howeenterprise.com
Monday, October 16, 2017
Page #6
A first time for everything by Mati Abner Hundreds of youth exhibitors from across the state gather at the State Fair of Texas to show their livestock projects. Many exhibitors come from a place where raising livestock has been in the family for years. However, Howe High School sophomore, Molly Wilson, showed a pig for the first time during the Youth Market Barrow Show. Before she became involved with FFA she was involved more with sports and academics and never had an interest for agriculture. After enrolling in a freshman agricultural science class, she became more involved from her Ag teacher, Tracy Blum. Last year Wilson competed in Wool Evaluation, FFA Junior Prepared Public Speaking, and was a member of the state qualifying FFA Agricultural Advocacy Team and she currently serves as the Howe FFA Treasurer. Her involvement in these activities is what Wilson said sparked her interest for agriculture. Wilson’s priorities changed this past May as she received her first State Fair pig. “I told my friends who didn’t understand what I was doing that I had a responsibility first before I could come hang out,” she said. For six months Wilson faced many challenges while also learning life lessons along the way. “It is a time commitment,” Wilson added. “It is a lot to handle and I am a perfectionist so I had to learn how to be patient with my pig but I learned responsibility for all aspects of life.” After the hard months of hard work leading up to the show, Wilson arrived to the Fair with her pig. “Monday night we did all of the
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Wilson showing her crossbred barrow at the State Fair of Texas on Tuesday October 3, 2017. Submitted photo prepping for show day, going over how to show and what to expect,” she said. Despite the stress that came along with show day, Wilson added that her family was able to enjoy time together at the fair. Forgetting all of the nerves once she stepped into the show ring Wilson was able to embrace the moment. Even though the outcome was not quite what she had hoped for, Wilson said that it has been a great learning experience and was happy that she was pushed out of her comfort zone. Wilson plans to continue showing pigs at the Texoma Exposition and Livestock Show and possibly more Texas majors in the future. She plans on attending Texas A&M University after graduation.
Wilson and fellow Howe FFA members at the FFA State Leadership Development Contests. December 2016. Submitted photo
