Youth have entered 2,104 animals in the 93rd Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS), which will take place October 3-5 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A total of 845 exhibitors from across the state have entered 183 market steers, 359 breeding heifers, 257 market hogs, 343 breeding gilts, 258 market lambs, 290 breeding ewes, 211 market goats and 203 commercial does.
KJLS will award cash to exhibitors of the top five animals in both market and breeding shows in all four species. Direct cash payouts will range from $2,500 to $250 for steers and heifers; $1,500 to $250 for market hogs and breeding gilts; $1,250 to $300 for market lambs and breeding ewes; and $1,250 to $300 for market goats and commercial does. New this year, KJLS will have a supreme female drive to select the top five breeding females of each species. Additionally, in the registered divisions of the heifer, gilt and ewe shows, bred-and-owned breed champions and reserves, as well as top five overall, will be chosen.
KJLS will present several scholarships during the show to exhibitors who have excelled academically, in community service and in 4-H/FFA. This is the 32nd year for the scholarship program, which has awarded a total of $577,550 to 398 exhibitors since 1993. Last year, a total of $23,000 was awarded to 13 individuals.
Separate from the selection of species champions, a showmanship contest will be held. The top showman in the junior, intermediate and senior divisions of each species will receive a buckle.
Exhibitors also have the opportunity to compete in the LEAD Challenge–an education, advocacy and leadership event that allows participants to learn about current issues being discussed within the livestock industry and apply that information in a competitive environment. Exhibitors will be divided into three age divisions: junior, intermediate and senior. All will give prepared speeches and participate in the LEAD Listen & Learn, showmanship, skills stations and a mock job interview.
In conjunction with KJLS, the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) will sponsor a club calf show and sale. Steer and heifer prospects from some of the top club calf producers in the Midwest will be consigned. The event will take place October 4. Sale commission proceeds will go toward KLF Youth in Agriculture scholarships.
The Flint Hills Mid-America Classic Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest will be held October 5 in conjunction with the show. This event provides competitors the opportunity to sharpen their livestock evaluation skills, develop their critical thinking and decision-making abilities, and refine their public speaking skills. Both junior and senior colleges will participate.
For more information, including a full schedule of events, go to www.kjls.net.
