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State's largest livestock show draws youth entries from 90 countiesKansas Youth from across the state have entered 1,548 head of animals for the 76th annual Kansas Junior Livestock Show. A total of 766 4-H and FFA members from 90 counties will show 128 steers, 313 heifers, 425 hogs, 285 lambs, 35 ewes, 175 wether dams and 187 goats. The competition will take place Sept. 19 to 22 at the Kansas Coliseum in Wichita. Marion County is sending 28 exhibitors to the show, the most of any county in the state. The largest number of steers, eight, was entered by contestants from Republic County. Pottawatomie County youth have entered 26 heifers and seven ewes, the most of any county in those categories. The market hog category is led by Dickinson County , with 26 entries. Johnson County exhibitors lead the market lamb and wether dam categories, with 19 and 11 head, respectively. The largest number of meat goats, 19, was entered by Labette County exhibitors. The 62 head from Dickinson County leads the total livestock category. When the competition is complete, the top five steers, hogs and lambs, and the top two goats, will sell during the KJLS Auction of Champions, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to support the event by bidding on livestock in the live auction. In many cases, exhibitors of the winning animals use the money earned from the auction to help fund their college educations and buy next year's livestock projects. Prior to the auction, KJLS will present a number of scholarships ranging from $750 to $2,500 to exhibitors who have excelled academically, in community service and in 4-H/FFA. A total of $226,000 in scholarships has been presented to 191 KJLS exhibitors since the program's inception in 1993. Last year, a total of $18,500 was awarded to 11 exhibitors. The scholarship program is funded primarily through private contributions and income generated by the Beefeater Barbecue held in the Sam Fulco Pavilion at the Kansas Coliseum prior to the auction. Tickets to the barbecue are $60 and can be purchased at the door that evening or in advance by calling Joey Giblin at 316-264-9990. Persons interested in contributing directly to the KJLS scholarship fund can call 316-733-2345. "This youth event has a large number of faithful and very generous supporters, which we hope will continue to grow," said KJLS President Mary Kane of Manhattan . "It is a great way for businesses and individuals to reward young people for their hard work and help them meet their educational goals." In addition to the selection of livestock species champions, a showmanship contest will reward the top exhibitors. Champion showmen in the junior and senior divisions of each species will receive silver belt buckles. Prizes also will be awarded for second through fifth place in each division. The Kansas Junior Livestock Association (KJLA) will sponsor a club calf show and sale during KJLS. Steer and heifer prospects from some of the top club calf producers in the Midwest will be consigned. The event will take place Sept. 20. A portion of the sale proceeds will go toward KJLA scholarships and educational activities. KJLS is sponsored by the Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas State University and the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to these groups, hundreds of volunteers from across the state help organize and put on the show 9/15/08 Date: 9/11/08
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