Angus heifers burst on the scene just as June burst out along with the kids getting out of school. The South Carolina Junior Angus Association takes off with a bang for the show season. Some of the major events this summer are the South Carolina Junior Angus Preview Show, the Eastern Regional, the National Junior Angus Show, and the Beef Round-Up.
Traditionally, the first week-end in June starts the season with the green heifers and the sometimes green juniors getting used to the show-ring and each other. The T. Ed Garrison Arena Cattle Complex will be alive with the kids and cows on Saturday, June 6. The show begins at 9:30 but the activity begin s earlier with feeding , washing and unloading the heifers. Those juniors that live nearby Clemson travel that morning to arrive by showtime.
The event begins with showmanship while the kids and cattle are fresh. This competition emphasizes the skill of the youngster at showing. The classed that follow are a beauty contest for the Angus. The skill of the youth at the halter can make a big difference in the placing by the judge. Classes often include bulls, cow-calf pairs, owned and bred and owned heifers. The judge selecting the Angus beauties this year is Lance Leachman from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He coaches the Virginia Tech Judging team. After the show is over the juniors gather to elect officers and plan their trips together for the summer of showing.
This year the National Junior Angus Show is nearby in Perry. Georgia. Due to its proximity many of our juniors will be able to make the trip. The show is from July 19-25 with many events besides the Angus classes. The juniors that go may participate in the Beef Cook-off, speaking contests, judging team contests, photography, and many others. There is something for everyone who is willing to test their talent against youth from all over the United States.
Many Angus juniors are able to take the skills and lessons learned from these shows and experiences throughout their career and life. You might say our juniors are bursting with talent and good values.
This year the South Carolina Angus Association plans to publish a new directory. The directory will include all the current members of the SCAA. It will also have some history, helpful information and ads. Whole page ads are $150. Half-page ads are $100. If you would like to place an ad send the copy and fee to: SCAA , c/o Windy Bartee, sec. ,1717 St. Paul Church Road, Clover, SC 29710 TEL: ( 803) 222-7533 or tumblet8@bellsouth.net.
We hope this rain has relieved the drought in your part of the country and that your pastures are bursting with grass for your hay crop.
If you have news or if you would like to join the SCAA, please contact Windy Bartee. Our dues are only $20/ year. We have a web site at www.scangus.org.
