(HUTCHINSON) – Youth have entered 1,966 animals in the 92nd Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS), which will take place September 27-29 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A total of 798 exhibitors have entered 187 market steers, 387 breeding heifers, 228 market hogs, 277 breeding gilts, 254 market lambs, 265 breeding ewes, 171 market goats and 197 commercial doe kids.
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 31st year for the scholarship program, which has awarded a total of $554,550 to 385 exhibitors since 1993. Last year, a total of $23,450 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.
Exhibitors also have the opportunity to compete in the LEAD Challenge, which is an education, advocacy and leadership event that allows participants to learn about current topics being discussed within the livestock industry, then apply that information in a competitive environment. Exhibitors will be divided into three age divisions: junior, intermediate and senior. All will give a prepared speech and participate in the LEAD Listen & Learn, showmanship, skills stations, and a mock job 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 28. Sale commission proceeds will go toward KLF Youth in Agriculture scholarships.
The Mid-America Classic Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest will be held September 27 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.
For more information, including a full schedule of events, go to www.kjls.net.
-30-