Victoria Livestock Show 2022

76 Annual

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Victoria Livestock Show February 20, 2022

Special to the Victoria Advocate

Over 50 Years of Serving Victoria Family Owned & Operated

Wishing all the Exhibitors Good Luck!

10

TH

OF THE

2020

914 N.E. Water Victoria, TX • 361-575-3224 • DierlamFeed.com

Thank You to the 26th Annuall COMMERCIAL HEIFER SHOW & SALE SPONSORS For 26 years the Commercial Heifer Show and Sale has been a successfully growing project in which the 4-H and FFA youth educationally benefit from hands-on cattle production. This includes the purchasing, development, breeding, exhibition, record keeping, and marketing of crossbred heifers. Victoria Livestock Show extends our deepest appreciation to our 2022 show and sale sponsors.

JOEAND LAURA JONES HALLETTSVILLE LIVESTOCK COMMISSION CO.,INC. SCOTT AND KIM PERRY MANNING CATTLE CO./MIKEAND CATHY MANNING MEEK BROTHERS THOMAS AND LYNETTE KILGORE KURTAND SHARON MIORI VICTORIA FARMAND RANCH SUPPLY CO. MARKAND SALLY BARNES SAMAND LACEY NEILL BORCHERS SOUTHERNY RANCHES,L.P. J & P LEITA FARMS - PATTY LEITA DAVIDAND NORMA JOHN TOWNAND COUNTRYVETERINARY MCFADDIN ENTERPRISES DOUGLASAND STEPHANIE JOHN DIEBEL CATTLE COMPANY PUMPJACK CATTLE CO GREGAND CAROLANN SCHERER DOYEAND CHARLOTTE BETHKEAND GIRLS NORTHSIDE RANCH,PETAND GARDEN CENTER TOMMY AND SHELLY MARBACH 3J CATTLE/JARED HAGEL IN LAW CATTLE COMPANY,LLC JOHNAND SHANA ZACEK DOUBLETREE CATTLE CO. VICTORIAVETERINARY CLINIC DUANEAND SHERRY KAINER A.T.DIERLAM HAY FEEDAND RANCH SERVICE,LLC KELLIEAND RONNIE PESEK KOLLIE REDANGUS JOE AND JUDY KEEFE O’CONNOR BROTHERS RIVER RANCH, LLC THAD AND SHELBY - MIDWAY GRASS FARMS, INC.

JILL LAUAND FAMILY DAVIDV.HANSELKA DVM RICHARDAND DEBRA MARBACH EDWARD AND IRIS HELLER GREGAND LESLEYWRIGHT SHERILYNARNECKE - E4 CATTLE CO. NEW DISTRIBUTING CO,INC. BRIGGS RANCHES JASON MIKESKA CUERO LIVESTOCK COMMISSION VICTORIA DENTALASSOCIATES JEFFAND SHERRI KYLE SIMPLOT EDNA LIVESTOCK

OHRT CATTLE COMPANY GREG AND CRYSTAL RICHTER MARTIN O‘CONNOR CATTLE COMPANY, INC

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VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW - 3

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76 Annual

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Victoria Livestock Show

If You Go •

• •

•

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VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW AUCTION Feb. 28 » 3-4:30 p.m. - Buyer registration/ sign-in » 4:30 p.m. - Victoria Livestock Show auction For more information, visit www. victorialivestockshow.com.

Buyers will find registration forms on the website www. victorialivestockshow.com and Facebook page.

The committee will disseminate the registration information for the online auction from ShowWorks via those two avenues as well.

Buyers who are interested in registering for the online auction can expect to be able to do so about three days prior to the auction.

AUCTION TOTALS OVER THE YEARS YEAR MARKET ANIMAL

COMMERCIAL HEIFER

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

$ 514,025 $ 490,030 $ 504,575 $ 546,900 $ 459.550

$ 821,779 $ 884,165 $ 822,254 $ 813,800 $ 794,350

*The numbers above reflect the totals from both auctions which are part of the Victoria Livestock Show annually. The numbers for the Market Animal Auction reflect add-on monies which total in the vicinity of $200,000 additional monies to Victoria Livestock Show exhibitors above their sale price.

76TH ANNUAL VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW AUCTION RETURNS TO FULL CAPACITY Jessica T. Payne | jpayne@tylerpaper.com

The Victoria Livestock Show Auction will return to full capacity this year after having to scale down the show and limit the number of spectators significantly both at the various show components as well as the auction in 2021.

This year’s auction is considered a hybrid. There will be the annual live market auction at the Victoria Community Center but an online auction through ShowWorks will be available as well, Perry said.

The live market auction provides a grand finale to each year’s Victoria Livestock Show with an average of 250 to 285 sale slots depending on the number of exhibitors.

The auction is a great way to not only support Victoria area youth but also for local business networking, she said.

Auction chairman Sara Perry said the auction is a community effort to assist and support Victoria County youth as they learn and grow in the agricultural trades and to help pay for their future projects, college or trade school, or entrepreneurial ventures.

“The livestock auction enables individuals and businesses to show their support of the 4-H and FFA exhibitors while promoting themselves and/or their businesses,” she said. “Hundreds of great supporters attend year after

year to network and socialize while increasing bids and awarding their monies to these hard working youth.”

Perry went on to say all the money from the auction goes back to community youth.

“One-hundred percent of the monies received by the Victoria Livestock Show at the live market auction are paid out directly to the exhibitors - Victoria County kids,” said Perry. “Exhibitors who sell their pens of Commercial Heifers at that separate auction do pay a small commission which directly correlates to the business aspect of buying and selling replacement heifers for private herds.”

“Ultimately it is a culmination of hundreds of kids’ and families’ projects, many of who work year round leading up to the show,” said Perry.

This year exhibitors were able to designate whether they wanted to sell their animal outright in the market auction or receive a premium which means the buyer does not receive the animal and the exhibitor is able to take their project to a major show.

Advocate File Photo 2021 market steer grand champion exhibitor Kenzie Martinez holds up her banner and belt buckles on the stage inside the Victoria Community Center during the auction.

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If You Go AG MECHANICS JUDGING • Feb. 24 » 9 a.m.

OPEN FOR VIEWING • Feb. 24 » 2-7 p.m.

• Feb. 25 » 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

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TWIN BROTHERS HOPE TO WIN BIG AT LIVESTOCK SHOW Cody Baird | cbaird@vicad.com

Twins Clayton and Colten Perry are hopeful their ag mechanic project will be a winner at the Victoria Livestock Show.

The 14-year-olds have constructed a feed trough for the show. They built one for the 2021 Livestock Show as well, but hope that this new and improved trough will carry them to champion-status.

The pair were named reserve champions for their

feed trough last year, Colten said.

Show.

Colten said he may be interested in becoming a vet“We’re hoping we do the erinarian someday. While same or better this year,” he Clayton said he didn’t know if said. he wanted to pursue a career They wanted to improve in an agricultural field, he did upon last year’s project, so say that he hoped to get monthis year they constructed the ey to help pay for his college wooden trough to be larger education, and that’s someand added a tin roof to protect thing Colten could make use it, Clayton said. of as well should he choose to pursue a career as a veterThe boys cite their futures inarian. as one of the reasons they compete at the Livestock The boys also hope to gain valuable life skills through their work on the project.

“We try to learn responsibility,” Clayton said.

They’re learning plenty of responsibility, too, because in addition to building the feed trough they’re also raising animals to show.

“We both do carcass sheep and commercial heifers,” Clayton said.

In the past, the brothers have had more success with the heifers than their ag mechanic projects, but they hope that this year brings a change of fortune for them.

Cody Baird | cbaird@vicad.com

Colten Perry, 14, left, and Clayton Perry, 14, right, pose with their sheep, heifers and a feed trough they constructed for their own personal use.

“The heifers look pretty good, but the build is better than last year,” Clayton said.

“Hopefully we do good with both of them.”

VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW - 5

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EXHIBITORS’ SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, FEB. 17 8-11 a.m. - Check-in commercial heifers FRIDAY, FEB. 18 5-6 a.m. - Check-in and weigh carcass steers 9 a.m. - Commercial heifer judging 6 p.m. - Commercial heifer awards SATURDAY, FEB. 19 9 a.m. - Pony show 1:30 p.m. - Commercial heifer sale 2 p.m. - Weiner dog races 3 p.m. - Horseshoes/Washer tournament 5:30 p.m. - Queen Victoria Pageant SUNDAY, FEB. 20 4-4:30 p.m. - Check-in and weigh carcass lambs Monday, Feb. 21 5-6:30 p.m. - Check-in and weigh carcass hogs Tuesday, Feb. 22 5-6 p.m. - County Fair and Ag Mechanics check-in Wednesday, Feb. 23 7-9 a.m. - Market hog and breeding gilt unload 10 a.m.-noon - Market hog and breeding gilt check-in, weigh and classify 7:30-8:30 a.m. - Market rabbit check-in 8:30 a.m. - Market rabbit judging 9:30 a.m. - Breeding rabbit check-in 10 a.m. - Breeding rabbit judging 10-11 am. - Market broiler check-in 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Market steers, junior breeding heifers and bulls unload Noon - Market broiler judging 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Market steers, junior breeding heifers and bulls weigh-in and classify 3-4:30 p.m. - Market lamb and market goat unload 5-5:30 p.m. - Market lamb weigh-in and sift 5:30-6 p.m. - Market goat weigh-in and sift

THURSDAY, FEB. 24 8:30 a.m. - Market hog judging 9 a.m.-noon - Ag Mechanics and County Fair judging Noon - Opening ceremonies 2-7 p.m. - Ag mechanics and County Fair open for viewing 3:45 p.m. - Mandatory breeding gilt exhibitor meeting 4 p.m. - Breeding gilt judging FRIDAY, FEB. 25 8 a.m. - Breeding bulls judging 9 a.m. - Junior breeding heifers judging 10 a.m.-7 p.m. - Ag Mechanics and County Fair open for viewing 1 p.m. - Carcass awards announced 2-3:30 p.m. - Market lambs judging 3:30-5 p.m. - Market goats judging 6 p.m. - Market steer judging SATURDAY, FEB. 26 8-10 a.m. - Exhibitors check sale sheet 9 a.m. - Livestock judging contest 8-10 a.m. - Ag Mechanics and County Fair projects released to exhibitors 1 p.m. - Special Livestock Show 2-4 p.m. - Peewee Livestock Show 4 p.m. - Western games 7 p.m. - Ultimate showmanship competition 8 p.m.-midnight - Youth Dance hosted by the Queen Victoria Court SUNDAY, FEB. 27 7:30 a.m. - Breeding gilt exhibitor meeting 8 a.m. - Breeding gilts released TBA - Release and load-out of premium designated animals 1:30 p.m. - Mutton bustin’ 3:30 p.m. - 4-H/FFA awards and scholarships ceremony 4:30 p.m. - Mandatory market exhibitor auction meeting MONDAY, FEB. 28 8 a.m. - Auction set-up 3-4:30 p.m. - Buyer registration / sign-in 4:30 p.m. - Victoria Livestock Show auction

6 - VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW

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PRIDE OF TEXAS CARNIVAL RETURNS TO THE SHOW

76 Annual

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Victoria Livestock Show

If You Go • • • •

CARNIVAL HOURS Feb. 20 » 1 to 11 p.m.

Feb. 21 - 24 » 5 to 11 p.m.

Feb. 25 » 4 to 11 p.m.

Feb. 26-27 » Noon - midnight

Ana Conejo | aconejo@tylerpaper.com

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Pride of Texas carnival is making its return to the Victoria Livestock Show with new food and game additions for fair goers.

The carnival will open Feb. 17 and run through Feb. 27 at the Victoria Community Center, with times varying on each day.

Food stands will include carnival food items, pizzas and a gourmet cookie trailer called Nate Monster cookies

which is a very unique stand, said Christopher Barton, Pride of Texas Carnival president.

“It’s one of the only ones in the country, it has all kinds of cookies and ice cream sandwiches. Everything is homemade and you can buy a whole bucket of cookies, and they sell coffees and gourmet frappuccinos,” he said.

As to new carnival rides, Pride of Texas carnival has added new kid rides called the

slime bucket kiddie ride and a mini train roller coaster and an adult ride called ‘the Triple Twist’ that spins three different ways, Barton said.

This year’s carnival will consist of 28 rides, 20 games and nine food stands. Tickets are $1 a piece and wristbands for games are sold for $30, and will be only available for purchase at the event and not offered online.

Barton also mentioned that wristbands will be valid throughout the whole day and attendees can leave and come back if they desire.

For those who have younger children, Barton recommends parents to check out signs in the ticket boxes before purchasing wristbands.

Advocate File Photo A Pride of Texas Shows worker climbs up the side of a Ferris wheel to set up for the carnival’s Victoria debut at the 2020 Victoria Livestock Show. Pride of Texas Shows is based in Elm Mott.

“At the ticket boxes there will be signs showing all the attractions and height requirements. Make sure you read the height requirements before you purchase a wristband for the little kids because everything is based on height,” he said.

Chancellor John Sharp

The Texas A&M University System

Congratulations to the Participants at the 76th Annual Victoria Livestock Show ELEVEN UNIVERSITIES

EIGHT STATE AGENCIES

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2022 QUEEN VICTORIA CONTESTANTS

The 2022 Queen Victoria Pageant was at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Community Center Dome. Gary Moses served as the emcee this event where the new court that will reign over the Victoria Livestock Show was named.

Competing age divisions are: • Queen Victoria: 15-18 years old.

A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, and belt buckle will be awarded.

• Junior Queen Victoria: 11-14 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, and belt buckle will be awarded.

• Young Queen Victoria: 7-10 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, and belt buckle will be awarded.

• Little Miss Cowgirl: 4-6 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, and belt buckle will be awarded.

• Little Mister Cowboy: 4-6 years old. A scholarship, leather hat band, and belt buckle will be awarded.

First runner up and second runner up in each division will receive awards as well and will participate with the court throughout the year.

Queen Victoria contestants

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VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW - 9

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Little Miss Cowgirl Contestants:

Sadie Ellis, 5 Daughter of Madison Hewitt and Bracken Ellis

Little Mister Cowboy Contestants

Savannah McNeill, 5 Daughter of Dr. John and Wendy McNeill

Taylor Martinez, 5 Daughter of Hector and Victoria Martinez

Conleigh Whitley, 5 Daughter of Preston and Kelli Whitley.

Garrett Alvarez, 5 Son of Kelly Alvarez and Matthew Alvarez Jr.

Hunter Harrelson, 6 Son of David and Christy Harrelson

Young Queen Victoria Contestants

Kambry Alvarez, 9 Mission Valley Elementary, 4th grade, daughter of Kelly Alvarez and Matthew Alvarez Jr.

Mackenzie Brown, 9 Mission Valley Elementary, 3rd grade, daughter of Macey Brown.

Paityn Williams, 9 Mission Valley Elementary, 4th grade, daughter of Codey Taylor and Chris Williams.

Payton Meyer, 9 Nazareth Academy, 3rd grade, daughter of Samantha Izard and Granvel Meyer.

Sophie McNeill, 8 Trinity Episcopal School, 2nd grade, daughter of Dr. John and Wendy McNeill.

Alaska Hons, 9 Aloe Elementary, 3rd grade, daughter of Megan Booth and Bryan Hons.

Addisyn Turner, 14 Victoria West High School, freshman, daughter of Corey and Jill Turner.

Avery Urban, 13 Our Lady of Victory, 8th grade, daughter of Michael and Amy Urban.

Emma Meyer, 12 Nazareth Academy, 7th grade, daughter of Samantha Izard and Granvel Meyer.

Johanna Smith, 14 Patti Welder Middle School, 8th grade, daughter of Chris and Kelly Smith.

Peyton Emerson, 13, Industrial Junior High School, 8th grade, daughter of Jenny Petru and Seth Smith.

Skylar Rangnow, 12 Patti Welder Middle School, 7th grade, daughter of Colin and Brande Rangnow.

Sydnie McNeill, 8 Trinity Episcopal School, 2nd grade, daughter of Dr. John and Wendy McNeill.

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If You Go COUNTY FAIR • Feb. 24 » 9 a.m.-noon - Ag Mechanics and County Fair judging » 2-7 p.m. - Ag mechanics and County Fair open for viewing • Feb. 25 » 10 a.m.-7 p.m. - Ag Mechanics and County Fair open for viewing

Corbin Milberger

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RETURNING PHOTOGRAPHY CHAMPION PUTS FOCUS ON ANOTHER WIN Kyle R. Cotton | Kcotton@vicad.com

After the pandemic canceled last year’s photo contest, Corbin Milberger, 13, is hoping to repeat his success from 2020.

Each morning Corbin wakes up to feed the animals on his family’s property. In his room and throughout the Milberger home you can see banners and trophies recognizing his and his family’s successes in livestock competitions both locally and throughout the state.

He participates in roping contests, photography and shows steers and heifers, he said.

However, if you asked Corbin what his passion is he would tell you it’s his photography.

“I just wanted to something different one day,” Corbin said about when he gave photography a try and found a passion for it.

He was terrible at first, but as he kept repeating the task of taking photos, up to 20 a day, he kept progressing, Corbin said.

“It’s just something he’s always loved,” Shelly Milberger, Corbin’s mom, said. “Ever since he was little he was always snapping pictures.”

Now, each day you can see him driving around on his ATV and if the light hits something just right you’ll see Corbin put on the breaks to take a photo of how the sunset looks on the pond or a closeup on how the winter freeze

affected the fencing in the area.

Often he rushes into the house calling for his mother to show all the pictures he took. “You can see the progress he’s made each time out,” Milberger said.

For the last four years Corbin has competed in the Victoria Livestock Show photography contest.

Each year he learns and grows from the experience and improves his photography, he said.

That improvement has only accelerated as he’s started to take photography classes, she said.

In 2020 a photo he took of a pond where he used a fishing lure to get a ripple affect on the water in dusk lighting and clean background won the landscape category at the Victoria County Fair photography contest, they said.

a great photo while also trying not to scare the animals away is compelling to him, he said.

His dream picture is to get a photo of a buck in the snow, he said.

In the meantime, Corbin will continue to try to perfect his craft to fill up the yearly photo albums that his grandparents get and enjoy every year.

He doesn’t know which photo he’ll choose for this year’s contest and expects to make a final decision the final day to submit from all the photos he’s taken the last year.

In 2021 there was no photography contest because of COVID-19 concerns, but Corbin is hoping he can win again and hopefully win in the other categories as well, he said.

When he grows up he’s hoping to utilize his photography skills to become a wildlife photographer.

Corbin often takes his camera with him whenever he goes deer hunting to try to photograph the deer. The extra challenge of composing

Contributed Photo by Corbin Milberger A cow and calves by Corbin Milberger.

VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW - 11

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COMMERCIAL EXHIBITORS’ BOOTHS

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GOOD LUCK TO ALL 2022 LIVESTOCK SHOW PARTICIPANTS L

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QUEEN VICTORIA LILA PERRY: A LOOK BACK AT HER YEAR AS QUEEN

76 Annual

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Raquel Torres | rtorres@tylerpaper.com

Since the third grade, Lila Perry had an interest in the Victoria Livestock Show.

Then, she raised commercial heifers and showed market steers.

Lila’s Pointers FIVE POINTERS SHE WOULD OFFER TO THE NEW QUEEN VICTORIA ARE: 1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS IN LIFE 2. BE CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF 3. BE RESPECTFUL TO YOUR COURT MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY 4. BE THE BEST LEADER YOU CAN BE 5. MOST OF ALL, THOUGH, HAVE FUN.

Since her crowning in 2021, Perry has accomplished much.

my school district and the whole community,” she said.

“I wanted to be a role model for not only my peers and younger court members, but in

Teaching children to be confident in themselves and in everything they do was some-

It was a trait she inherited from her three older brothers, who also showed steers. Perry always had an active membership in the Industrial FFA. Today, she serves as secretary for her chapter.

Never did she think years later, she’d be crowned the 2021 Queen Victoria.

“I actually never thought I was the type of girl to be in pageants,” Perry said.

One of Perry’s high school teachers encouraged her to enter the show. So, she did.

“After that, I started getting prepared. After winning Junior Queen in 2019, I knew I wanted to be Queen Victoria,” the now17-year-old said.

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Contributed photo by Brandee Hess

Audrey Garrett, 2020’s queen, crowns Industrial High School junior Lila Perry, 16, Queen Victoria 2021 at the Queen Victoria pageant.

VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW - 13

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Victoria Livestock Show

“I WANTED TO BE A ROLE MODEL FOR NOT ONLY MY PEERS AND YOUNGER COURT MEMBERS, BUT IN MY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.”

- Lila Perry

The program has provided her with many opportunities in my life, Perry said.

thing Perry is passionate about.

She said whenever she has the chance, she always encourages them to try new things without fear.

reigning queens had before me.

We hit the ground running and I am so grateful for the journey that being queen has given me,” Perry said.

Perry won her title against 35 contestants vying for a place on the Queen Victoria court. After showcasing western and formal wear, Perry was crowned queen.

Perry said her memories of being Queen Victoria are mostly all good ones. Being put in a dunking booth with murky firetruck water was probably pushing it, she said. The reason, however, was part of giving back to her community in a back-to-school event for Victoria County.

“You learn the meaning of and realize the reward for hard work when you have to take care of a living animal throughout the year to have them at peak condition and performance for the (livestock) show. You meet so many new people with the same goal as you, to do your best and have fun while doing it,” she said.

“Everyone on my court became family and will always have me in their corner. I’ve had so much help from everyone, whether I was running late from a basketball practice and needed help getting ready, to helping someone find a bobby pin on the parade float,” Perry said.

Perry plans to attend Sam Houston State University in the fall to study criminal justice, following in her grandfather’s footsteps, retired Senior District Judge Joseph P. Kelly, who served in the same seat as her grandfather before him.

“I also pride myself on being involved in many different activities and want other kids to see that all the experiences we have just help to form us for our future,” Perry said.

She has routinely been involved in basketball, softball, FFA and cheerleading at Industrial High, where she’s a senior.

Soon after the pageant, Sarah Rowlands, director of the Queen Victoria Pageant, had events and schedules lined up for Perry to help her community.

“A lot of hard work was put into doing Warrior’s Weekend, backto-school events, and many other activities to help out in our area,” Perry said.

She added there was no room for her to be shy, as she quickly met many new people.

“One thing I’ve had to live up to was the confidence level that all the former

Victoria Advocate File Photo Industrial’s Lila Perry pitches during a Class 3A, regional quarterfinal game against Hallettsville at Hallettsville City Park in May.

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5TH ANNUAL PEEWEE LIVESTOCK SHOW SET FOR YOUTH Jessica T. Payne | jpayne@tylerpaper.com

The fifth annual Peewee Livestock Show will once again be a part of the Victoria Livestock Show where about 50 children compete in several categories including pig, lamb, goat, steer or heifer.

Children from prekindergarten to second grade get the chance to see what it is like to show animals. Once in the third grade, they can begin showing at the main Livestock Show.

Paige Melton, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for the Victoria County 4-H and Youth Development Program and event coordinator, said the event showed the talent of some of the youth but admitted participants take it seriously despite their young age.

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“It is super fun to watch the younger showman because a lot of times they are better than their older siblings,” said Melton. “But, it is an intense competition. These kids take it very seriously.”

Melton went on to say the younger showman love the opportunity.

“They are so excited they have the opportunity to show like their older siblings,” she said. “There are definitely a lot of big smiles on faces.”

Melton said the event was a great way to promote the livestock industry by introducing the younger youth.

Founded in 1947, the Victoria Livestock show is the largest event held in Victoria and surrounding counties each year with over 14,000 visitors annually. It is one of the few remaining livestock shows where 100% of the proceeds from each animal sold at the auction is paid to the 4-H/FFA junior exhibitors.

If You Go THE PEEWEE LIVESTOCK SHOW • Feb. 26: 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.victorialivestockshow. com or see their Facebook page.

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If You Go • • • • • • •

SCHEDULE OF PERFORMERS Crossroads Troubadours » Feb. 24 » 7 p.m.

Texas Continentals » Feb. 24 » 10 p.m.

Jack Nelson Band » Feb. 25 » 8 p.m.

Hill Country Revival » Feb. 25 » 10:30 p.m.

Karaoke Finals » Feb. 26 » 1 p.m.

Adam Berry » Feb. 26 » 9 p.m.

Teague Brothers » Feb. 26 » 11:30 p.m.

Crossroads Troubadours

LIVE MUSIC RETURNS TO 2022 VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW Ana Conejo | aconejo@tylerpaper.com

Music fanatics attending the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show need to get their dancing shoes ready to end the nights with live music performances from local country bands such as Crossroads Troubadours, Texas Continentals to Americana folk country rock group Teague Brothers.

The live music performances were canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic but will make their return with six bands performing this year.

Music performances are set to be Feb. 24 to Feb. 26 at the Victoria Community Center Annex during the livestock show. The musical performances are free of charge.

the continued goal to assist kids with scholarships.

“It’s wonderful because you’re bringing the people to come out and support these kids. Because we’re doing this for the kids, to raise money for the scholarships, that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

“Every person that walks in is contributing in some way to these kids, if we don’t come out there’s no money to be raised.”

Crossroads Troubadours and Texas Continentals, Victoria bands, will perform during opening night at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Feb. 24.

Perez said every year it’s important to bring in local bands, because they cater to the local community who get to enjoy performers that they are familiar with.

J.R. Perez, chairman of the Victoria Livestock Show’s beer garden and entertain“Their friends and families ment, said he is excited for are from here so I try to get live music to make a comethe people from Victoria to back this year, especially with come see them and try to bring that crowd in,” he said.

Texas Continentals

When it came to choosing performers this year, Perez said he didn’t go based on genre but aimed toward affordability.

“I have to see how much they are because I have to get sponsors to help me pay for these bands. It’s not easy, I have to go find these sponsorships to pay for everything,” he said.

The hunt for music performers happens as soon as the yearly livestock show ends and are considered based on word of mouth, and by events he attends throughout the year, Perez said.

Other performers for the 76th livestock show include Jack Nelson band, Hill Country Revival, and Adam Berry.

Attendees can also enjoy performances of local karaoke singers with the Karaoke Finals on Feb. 26 that will include 20 contestants and a winning prize of $1,000 for first place. The contest will also include other winners who will also receive money prizes.

Perez said those who attend this year can expect great entertainment, and a good seal to their night with family and friends.

“It’s been going on for years and years and decades. It finishes the night,” he said.

“It’s a time where family and friends unite.”

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11:30 AM - Buyer Registration 1:30 PM - Commercial Heifer Sale

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Support the Youth in The Auction!

4:30 - Market Animal Auction in the Victoria Community Center Dome

Learn more about this COVID-Friendly Livestock Show by going to victorialivestockshow.com Founded by Victoria Jaycees

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If You Go SPECIAL LIVESTOCK SHOW • Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.

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4-H, FFA STUDENTS SHARE EXPERIENCE OF SHOWING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH Jessica T. Payne | jpayne@tylerpaper.com

Since its start, the Special Livestock Show has been giving children, ”an experience they may not of ever had,” said Paige Melton, Victoria County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development.

The special needs show was first hosted in February 2016 during the Victoria Livestock show and has continued since then.

The show pairs show buddies, or youth with special needs, with a mentor from the local 4-H and FFA, said Melton.

Most of the show buddies live in town, can’t afford animals, don’t have space or other reasons that prevent them from being able to show livestock, Melton said. 4-H and FFA members volunteer their time to give kids with special needs an opportunity to show.

“It’s just to give them that experience – to bond with an animal Victoria Advocate File Photo and get to touch Colton Smith, 4, and Cullen Stumfoll, 13, participate in them, brush them, the 2019 Special Livestock Show event at the Victoria show them,” Livestock Show.

Melton said.

As someone who grew up showing livestock, Melton said she is passionate about sharing that experience with anyone that she can. Showing livestock is about doing something with family, lessons learned, responsibility and more.

Through her time showing, Melton said she’s had numerous interactions with special needs youth.

When they show you can see, “the light on their faces, how excited they get,” Melton said. “A lot of times the animals sense something and they’re super calm and gentle – they just submit to whatever that child wants to do.”

Melton said gentleness of the animals and the interactions between them and the kids is almost like therapy.

“The whole event is special, and once you see it you will get it,” she added.

Not only do the show buddies get to have an experience they otherwise may not have, but this even benefits those acting as mentors too, Melton said. The 4-H and FFA members give back to the community and share things they have learned with others.

step back and remember why they are showing, Melton said. The special needs show also brings in more diversity and shows that it is not, “all just about showing animals.”

“Sometimes (4-H and FFA kids) think that (kids with special needs) are not the same because they have disabilities and can’t do what they can,” Melton said.

The special needs show allows inclusivity and shows 4-H and FFA members and others that those with disabilities can show too, Melton said.

The 4-H and FFA mentors bring their animals for the show buddies to show, Melton said. Show buddies are able to choose from numerous livestock animals to show including pigs, goats, lambs, steers, heifers, pigs and rabbits.

The special needs show will be on Feb. 26. There is no hard deadline for those who want to volunteer to be mentors, however, there is a deadline for show buddies.

For more information about this event call Melton at the Livestock shows are comVictoria County Extension petitive and this event allows the 4-H and FFA kids to take a Office, 361-575-4581.

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th 76 Annual

VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW CHAIRMEN

Victoria Livestock Show

General Chairman ���������� John Pozzi

Commercial Exhibits ���Missy Sappington

Market Rabbit ��������� Becky Kuecker

Assistant General Chairman ���Gary Loest

Commercial Heifer ����������Joe Jones

Market Steer �����������Stephen Diebel

Business Chair �������������Traci Shadle

Concession Stand ������� Toni Stithem

Mutton Bustin’ ����������Robert Shadle

Treasurer ��������������� Shelly Marbach

County Fair ���������� Michelle Lassere

Parade �������������������� Nick Rodriguez

Recording Secretary ��� Toni Stithem

Disposition ������������������ Farah Janak

Parking Lot/Admissions ��Richard Castillo

Operations �������������Wesley Schmidt

Goat Roping ������� Lacey Rosenquest

Parking Passes ������������� B.J. Nelson

Advertising ��������������Robin Janecka

Horseshoes/Washers ��Richard Bludau

Pony �������������������� Shelley Milberger

Ag Mechanics ���������������Troy Koenig

Industrial FFA teacher Tiffany Wells

Queen Victoria Pageant ��Sarah Rowlands

Agrilife Extension Agent ���Paige Melton

Judges and Sifters ��� Gordon Harris

84 Scholarship Chair ���Nadine VanBeveren

Auction ������������ Sara and Jeff Perry

Junior Breeding Gilt ���� Zach Depine

Security ��������������������David Stithem

Awards ��������������������Jackie Parsons

Jr. Breeding Beef ����� Susan Hempel

Technology ����������������� Kirby Garrett

BBQ Cook Off ������� Heather McBride

Kids Day �����������������������Alan Murray

TJLA Heifer Show �������George Hood

Beer Garden �������������������� J.R. Perez

Kids Day ����������������� Jillean Chreene

Victoria East FFA ������� Alexis Dragon

Bloomington FFA ����������Julian Luna

Judging ���������������������� Paige Melton

Victoria East FFA ������ Savannah Rab

Camper Lot ������ Meghan Starr-Leita

Market Broiler � Katherine Schneider

Victoria West FFA ��Lauren Holloway

Carcass Hog �������������A.J. Buchhorn

Market Goat ��������������������Mike Tater

Victoria West FFA ���������� RJ Esparza

Carcass Lamb ���������������� Jerry Leita

Market Hog ������������� Bruce Williams

Victoria West FFA �� Scott Meinardus

Carcass Steer ��������������Russ Svetlik

Market Hog ������������Jennifer Gordon

Weiner Dog Races �����Travis Schaar

Coloring Contest ��������Crystal Cantu

Market Lamb ���������������Kevin Janak

Western Games ��������Robert Shadle

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TOO MANY GOOD SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S COLORING CONTEST Jon Wilcox | jwilcox@vicad.com

Victoria Livestock Show coloring contest judges had a rough year in 2022.

There were just too many good submissions, said Crystal Cantu, who co-chaired the contest with Stacy Nunez.

First grade reserve grand champion submission by Rainy Grady, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Taylor’s first grade class.

Third grade grand champion submission by Zoey Saucedo, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Koop’s third grade class.

Fourth grade reserve grand champion submission by Preston Jalufka, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Neil’s fourth grade class.

First grade grand champion submission by Aria Garcia, DeLeon Elementary School, Ms. Train’s first grade class.

Third grade reserve grand champion submission by Karley Pfeil, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Fenner’s third grade class.

Fifth grade grand champion submission by Madison Jordan, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Franz’s fifth grade class.

“Numerous times while judging, I overheard everyone talking about how difficult it was to choose a winner in each grade,” Cantu said. “It’s amazing to see how creative their little minds are.”

This year, Victoria County students from kindergarten to fifth grade were asked to color in a picture of a livestock show competitor winning first place with a lamb project. Judges received 1,801 entries.

Some kids stuck to a more traditional style and colored neatly. Others decided to add personal flourishes with drawings of tractors and barns in the background.

Each submission was special in its own special way.

“They were all so unique, and the personal touches made us fall in love with all of them,” Cantu said.

Judges selected five winners from each grade and named a handful of honorable mentions. Grand champions won season passes to Spashway Waterpark, trophies and ribbons. Reserve grand champions won gift cards, trophies and ribbons.

If those entries are any indication, Crossroads kids sure have a lot of creativity to show off.

On top of all those prizes, the judges said they are looking forward to receiving their own reward.

One child turned the pictured lamb into a goat. Some added cowboy hats and boots, and one kid got plenty of laughs from judges with a lamb wearing a gold chain with a ‘$’ symbol around its neck.

“Our favorite part is when the winners get to see their artwork displayed,” Cantu said. “Their eyes light up, and they get a huge smile on their face. We hope everyone comes out to the see the awesome coloring pages.”

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COLORING CONTEST RESULTS All champions will receive their awards and be introduced at the Victoria Livestock Show’s opening ceremonies at noon Feb. 24.

KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE » Grand champion: Aria Garcia, DeLeon Elementary School, Ms. Train’s first grade class. » Reserve grand champion: Rainy Grady, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Taylor’s first grade class.

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Kindergarten (337 entries) First: Ellah Schoonover, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Swoboda’s class.

Second: Londyn Ring, DeLeon Elementary School, Mrs. Bludau’s class Third: Hunter Boop, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Holladay’s class.

Fourth: Charlotte New, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Swoboda’s class.

Fifth: Royalty Ramirez, Hopkins Elementary School, Mrs. Elizondo’s class.

First grade (282 entries) First: Aria Garcia, DeLeon Elementary School, Ms. Train’s class.

Second: Rainey Grady, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Taylor’s class.

Third: McKenzie Bracknell, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Pattillo’s class Fourth: Yash Surati, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Villafranca’s class.

Fifth: Hayden Swentkowski, DeLeon Elementary School, Ms. Tran’s class.

SECOND AND THIRD GRADES » Grand champion: Zoey Saucedo, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Koop’s third grade class. » Reserve grand champion: Karley Pfeil, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Fenner’s third grade class.

Second grade (420 entries) • First: Georgia New, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Hood’s class.

• Second: Olivia Williams, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Arceo’s class.

• Third: Valentina Arceo, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Arceo’s class.

• Fourth: Allison Coy, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Weempe’s class.

• Fifth: Sawyer Lewis, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Hood’s class.

Third grade (291 entries) • First: Zoe Saucedo, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Koop’s class.

• Second: Karley Pfeil, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Fenner’s class.

• Third: Baelyn Urban, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. Barber’s class.

• Fourth : Peyton Spradlin, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Alegria’s class • Fifth: Libby Holliday, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Huber’s class.

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES » Grand champion: Madison Jordan, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Franz’s fifth grade class. » Reserve grand champion: Preston Jalufka, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Neil’s fourth grade class.

Fourth grade (309 entries) • First : Preston Jalufka, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Neil’s class.

• Second: Emma Kucera, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Pfuhl’s class.

• Third: Liliana Cano, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Leinen’s class.

• Fourth: Marisa Mujica, Hopkins Elementary School, Mrs. Fonseca’s class.

• Fifth: Chloe Galbraith, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Pfuhl’s class.

Fifth grade (162 entries) • First: Madison Jordan, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Franz’s class • Second: Deana Leinen, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Frazier’s class.

• Third: Jack Osburn, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Stanush’s class.

• Fourth: Maria Barro, Aloe Elementary School, Mrs. Johnson’s class.

• Fifth: Aliyah Cervantes, O’Connor Elementary School, Mrs. Narvaez’s class.

HONORABLE MENTION • Kindergarten: Joslyn Hernandez, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Sweet’s class; Celia Marsh, Aloe Elementary School, Mrs. Dentler’s class; Colton Hencerling, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Tomas’ class; Sadie Baucom, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Morris’ class.

• First grade: Whitton Brown, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Hindman’s class; Porter Schmidt, Aloe Elementary School, Mr. Conrad’s class; Rubye Perez, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs.

•

•

•

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Taylor’s class; Joslyn Mikulec, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Schultz’s class.

Second grade: Kirstyn Tomas, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Hood’s class; Emersyn Cortez, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Villarreal’s class; Belle Turner, Industrial Elementary West, Villarreal’s class.

Third grade: Callista Bullock, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Horelka’s class; Sawyer Wimberly, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Couch’s class; Victoria Vinella, Mission Valley Elementary School, Mrs. Macek’s class; Sophia Fleming, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Horelka’s class.

Fourth grade: Cooper Kickendahl, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Yandell’s class.

Fifth grade: Belle Sustaita, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Gisler’s class; Layla Pilat, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Lewis’ class; Lauren Kraatz, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Lewis’ class; Salem Besin, DeLeon Elementary School, Ms. Hartman’s class.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS Industrial Elementary East, Industrial Elementary West, Placedo Elementary School, Bloomington Elementary School, Mission Valley Elementary School, Trinity Episcopal School, Nursery Elementary School, Aloe Elementary School, DeLeon Elementary School, O’Connor Elementary School, Hopkins Academy, Nazareth Academy, Our Lady of Victory School, Northside Baptist School, and Torres Elementary School.

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS • Junior Breeding Bulls - JBB • Junior Breeding Beef Heifers JBBH • Breeding Gilts - Gilts • Breeding Rabbits - Br rabbits • Market Hog - H • Market Lamb -L • Market Goat - G • Market Broiler -Bro • Market Steer - S • Market Rabbit - R • Carcass Steer - CS • Carcass Hog - CH • Carcass Lamb - CL • Commercial Heifers -Com Heif

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4-H AND FFA MEMBERS TO COMPETE AT LIVESTOCK SHOW WOOD HI 4-H CLUB Hannah Koenig- CL Braden Adamek - CH, H Nathan Adamek -CH, H Kaleb Bennett - Com Heif Weldon Bowers - Bro Will Bowers - Bro Bailey Buzzard - JBBHx3, S Clayton Diebel - CS, Com Heif, S Amry Feuerbacher - CL, L Levi Feuerbacher - CL, L Trapper Feuerbacher - CL, L Allee Johnston - CL, JBBHx3, L Lindsey Koehl - CH, Com Heif, H Hattie Koenig - CL Ashley Kruppa - L Carley Jo Kruppa - L Emersyn Kruppa - CL Westyn Kruppa - Com Heif Brayden Mansfield - Bro Camdyn Mansfield -Bro Taylor Matula - CH Taylor Matula - H Emma Meyer - G Payton Meyer - G Corbin Milberger - Com Heif, CS, JBBHx2, JBBx2, S Adyson Miller - Com Heif Adyson Miller - CS Larkin Miller - Com Heif Cole Neill - Com Heif Hannah Rippamonti - G James Rung - CS Madelyn Rung - CS Jonathan Sills - Com Heif Brenham Tumlinson - CH, H Taylor Yogi - CL, L GUADALUPE 4-H CLUB Caroline Garcia - Giltsx2, H Derek Hempel - JBBHx2, S Callie Humphrey - CH, H Maddison Jeanis - CH, H Cody Minor - Gilts, CH, H Valarie Minor - Gilts, H Christian Molina - Gilts, H Andrew Olguin - Giltsx2, H Jordan Olguin - H Layton Shadle – Giltsx2, CH, H Liam Winks – Giltsx4, H HIGH BIDDER 4-H CLUB Emry Adcock - H Haley Beckner – Gilts, H Layla Beckner – Gilts, H Adyson Bernhard – H Blayne Bernhard – Gilts, H

Karsyn Bernhard - Gilts, H Kenneth Bernhard - H Coyt Miller – CL, L Averie Porras - Giltsx2, H Kylee Porras - Gilts, H Andrew Reissig - CL Seth Reissig – CL Keaton Wesley - H

Joe Baladez - H Nia Baladez -H Aidan Castro – CH, H Alyssa Castro – CH, H Aden Chapa – CH, H Kayden Clemons – Gilts, H Lorenzo Dilworth – CH, H Marquez Dilworth - H Carlee Drexler - H INEZ 4-H CLUB Colbie Drexler - Gilts, H Connor Aiken - CS Jevon Galvan - H, S Laney Aiken - S Jordan Galvan - CH, H Alexis Andress - Com Heif Alanna Green - H Payton Barnett - Giltsx2, CH, H Dezmariah Hernandez - H Tyler Barnett - Giltsx2, CH, H Jeremiah Herrera -H Macy Rae Cantu - JBBHx2, S Presley Johnson – Giltsx2, H Magi Jo Cantu - L Jacob Martinez - Gilts, H, CH Adison Cutler - Com Heif, H Ricardo Martinez – CH, H Ansley Cutler – CH, H Jalynn Nelms – CH, H Easton Horelka - R Ariel Jaiden Perez – Gilts, H Garrett Kolodziejczyk – CL, L Sawyer Richter - CH, H Macie Kolodziejczyk – CL, L J.J. Rivera - H Kade Kubecka - Bro Cody Robles – Gilts, CH, H Madison Kubecka - Bro Collin Robles – Gilts, CH, H Alana Lange - CS Taylor Rogers – Giltsx4, H Gabrielle Lange - CS Allison Villarreal - H Scarlett Lange - CS Henry Villarreal - H Calynn Lankford - Ag Mechx2, Daidree Zarate - Gilts, CH, Gilts, H H, S Addyson Leita - Com Heif, CS Dailynn Zarate - Gilts, CH, H Caleb Leita - Com Heif, CS Jason Marek - Br Rabbits, R KELLY CREEK 4-H CLUB Ella McDonald - CL, L Reilly Amsler - Gilts, CH, Com Bo Neill - Com Heif, S Heif, H Abbie Nunez - Com Heif, CS, Ashlyn Berger - Com Heif, R JBBH Logan Berger - Com Heif Cody Nunez - Com Heif, CS, Emily Green – CH, Com Heif JBBH, S Alex Hernandez - H Maddie Nunez - Com Heif, CS, Parker Johnston – CL, L JBBH, S Victor Nunez - CS Jack Osburn - Bro Connor Robles – CH, H Kayla Osburn - Bro Dalton Taylor – Gilts, CH, H Rylan Pletcher - Com Heif, CS Paityn Williams ¬Gilts, CH, H Shelby Pletcher - Com Heif, NURSERY 4-H CLUB CS Elizabeth Arnecke - Com Sydney Pletcher - Com Heif, Heif, S CS Madeline Arnecke - Com Madison Raz -L Heif, CS Greyson Shore - H Chloe Blount - Com Heif Caden Valenta - H Sydney Bohac - JBBH Kate Weitz – CS Claire Connally - Com Heif Tanner Weitz - CS Brynn DeBord - Gilts, Com Sawyer Wimberly -Com Heif Heif, H BLOOMINGTON 4-H CLUB Kaid DeBord - Com Heif Allie Amador -H Emily Estraca - H Austin Arias – CH, H Ethan Estraca - H Kathleen Arias - CH, H Ty Foeh - Bro Victoria Arias -H Claire Franz - Com Heif

Kate Franz - Com Heif Trevor Garber – Gilts, Com Heif, H Dominic Goodman -Com Heif Jenna Hartman - Com Heif Ty Hartman - Com Heif Kaci Haschke – Gilts, Com Heif, H Lillian Heller - Gilts, Com Heif, H Tanner Hoskins - Gilts, CH, H Finley Janak -Bro Riley Jewell - H Katherine Johnston – Gilts, H Hannah Koudelka – CL, H Michael Koudelka – CL, H Brynnley Laake - G Darcy Leinen - H David Leinen - H Deana Leinen - H Brody Leuschner - Com Heif, R Kristen Leuschner - Com Heif, R Mia Mabray - Com Heif, G Paul Mabray - Com Heif, G Aiden Matey - Br Rabbits, R Fourdam Matey - Br Rabbits, R Anna Claire Miori - Bro Anna Claire Miori - Com Heif James Miori - Com Heif Kristin Miori - Com Heif Luke Miori - Com Heif Megan Miori – Bro, Com Heif Riley Morgan - R Maston Murphy - Com Heif Colton Ohrt - Com Heif Kade Ohrt - Com Heif Kyler Ohrt - Com Heif Natalie Ohrt - Com Heif Emmaleigh Porter – CL, G James Porter – CL, G Katelynn Pratka - Com Heif Gunner Rutherford - Com Heif, CS JuliAnna Stevens – Gilts, Com Heif, H Braylen Stevenson - Com Heif, CS, S Lynleigh Yandell – CL, Com Heif, L Bailey Zeplin - Com Heif Blaine Zimmermann – CH, H BIG RED FARMS 4-H CLUB Rylan Barr – CH, H Carlee Burow - Gilts Phoenix Canales – CH, H

Alyssa Cantu – CH, H Timothy Cantu - CH Wyatt Coldewey – Giltsx3, H Carlee Burow – Gilts, CH, H Ty Harper – CH, H Logan Hartman -Br rabbitsx2, R Elizabeth Holliday - Com Heif, H Kendall Holliday - Com Heif Emaleigh Martinka – CH, H Jillian Martinka - CH Jackson Mebane – Gilts, H Jonathan Mebane – Br rabbitsx2, R Emma Norman - H Khyler Reed – CH, H, Com Heif Dayna Rippamonti – Gilts, H Chase Sturm- Gilts, CH, H Kholtyn Williams – CH, Com Heif, H ALOE 4-H CLUB Brooklynn Beck - JBBHx2 Renee Bradicich - CH, H Madison Cowan - H Trustyn Cumberland – Gilts, H, JBBHx6 Jacob Dentler – Gilts, CH, H Ava Dornburg - Com Heif Layla Dornburg - Com Heif Kodie Foster - Com Heif, R Mattie Garrett – CH, Com Heif, JBBHx2, JBBx2, S Sam Harrell – CH, H Alexandria Hairell - R Blaze Hairell - R Jason Hairell - R Ellison High - Com Heif Karson Holly - Com Heif Karley John -Com Heif, CS Katelyn John - Com Heif, CS Kourtney John - Com Heif, CS William John - Com Heif, S Tatum Johnson - CL, G Kayden Marbach – Gilts, Com Heif, H Levi Marbach – Giltsx2, Com Heif, H, CH Logan Meador - CH, H Abbie Migl - Com Heif Mackenzie Moncrief – Gilts, H Korbyn Murray - Com Heif, CS Carter Nelson – CH, H Clayton Perry – CL, Com Heif Colten Perry - CL, Com Heif Riley Petrash - R Caleb Reinecke - Com Heifx2

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Cy Richter - Com Heif Renah Richter - Com Heif Jacy Roessler - H Lena Svetlik - Com Heif, CS Sawyer Svetlik - Com Heif, CS, S Sloan Svetlik - Com Heif, CS, S Sutton Svetlik - Com Heif, S Laney Taylor - Com Heif Sunny Taylor - Com Heif Avery Urban - Com Heif Hailey Urban -Com Heif Reagan Weiser - Com Heif Katarina Zarate - Com Heif SOUTHERN COUNTRY 4-H CLUB Cort Becker - CS Hailey Benner – Br rabbitsx2, R Beckett Heibel – CL, Com Heif Emme Heibel – CL, Com Heif 679 SOUTHERN COUNTRY 4H Zoey Jones – Br rabbitsx2, R Kolten King - R Azilee Leita - CS Allison Murray - Com Heif, CS, S Brock Murray - Com Heif, CS, S Cate Murray - Com Heif, CS, S Celeste Wagner - CH SHOTGUN 4-H CLUB Carter Heldt - Com Heif, JBBH, S Carly Migura - Com Heif Angelina Orozco – Br rabbitsx2, R Brayden Orozco - Bro Mia Orozco – Br rabbitsx2, R Braxton Rokyta - Com Heif Brinklee Rokyta - Com Heif Slayde Rokyta - Com Heif Stone Rokyta - Com Heif Travis Schrade - H William Wright – CL, G Heritage 4-H Club Violet Boenig - Bro Layton Depine – JBBH, S Pacer Depine - L Brennan Fuhrken – JBBH, S Connor Goerhing – CL, L Payton Hembree - H Caden Hempel – JBBH Falyn Hempel – CS, JBBHx2, S Morgyn Hempel – JBBH , JBBx2 Dalton Johnson - CS, JBBH Grant Martin - R Noah Rung - CS Thomas Rung - CS Taylor Thomas - Com Heif, CS, JBBH, JBB, MISSION VALLEY 4-H CLUB Mackenzie Brown – Gilts, H Mason Gisler - JBBH

Conner Gras – Br rabbitsx2, R Collin Hanchett - G Emily Hanchett - G Hayden Hermes - Com Heif Bennett Janssen – JBBHx2, JBB Clayborne Janssen - L Cailyn Loest - S Cole Loest – JBBH, S Cayden McDowell - G Chloe McDowell - G Carlie Parsons - CL, Com Heif, JBBHx3, JBB, S Ryker Pearson - G Kaden Ramirez - Gilts, H, JBBH Korgen Ramirez – Gilts, H, JBBH Diana Rodriguez – JBBH, JBB Colt Rowlands - CH, Com Heif, H Karoline Rowlands - H Kelyn Sappington – CL, L Landon Stewart – JBBHx3, S Lorelei Walker - Bro BLOOMINGTON FFA Timothy Baladez -H Abigail Arriaga - H Alexis Arriaga - H Allen Arriaga - H Devin Cano - H Jesus Castro Jr. - H Dalia Flores - H Rubi Flores - H Amari Gardner - H Ayden Gardner – Gilts, H Haley Gardner - H Dominic Goodale - H Sicily Goodale - H Andy Guerrero -H Giselle Martinez – Gilts, H Zeah Morales – Gilts, H Ashtynn Pettis – Gilts, H Hunter Portales - G Roper Portales - L Scarlette Portales - G Micka Sanchez – Gilts, H Juan (Alex) Solorio- Delgado - H VICTORIA WEST FFA Carson Baker – Gilts, H Ava Davis– Gilts, H Gavin Davis – Gilts, H Timothy Edmondson III - CH, H Emma Hernandez - Bro Kyndall Hopper - Giltsx2, Br Rabbitsx4, R Jenny Marbach - CH, Com Heif, H, JBBH Hudson Matthews – JBBHx5, JBB Patrick Moeller - Giltsx2, H Claire Stillwell - CH, H

Blake Thigpen - JBBHx2, CH, H Macey Thigpen - CH, H VICTORIA EAST FFA Harley Driscoll – Gilts, H Haley Gossett - L Kayla Gossett – CL, L Adrian Holst – Gilts, H Kaylie Huth – CL, L Shelbie Huth – Gilts, CL, L, JBBH Katelyn Kahanek - R Caleb Korczynski - CL Meredith Korczynski -BRO Alayna Mares – CH, H Kenna Migl - Com Heif, R Trace Monse – H Carson Raab – CL, Com Heif, L Jaidyn Robles – G, H Kailyn Salas - H Madi Schatz - L Emily Wall – CL, L Landon Weber - G Tyson Weber - G INDUSTRIAL FFA Grace Bowers - R Molly Bowers - R Olivia Bowers - R Kylah Fulkerson – Giltsx2, H Zaley Fulkerson - Gilts, H Avery Harper – CH, H Ryder Harper – CH, H Emma Hessler - Com Heif, S Aidan Janis - H Jack Koehl - S Natalie Koehl - S Trevan Koenig - CH, H Zain Koenig – CH, H Sarah Kolodziejczyk – CH, H Jax Kretser – Giltsx2, CH, H Jayce Kretser – Giltsx2, CH, H Allison Leita - Com Heif, CS Haley Leita - Com Heif, CS, JBBH, S Lauren Leita - Com Heif, CS Lila Perry - Com Heif Karter Powell – CH, H Kohl Powell - H Natalie Powell - H Mason Raz - CL Dylan Rerich – Bro, CH Anthony Sills - Com Heif Clayton Stephenson – CH, H Cullen Stumfoll - CH, L Faith Villarreal – Gilts, CH, H Isaiah Villarreal - Gilts, CH, H Zachary Villarreal – Gilts, CH, H Grant Wagner - Bro, CH

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If You Go MUTTON BUSTIN’ • Feb. 27: 1:30 p.m.

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MUTTON BUSTIN’ IS BACK, BETTER THAN EVER AT STOCK SHOW Jon Wilcox | jwilcox@vicad.com

There’s a question that Charlotte Leita, 5, likes to ask her parents come springtime.

“When is stock show? When is stock show?” the Inez girl asks over and over, said her mother, Meghan Starr.

That’s mainly for one reason — the annual mutton bustin’ competition at the Victoria Livestock Show.

Ever since Charlotte rode her first sheep at the livestock show’s inaugural mutton bustin’ event in 2019, she’s been hooked.

In mutton bustin’, kids are given a chance to channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl by taking to the backs of sheep and hanging on for as long as they can. Judges look at how long the kids can hang as well as the orneriness of the sheep they ride.

After a year’s haitus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is back and restored to its former glory. In fact, said mutton bustin’ Chairman Robert Shadle, this year is even better than ever.

Due to its popularity, this year’s competition will have spots for 60 kids. As of early-February, about 40 kids had signed up.

There’s a simple reason for that, Shadle said. Mutton bustin’ is fun — a heck of a lot of fun.

Four years ago, Charlotte got her start as one of the youngest competitors in the event, and ever since she has been clamoring for more.

Advocate File Photo

Charlotte Leita and Meghan Starr high-five each other during the third annual Mutton Bustin’ contest at the 2020 Victoria Livestock Show.

Safety may seem like a concern for uninitiated parents, but Shadle said organizers take extra special precautions.

Kids don a protective vest and helmet, and Shadle and others are nearby to ensure all riders don’t get taken on too wild of a ride.

In fact, Starr said she thinks it’s

good thing for her kids to “roll around in the dirt” a little bit.

During Charlotte’s first ride, Shadle held the back of her vest to make sure she didn’t take too rough a tumble, the girl’s mother said.

“Not one tear shed, ever,” she said.

Instead, Charlotte was ecstatic, smiling “ear to ear” during her first ride. She was even more pleased after receiving a participation trophy.

Now, she’s got her sights set on a reserve or grand champion belt buckle, and she has participated in a number of mutton bustin’ events throughout South Texas.

Starr and her husband, who farms cotton and corn, are Victoria County natives who grew up competing at the Victoria Livestock Show.

The show is still a big part of their lives, said Starr, who also serves as one of the mutton bustin’ rodeo clowns.

For the couple, seeing Charlotte get excited about the stock show at such a young age is a major blessing because they know just how much of a positive opportunity it can be.

“My kids would never ride a sheep anywhere else,” Starr said.

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76 Annual

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RAISING STEER GIVES MISSION VALLEY TEEN HEAD START ON FUTURE Jon Wilcox | jwilcox@vicad.com

Layton Depine, 16, has both a plan and a backup plan for when he graduates from high school.

Both involve cattle.

If You Go MARKET STEER SHOW • Feb. 25: 6:00 p.m.

“I’ve got two main dreams.

My first one is to be a National Finals Rodeo pro,” said Layton at his family’s Mission Valley property on a mild mid-January afternoon. “If that doesn’t happen, then I’ll take all my knowledge ... and I want to be a vet.”

For Layton, the future is bright. He’s still entertaining the possibility of being a rodeo pro, but he’s got his sights set on Blinn College and veterinary studies with hopes of someday working with livestock. Now, it’s just a matter of continuing the hard work he has already started.

Kit MacAvoy | kmacavoy@vicad.com Layton Depine, 16, maneuvers his steer Blue Duck outside of his home in Mission Valley.

Although Layton once split his time between the rodeo and showing animals, his dad eventually convinced him to pick one. Layton picked the stock show in part because it could provide him a more solid future.

“He knows exactly what he wants and where he wants to go,” said Layton’s dad, Thomas Depine.

On top of school and a part-time job, Layton also is enrolled in a multiyear, several-hundred-hour Texas A&M AgriLife vet assistance program that saw him once assisting in a necropsy of a bull.

Layton admits he had to stifle his gag reflex because of the “horrible” smell, but he also admits the experience was “pretty cool.”

Layton, a Crossroads Christian School sophomore, Heritage Homeschool 4-H member and county 4-H ambassador, already had plenty on his plate when he added another responsibility — a Maine Anjou Shorthorn cross named Blue Duck.

Layton has plenty of optimism for the steer, which he thinks could do well in competition at the Victoria Livestock Show in mid-February.

Winning at that stock show and others could have a real

effect on Layton’s opportunities.

Selling the animal for a high price could allow him to turn around and buy more animals.

Obtaining a scholarship will help him stay afloat as he pursues a degree that will allow him to one day become a vet.

The teen drove nine hours with his family to buy Blue Duck from a breeder in chilly North Arkansas. The colder climate there is why the steer boasts a thick, black blanket of fuzzy hair that sometimes requires the occasional hair treatment, he said.

But Layton said he was not so much interested in the steer’s coat as he was the way the steer walks and moves.

“He’s great, just great,” Layton said.

Layton’s dad said he knows raising the steer is hard work, but he also knows that work is teaching his son an important lesson.

Just like the real world, Layton won’t get a participation trophy for simply trying hard.

“It’s them and that animal, so if they don’t put in the work, if the calf doesn’t act right, doesn’t do what it’s supposed to or doesn’t look good, then they’re not going to place.

That’s on them.”

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LIVESTOCK SHOW VOLUNTEERS REMEMBERED FOR THEIR SERVICE TO COMMUNITY Advocate Staff Report

Four longtime volunteers with the Victoria Livestock Show died in the past year.

They are remembered by family and friends.

livestock to this very day. Dan certainly used his auctioneer talent all over the community including the Inez Benefit Association, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Picnic, and many other local benefits.

DAN MOZISEK Daniel “Dan” Joseph Mozisek of Victoria, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

Dan was born in Moravia on Jan. 25, 1939.

After graduation from Hallettsville High School Dan served two years in the Texas National Guard and six years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He worked most of his life as an auctioneer and was the owner of Dan’s Tractors and Trailers until his retirement. He was a long time auctioneer for the Victoria Livestock Show for the market animals and commercial heifer division. He was also a ring man and spotter for the show. Dan leaves a legacy of VLS participants as his daughter and grandchildren have raised and showed

BARBARA GILLIG YANTA Barbara Jean Gillig Yanta of Victoria died Aug. 23, 2020.

She was born on April 18, 1943. After spending time on the farm in Wood Hi, the family moved to Victoria and she graduated from Victoria High School where she was a member of the Victoriadores, FHA, and National Honor Society in 1961. She married LG (Sonny) Timme and had three daughters while working for First Victoria National Bank, getting the Crescent Valley Volunteer Fire Department building up and playing fast pitch women’s softball.

When she married Walter Gillig, Jr. in 1972, they became a driving force in the Victoria Jaycee and Jaycee-ettes

working on many projects and holding both local and state offices in the organizations.

The Victoria Livestock Show was a great passion and she ran many committees as a Jaycee-ette. She and Walter took on the Auction Committee as Livestock Show Board members. They were members of the Guadalupe Volunteer Fire Department and donated land for the firehouse.

Barbara was president of the American Business Women’s Association, worked with Catholic Daughters, and was instrumental in getting the Victoria Senior Citizens Center built. She became vice president of Commercial Bank/ Bank of Victoria and then moved to Joe Pratt Insurance.

In Loving Memory

She and Walter were owners of Texas Distributing Company. Upon the sale of the business, she went to work for the Diocese of Victoria and was director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She married Lawrence Yanta and they spent their time traveling and working with KJT. Barbara loved music and loved the Victoria Symphony. She enjoyed the Retreat Center and sang during ACTS retreats.

FRANCES (FRAN) MCCUE Frances Mae Toles McCue lived life to the fullest. Born Jan. 12, 1947 in San Diego, CA. She was a hairdresser, served in the U.S. Navy, and had two beautiful daughters by the time she was 23 years old.

She finally came to her senses and left Ohio (and her first husband) for the great state of Texas in 1973. With unparalleled strength, she supported herself and two daughters

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by bartending while taking courses at Victoria College.

In 1975 she married the love of her life, Daniel McCue and became a permanent force in the Victoria Community. It seems nearly everyone in Victoria has interacted with Fran at some point – either while she was closing home purchases at Crossroads Title Company, serving as the first woman superintendent at the Victoria Livestock Show for more than 20 years, a leader in the Victoria 4-H program, a VISD board member, making the ‘best cheeseburgers in town’ at Rosebud, or tirelessly volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Nave Museum, or the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent.

THOMAS H. MOSCATELLI, DVM Dr. Thomas H. Moscatelli, 70, of Victoria, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020. He was born May 30, 1950 in Victoria. Tom was a veterinarian serving the Victoria area for more than 42 years. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and Texas A & M College of Veterinarian Medicine.

Besides his family, the Victoria Livestock Show and the youth involved were of upmost importance to him. Dr. Tom welcomed FFA students to work in the vet clinic as interns during their summers.

He was a charter member of the Victoria Fair Association, a member of the Victoria Livestock Show serving as assistant general superintendent, assistant superintendent of the auction for 38 years, as well as the assistant superintendent of the Junior Commercial Heifer Show for 21 years, board member of VLS Inc., VLS Scholarship board member, and a VLS advisory board member. Dr. Tom and his vet clinic sponsored and hosted one of the most exciting com-

petitions of the livestock show for nearly 10 years, the wiener dog races.

Service to his community extended to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, Golden Crescent Veterinary Medical Association as the past president as well as the secretary/treasurer and the program chairman, past president and director of the South Texas Hereford Association, boat captain for Warrior’s Weekend, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Texas A &M University Association of Former Students.

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MEMORIALS: ‘HOPE THERE’S PIG SHOWS IN HEAVEN’ Three people who have been involved with the Victoria Livestock Show Hog Show, including one exhibitor, died in the past year. Their families have written tributes to them.

Advocate Staff Report

always meeting lots of people, drinking lots of beer, having a fun time and of course picking the best pigs. Over time, when he would attend the pig sales or any auction, many breeders would call him by name and he became a very familiar face.

In 2015, he started a buyer’s group called Texas Volunteers.

His purpose was to raise money to give to kids at the auction. Giving is what Pee Wee loved to do.

MARTIN “PEE WEE” ROBLES Martin “Pee Wee” Robles was involved in 4-H and FFA for 48 years, from showing steers in the 50’s to watching his grandkids show in his last moments here.

In 1981, he made his first trip to Canadian, Texas to purchase pigs, while most people bought from local hog breeders.

In 1990, Pee Wee made his first trip to Illinois, Indiana and Ohio to purchase pigs.

Pee Wee lived for these trips,

Raelyn was 15 years old and so full of life. She had a fire in her heart for all things livestock and a burning desire to show pigs. It was her jam and was pretty much love at first sight.

I can remember when she was as little as 5 years old she would beg and plead to have a pig. While I knew nothing His generosity, one-of-a-kind about them, I knew we’d have smile, and numerous jokes to figure out how to make this will be something we cherish happen in the future. So, we forever. did, with the help of our incredible show family.

He started buying animals in 1974. He never missed a year, travelling over 200,000 miles to buy show animals.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair in 2010, he continued to travel and be involved until 2021.

life but not her presence. Our whole world was shattered, we now had to face every parents’ worst nightmare head on.

RAELYN STARR REYES Raelyn Starr Reyes was an exhibitor in the VLS, and the Inez 4-H Club since 2017. She is the daughter of Thomas and Kristen Lambright, and Rudy Reyes Jr., as well as a sister to three beautiful girls who were her absolute world, Adleigh, Whitley and Kora.

In May 2021, Raelyn was in an accident that took her

I’m not sure if it were the pigs or the memories that were made in the barn, but it brought out the best in her.

Showing pigs quickly became such an important part of her life and she would spend half the year and countless hours in the pig barn learning so many life lessons.

This is something that was done as a family, it brought us together, and from it, we made so many memories. To be honest, it was our favorite time of the year, and it is this we miss the most about her.

We have started a scholarship fund to help defray the costs of ag projects for kids.

This year we are showing up

with “RSR show team.” It’s a scholarship team we started in complete honor of her. We were able to sponsor seven students with the help of our incredible friends, family and community.

Raelyn saw the good in people and was fulfilled by watching others find their courage to reach for the stars.

DARLENE WILLEMIN One of this year’s Victoria Livestock Show Volunteer Legacy honorees is Darlene Willemin.

Darlene’s passing made an impact on many people’s lives, whether she knew them for one day or a lifetime. She truly never met a stranger. She was the most caring woman and always gave 110% of herself to others, never taking anything in return.

Darlene was a leader and co-leader for the High-Bidders 4-H Club for many years. Her participation in the Victoria Livestock Show began when her children started showing hogs in 2007 and carried on

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when she became a member of the Market Hog Committee.

She helped with hog tag-in and checking in hogs on show day and continued this even following her own children’s graduation.

Darlene and her husband Brad, along with their cooking team participated in the VLS Cook-off competition. She cooked her award-winning jackpot beans and margaritas.

Darlene and her wiener dog Gemma even entered and won the Wiener Dog races one

year.

Darlene and Brad were married for 34 years and were blessed with three sons, Sean (Bethany), Cory (Talynn) & Tyler (Jordan).

She began her career at Kurtz Printing where she served the Victoria area for 32 years. She loved her job with all her heart and continued to work no matter the circumstances.

Her family and friends meant the world to her. She filled every room she walked

into with love and positivity.

Darlene didn’t go anywhere without her wine, whether it was from her all-time favorite, Gulf Breeze Winery, or her Walmart box wine.

servant of the Lord serving as a Sunday School teacher, vacation bible school coordinator and organizing the live auction at the church bazaar for many years.

Darlene enjoyed spending her free time in Rockport, at the lake or with her two beautiful granddaughters, Brynley and Raely.

Darlene loved unconditionally, gave of herself unselfishly and was truly an amazing wife, mother, friend and Lala to her sweet granddaughters.

She is extremely missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to know and love her.

She loved life and lived it to the fullest each every day.

Darlene was a lifelong member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Coletoville and carried her faith everywhere she went. She was a faithful

SIBLINGS RAISE, SHOW HOGS TOGETHER Cody Baird | cbaird@vicad.com

Showing hogs is a family affair for the Robles clan.

All four of the family’s children — Dailynn Zarate, 18, Daidree Zarate, 16, Collin Robles, 16 and Cody Robles Jr., 11 — are experienced in the realm of show hogs, and their family has been raising the animals for some time now.

“My grandpa showed steers in the 50’s, and then my dad started showing in the 70’s, and I started showing in the 90’s,” said the kids father, Cody Robles. “Now my kids show.”

Each Robles child started showing in the third grade, Robles said.

The family raises their pigs for about seven months, Robles said. The hope is that the animals

If You Go MARKET HOG JUDGING’ • Feb. 24: 8 a.m.

BREEDING GILT JUDGING • Feb. 24: 4 p.m.

reach a hefty weight of 260-280 pounds, with the minimum show weight being 230 pounds.

One pig stepped on the scale and registered just 214 pounds, but is expected to gain an average of 1215 pounds a week to reach show weight.

The early days of raising the animals are the most difficult, Daidree, a junior at Victoria West High School, said.

“The hardest challenge is breaking the pig,” she said.

“Training it how to walk the way you want it to walk. And then once you have that then it’s easy.”

The Robles family has more than two dozen pigs in their barn, and as they raise them they’re able to slowly weed out the ones they’ll show, the kid’s father said.

Around 16 of the pigs will likely be shown.

The competitions are a way to have a good time around like-minded people, Collin, a

sophomore at Victoria East High School, said.

“It’s just fun when you go to shows and hang out with friends,” he said. “Being around a bunch of people that are doing the same stuff as you, it’s just fun.”

The competitions are serious, though, and Robles said his children often compete against one another in the same pig weight class.

Cody Jr., a sixth grader at Cade Middle School and the youngest Robles, is up for the challenge of taking on his siblings.

“My challenge is winning grand,” he said.

Cody Baird | cbaird@vicad.com TOP: Cody Robles Jr., 11, walks a pig in his family’s barn.

BOTTOM: Collin Robles, 16, closes a pig into the scale in his family’s barn.

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If You Go MARKET LAMBS JUDGING • Feb. 25: 2-3:30 p.m

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JOHNSTON’S LAMBS GETTING MILEAGE ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT Peter L. Scamardo II | pscamardo@vicad.com

The livestock show circuit has put some miles on Allee Johnston’s soul the past 10 years.

Johnston, 17, a senior at Faith Academy, has made trips to Forth Worth and San Antonio already this year, and she’ll make additional trips to San Antonio, Houston and Austin before the year is up.

“It’s been a lot,” Johnston said. “Especially late nights when you’re traveling to a show and you don’t get home until late. My dad mainly feeds them but I come out here and help as much as I can. It’s really something that I enjoy, so I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Johnston will present lambs Fancy, Bullet, Tres and her carcass lamb at this year’s Victoria Livestock Show.

For Johnston, who won reserve champion market lamb in 2020, it’s emotional as she thinks about entering her final Victoria County show.

“I hope the younger generation can look up and say, ‘Wow, she’s done this for so long,’” Johnston said. “I just hope that they can all say that one day they want to be like me.

That’s the only thing I ask is that one day they want to be like, ‘I want to be like her.’ That’s the one thing I want to leave with the younger generation.”

Johnston previously had to manage preparing her lambs and heifers for show

Kit MacAvoy | kmacavoy@vicad.com while also playing volleyAllee Johnston, 17, poses with her lambs Fancy, left, and Bullet, right, at ball and softball for Faith her home in Crescent Valley.

Academy.

While she did play volleyball this past season, she decided not to play softball this year in order to focus on gaining points in the Texas Junior Livestock Association.

Averaging one show per month, Johnston’s season would normally end in Houston, but she and her family decided to go through the whole circuit for her senior year, with her final show happening at the Austin Livestock Show in March.

“A couple days before show they’ll get shorn really slick, and then I’ll work with their legs,” Johnston said on preparing her lambs for show. “Then the day of show, I’ll blow them out and brush them and just get them in that mood. Just talk to them and tell them what’s about to happen.”

Showing lambs is something her family’s done all her life and it’s something Johnston has wanted to do ever since she watched her older brother, Kye, show lambs.

“We bonded through showing lambs and watching him show lambs, I grew up in that industry,” Johnston said. “I’ve had lambs in my backyard my whole life. So, I kind of was born into it. But growing up, watching my brother was a big inspiration going into livestock.”

Johnston’s female lambs will be sent back to breeders once the circuits are complete, while her wethers will likely go to slaughter.

But for something that’s taken up so much time her entire life, Johnston knows it will be hard to let go of showing lambs once the season is over.

“It’s my last time that I’ll ever show for Victoria County,” Johnston said. “So, it’s kind of emotional and I’ve thought about it. I’m not ready to give it up but I know I have to.”

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ST. JOSEPH SENIOR LOOKING TO END SHOW CAREER ON HIGH NOTE Sam Fowler | sfowler@vicad.com

William Wright is ready for the culmination of his career in 4-H. Wright has shown animals over the last eight years and this year will be the last time the St. Joseph senior participates in the Victoria Livestock Show.

Wright, who serves as the Victoria County Shotgun Club president, will take his goat Oreo to the show arena on Feb. 25. Oreo will also be shown at the Austin Livestock Show on March 12.

His other goat, Brownie, was shown at the San Antonio Livestock show on Feb. 16.

“It’s been very rewarding,” said Wright, who will attend UTSA and major in computer science.

in the fall. “The experience has been great. I have learned tremendous amounts of knowledge through raising these goats. It’s been very helpful.”

Wright got his start by showing rabbits. Five years later he wanted to challenge himself with a new animal, so he picked goats.

“With my first goat, I made the sale and had a good year,” Wright said. “My second and third years, I learned a lot. I’m really hoping for a good fourth year.”

Wright’s time in 4-H and the show arena has also helped him find balance.

Juggling school work, personal life and other responsibilities,

such as being the County Ambassador or State Water Ambassador, is not a struggle for him.

“During COVID-19, I actually saw an increase in grades versus my peers, who said they saw a decrease,” Wright said. “With the goats and projects, I see an even bigger increase in grades because it teaches me how to split up time between a 4-H project and studying. I recently accomplished a goal I set for myself in achieving A honor roll by my senior year.”

Now, Wright wants that work to pay off by taking Oreo to sale along with his carcass lamb.

“I really hope to make sale with both of my goats and carcass lamb,” Wright said. “In the end,

in academics, I plan on staying on the honor roll and working hard to get the very best grades possible.”

Sam Fowler | sfowler@vicad.com St. Joseph senior William Wright hopes to make the sale with his goat Oreo at the upcoming Victoria County Livestock Show.

If You Go MARKET GOATS JUDGING • Feb. 25: 3:30-5 p.m

RABBIT EXHIBITOR IN HUNT FOR SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP Kit MacAvoy | kmacavoy@vicad.com

On a cold and rainy day in early February, downy trios of snow-white lumps huddled together for warmth on a Mission Valley farm. If rabbits wore shoes, these ones would have big shoes to fill.

The 2022 Victoria Livestock Show will mark Kodie Foster’s third entry in the market rabbit competition. She placed modestly during her first year, but she took home the top prize in 2021.

“With our show, you cannot get more than two grand champions,” said Paige Foster, Kodie’s mother. “Or you have to show something else.”

Kodie’s rabbits are hardly the only animals in Foster care. They share their home with many fine horses,

chickens, dogs, peacocks and other creatures. But last year’s grand champion wants to stay in the game— as long as that game is rabbits.

“I like when they’re born, because they’re soft and cuddly. And it’s fun to go and check them every day to see if they’ve opened their eyes,” said Kodie, 11.

But that’s just the start. For Kodie, raising rabbits means daily feeding and watering, making sure the water lines aren’t frozen, counting toes and checking for straight teeth, things her parents encourage her to do herself. She doesn’t seem to mind the workload.

“She wants to play with them all the time,” said her mother, who

showed chickens and pigs when she was younger.

In the market rabbit competition, entrants present three rabbits, with one alternate, Kodie said, in case one has ear mites, or the wrong number of toes.

Nearly a year later, Kodie still remembers when last year’s judge made the fateful call.

“He had gone back and checked mine, because it was close between mine and the reserve champion.

But he liked the fur on mine better, so I won champion,” Kodie said.

“I think it was really about how they had more meat, and they had better coats.”

Kit MacAvoy | kmacavoy@vicad.com Kodie Foster, 11, poses with one of her market rabbits at her home in Mission Valley.

If You Go MARKET RABBIT JUDGING • Feb. 23: 8:30 a.m.

BREEDING RABBIT JUDGING • Feb. 23: 10 a.m.

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If You Go MARKET BROILER SHOW • Feb. 23: Noon

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SIBLING RIVALRY SPURS FIRST-TIME BROILER CONTESTANT Kyle R. Cotton | Kcotton@vicad.com

For the past few weeks broiler contestants have been raising their chickens as part of the Victoria Livestock Show competition.

However, for one first-time contestant the competition provides a chance at bragging rights over her older sibling.

Violet Boeing, 9, is a firsttime competitor in the Victoria Livestock Show when it comes to broilers but this isn’t the first time she’s seen the chickens.

When she was younger Violet saw her older brother raise broilers for the Refugio Livestock Show and place as high as third one year. That inspired her to try her hand at it.

However, despite the competition being larger in Victoria than Refugio, Violet’s aim is to finish one place higher than her brother’s highest finish.

said so she can hold bragging rights over him when he comes home to visit from Coastal Bend College.

But unlike when her brother competed in Refugio, there are both unique challenges and advantages to deal with for Violet.

This year, contestants in the Victoria Livestock Show have their chickens for seven weeks as to opposed to the normal six weeks putting each contestants husbandry skills to the test, said Katherine Schneider, Victoria Livestock show market broiler chairperson.

In that time, the Boeing family have seen their 50 chickens go from small adorable chicks in a pen inside their Inez home, to those few plump birds that survived ready to be sold at the show.

The biggest challenge of which was making sure they stayed warm to survive through the early days and with the cold snaps, Violet’s father Dan Boeing said.

When the chicks were in their pen inside the house the family used heat lamps to keep the temperature at 90 degrees, Boeing said. As the chicks got bigger, they “I just Duy Vu | dvu@vicad.com want to get were moved to a shed outside Violet Boenig, 9, picks up a broiler inside of a barn adjacent to the family second,” where they had to maintain a home in Inez. temperature of 70 degrees.

Violet

This was particularly challenging as cold fronts moved through South Texas. Not only did the shed have to be insulated properly, but there was the added tasks of making sure the shed door doesn’t let in a draft and running multiple heaters continuously in the shed, he said.

One advantage Violet has over her brother however is that the Victoria show gives contestants significantly more chicks than Refugio.

When her brother was competing, it came down to the wire in terms of having enough chickens to choose from, their father said.

While Violet hasn’t named her chickens, she has grown close to them even developing a favorite one which has a noticeable bald spot on top of its head.

When the time comes, Violet will take her favorite bald chicken along with two others to the livestock show competition to be judged.

Once the judging is done Violet’s chickens will be sold.

Unlike some exhibitors, she’s ready for the moment when they, as she put it, “take them away and turn them into chicken nuggets.”

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