(HUTCHINSON) – The Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) will host 782 youth for the 91st annual event. Exhibitors have entered 1,914 head of livestock, which includes 162 market steers, 372 breeding heifers, 223 market hogs, 301 breeding gilts, 233 market lambs, 244 breeding ewes, 196 market goats and 183 commercial doe kids. The statewide event will be held September 29 - October 1 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
KJLS will award cash to exhibitors of the top five animals in both market and breeding shows in all four species. Direct cash payouts will range from $4,000 to $500 for steers; $1,000 to $300 for heifers; $2,000 to $500 for market hogs; $750 to $250 for breeding gilts; $2,000 to $300 for market lambs; $500 to $50 for registered ewes; $500 to $100 for commercial ewes; $2,000 to $400 for market goats; and $750 to $200 for commercial doe kids.
In addition, KJLS will present several scholarships during the show to exhibitors who have excelled academically, in community service and in 4-H/FFA. This is the 30th year for the scholarship program, which has awarded a total of $531,100 to 372 exhibitors since 1993. Last year, a total of $20,500 was awarded to 13 individuals.
Separate from the selection of species champions, a showmanship contest will be held. The top showman in the junior, intermediate and senior divisions of each species will receive a silver belt buckle. Prizes also will be awarded for second through fifth place in each division.
KJLS will again offer the LEAD Challenge, which is an education, advocacy and leadership event that provides an opportunity for exhibitors to learn about current topics being discussed within the livestock industry and apply that information in a competitive environment. Exhibitors will be divided into three age divisions: junior, intermediate and senior. All will participate in the LEAD Listen & Learn, showmanship, skills stations and an interview.
In conjunction with KJLS, the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) will sponsor a club calf show and sale. Steer and heifer prospects from some of the top club calf producers in the Midwest will be consigned. The event will take place September 30. Sale commission proceeds will go toward KLF Youth in Agriculture scholarships. The Mid-America Classic Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest will be held September 29 in conjunction with the show. This event provides competitors the opportunity to sharpen their livestock evaluation skills; develop their critical thinking and decision-making abilities; and refine their public speaking skills. Both junior and senior colleges will participate.
Sponsors of the event include Cargill, Merck Animal Health, Kansas Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Huvepharma, Evergy and ICT Great Plains. KLA and Kansas State University serve as additional sponsors of the show.
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