Showin’ On The Rio

One of the most exciting times for children involved in agriculture, FFA or 4-H is being able to raise animals and show them. The COVID-19 pandemic,however, stifled much of that since March, including last year’ Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes.

This is where some Valley children took it upon themselves to put together “Showin on the Rio,” which was held in a three part series on

Oct 31 & November 1, November 14 & 15th, and January 2nd & 3rd.

Still, one thing about many of those who wake up early, take care of their cows, pigs, goats, lambs and so on is the sense of responsibility they learn at an early age. It’s definitely something where those involved have to have not only a calling for, but a desired to fill that calling.

Some, such as Kylie Sellman and Logan and Lauren Thomas, took it to a different level recently, organizing and running the “Showing on the Rio,” where 80 buckles were given away for the steers/heifers competitors as well as 34 to the goats and lambs; which made a total of 114 buckles awarded.

“I’ve always been in love with showing my cattle, but it has been difficult to find shows down here that offer more than one right” said Sellman, 18, of Weslaco High School. “I always hauled four hours north to show and I noticed not a whole lot of people could do that so I thought it would be really fun to bring that opportunity down here to the kids of the Rio Grande Valley and allow them that opportunity to show in a series without having to make that drive.”

Logan and Lauren Thomas said that not only did it give opportunities to show competitors’ animals, but it was also like having a preseason like many sports.

“Most of the shows are 4H or FFA and not happening to we worked together and found three dates to work and put the show on,” Logan said. “This would give kids extra opportunities before major shows come up in the fall.”

Lauren said Ag has been a part of their lives with their parents owning a cattle operation so they have been part of events for years. This, however, was a different venture. “At the beginning we didn’t know if we would have things like booths, food and drink, we had to make waivers so the first show was difficult,” Lauren said. “We had to get on the mic and make sure that everyone put their masks on too and followed guidelines or we would have to shut down. But it worked.”

“It was either wear the masks or get kicked out,” said John Wayne Kibler, 16. “A lot of us travel and some don’t get to travel. It was pretty difficult to put together but this was a chance to give buckles back to kids who don’t get to travel or can only can go to Mercedes to show.”

Showin on the Rio Cattle Show came together from four agricultural driven families that have a passionfor livestock shows, cattle and giving back to the youth of the RGV. My name is Ryan Mack Simpson and together with the Kibler, Sellman and Thomas families, we put together an opportunity for cattle kids to show. With most of the Valley prospect shows cancelling because of COVID and many families do not or cannot travel to shows like we do, we felt it was important to give the showman a chance to show. The most important part to me was seeing many of my friends doing what they love and that is showing cattle.

ooking back, I can remember the very moment I wanted to be involved in agricul ture. I grew up in a small town of 1,200 people but did not have any connection to agriculture or the farm life. I mean, I looked out my back door and saw the corn field a block away but that was as close as I got L to that way of life. It was not until I was a sophomore in high school that I knew agriculture was something that I wanted to be involved in.

In my Sophomore year of High School, I enrolled in an Animal Science class and I was introduced to an organization called FFA. Joining it opened a whole new world of opportunities for me. In my three years in the FFA, I was able to see all the different jobs and paths that I could take in life through agriculture. I knew that I wanted to be in a career that would always be essential but be versatile enough to not limit myself to just one job. I decided on agriculture as I transitioned to college and studied to be an agriculture educator. I wanted to help teach others how important agriculture was and how vital it is to our lives.

Oh, I almost forgot, I met and married my farmer right after graduating from college. He took a job with Cargill after college and we moved 6 hours away from anyone we knew to start our own adventure. I took a couple Ag related jobs over the first couple years learning all along the way. I am so thankful for those first opportunities I had. Two years later we made another move that allowed me to put my degree to work. After teaching high school agriculture in northern Illinois for a few years, my husband and I moved (our 3rd time moving across state lines) to small acreage in southeast Iowa. Fast forward a few years, and I now have two kids getting ready to be in 4-H. I started a Clover Kids group to focus on bridging the gap between producer and consumer. I knew that I wanted to expose my own children to a way of life that I did not experience and wanted to find a way to give that to other children as well. After being in education for a few years, I knew that the younger we start teaching kids, the more willing they would be to learn about it.

These days, I find myself talking about agriculture in all facets of my life. I serve as the youth director at our church and use every opportunity to express the importance of agriculture to my middle and high school youth group kids as well as the opportunities that they will have if they go into that field.

When I substitute at the elementary schools, there is never a time when I have not shown them pictures of the new baby goats that were just born at our house, cattle that were moved to a new section of pasture, or the health protocols we follow when we have a litter of puppies. I love how I can use my passion for agriculture and join it with my love for children and education.

To quote Thomas Jefferson, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” Living a life directly related to agriculture, is not for the faint of hearts. It is even harder to raise a family in this life. Yet, just as Jefferson says, it is our wisest pursuit. We are raising our children with good morals and values and teaching them what true happiness is. In times that seems to void of that sense of happiness, I am thankful I can give them the opportunity to see life in a way that most can not.

We know that our farmers make the most of everything. If you’re running a side business from your home or farm, make sure you’re covered!

You have a passion for the care of your horses. You expect the best for your horses, so why should it be any different when choosing an insurance carrier for your horse exposure?

Beekeeper and Beeyards Cider Pressing Juice Manufacturing Corn/Hay Mazes Farmers Markets Feed, Grain, Hay Dealers Fertilizer Sales Firewood Sales Kennels Livestock Auctions Mowing and Hay Production along Roadways Pet Grooming Pet Training Snow Removal Storage of Boats, Cars, Campers

Our base policy is designed to cover most livestock risks, so pleasure horse ownership is typically covered without the need of optional forms. We even allow for incidental participation in shows.

Some horse owners expand their operation to include equine activities. Since equine activities would be a business activity, discuss with your agent about purchasing Equine coverage.

Sale of horse related equipment can be insured as a Business Activity class.