season, we tend to reminisce about all there is to be thankful for. I decided to ask livestock folks, who are some of my favorite people, why they are thankful for livestock shows, especially those at the N.C. State Fair….

Champions are made at the NC State Fair

Marisa Linton See November 6 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. With a point, a glance and a handshake, a dream comes true. After hours of hard work and months of preparation, it all becomes worth it when the judge points to you. The noise of the crowds and the sights of the fair…

Category Archives: Livestock Shows