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Don't change that channelHeaven help us if the folks at ESPN ever discover youth livestock shows. For a while now, rodeo and horse races have been televised on the sports channel and some of its affiliated cable channels. Today, you can also see other equestrian events, dog agility trials, and even mule races. And, for the most part, it's been good business for these endeavors. But, can you imagine the nightmare youth jackpot shows would become if they were nationally televised? There's a logic to this idea. The grand champion steer at the National Western sold for $80,000 this past January. Club calves are sold for thousands of dollars and ranches offer incentives for the youth who purchase their show prospects from their herds. With all the money invested in equipment , tack, trailers, and supplies, livestock showing is big business. So, imagine what it would turn into if ESPN ever decided to cover a youth jackpot show circuit like they handle college sports and Little League baseball. Picture a world of rookie showmen seasons, where the top steer jockeys in their age classes were followed like first round draft picks in the NBA. I can just see a sportscaster, in his suit and tie, commenting on an exhibitor's eligibility, his past standings, and his future on the professional show circuit. There would be ticker displays at the bottom of the screen showing the latest standings in other jackpot shows around the country. We'd have interviews of judges, much like interviewing an NFL referee, following a jackpot show. We'd have former, "retired" showmen and judges providing commentary during commercial breaks.
"Well, Chet, that black Angus of Johnny Smith's is one steer I'd hate to vie against for champion, but the Maine-Anjou crossbred that Suzie Worth is leading is a close match for him. She just has to remember to set up those back legs to show off his carcass traits and she should be in business." "That's right Bob, and don't forget, the Chi-Simmental crossbred that Shooter Smith is showing garnered Reserve Champion at last week's Beef Expo Invitational in Smith's Corner, Ark. He'll be ready for blood. At that show, he missed Grand Champion because his steer wouldn't cooperate. Today's weather conditions should lead to victory, though." "Right Chet." "Thanks Bob." Just think about the opportunity for sponsorships and commercials. I can see an eight-year-old showman wearing his best starched Wranglers with a shirt emblazoned with the logos for three feed companies, a trailer manufacturer, a clipper company and a show supply catalog. And, we can't forget the show announcements, fade-aways and commercials: "Today's Spring Beef Show Livestock Jackpot Expo brought to you by Lil' Nippers Clippers and Texas Hold 'Em High Show Adhesive, who remind you 'When you want to place in the top five, use Hold 'Em High.'" Of course, we can't forget the inevitable scandals that accompany any "sport." Instead of out of control Stage Moms we'll have Arena Parents who hover over their children and their children's animals. They'll get into shouting matches with the judges and shoving matches in the stands when Little Johnny's $5,000 prospect steer is chosen over Little Suzie's $4,500 prospect steer. Among the drug testing of champions and the instant replays of tapes and security cameras in the fitting area, it will be a gold mine of arguments. We'll have coaches and managers and agents in plaid polyester leisure suits and pointed toe cowboy boots negotiating contracts for their star showmen. "No, no. Johnny and his grand champion steer, Thunderbolt, will not consent to appearing at your show for less than a guaranteed prime stall location and trailer parking. What, you think you can bring in more viewers with that second-rate crossbred heifer Suzie's been schlepping up and down the highway to every show that will take her? Good luck, and call me when you want to deal." And, when the summer show season is over, there will be off-season coverage of the carcass results; the coverage of the next crop of club calves; the evaluations of pedigrees; the pre-season scouting reports from the pastures and spring shows; and the Fantasy Showmen Leagues that enthusiasts will play online. Yep, Heaven help us if ESPN ever gets wind of the gold mine of competitive youth livestock shows. Instead of a wholesome way for a family to bond, and for children to learn valuable life lessons as it is now, it could very well turn into yet another ego-driven competitive sport with adults fighting over the spoils and kids losing out in the long run. There's some things that just can't be improved upon by progress, and showing livestock is one of them. Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or by e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com. 6/18/07
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