Lometa's annual livestock show slated for Saturday

PHOTO BY CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Michael Hood, left, and Johnny Aldrich unload equipment to set up pens at the Lometa Show Barn in preparation for Saturday's annual event.

The hours are winding down to what has become a longstanding tradition for Lampasas County 4-H and FFA members.

The Lometa Junior Livestock Show kicks off Saturday at 7 a.m. with weigh-ins. Scales close promptly at 9 a.m., with market lamb classes to begin immediately thereafter.

Although only in his first year as agricultural science instructor at Lometa Independent School District, Brad Barnett is no stranger to the hours of preparation that go into stock show projects.

A veteran teacher and FFA adviser, Barnett is anxious to see his students put to use the knowledge they have practiced with their projects to date and make strides in new undertakings.

"The kids and I are excited to demonstrate the progress they have made, as well as to learn of the improvements that need to be made," he said.

The annual livestock event, held at the Lometa Show Barn, plays host to market lambs at 9 a.m., followed by market goats, swine and steers, before rounding out the day with heifers.

Junior and senior showmanship classes will follow each species.

Preliminary reports indicate this year's entrants tally strong numbers in both cattle and goats with 23 steers, 12 heifers and 45 market goats set to show. Competition in other categories reveals average numbers with 50 market hogs, 13 lambs and 12 heifers.

Breakfast tacos and other foods will be available at the concession stand throughout the show.