News Release
May 22, 2009

Annual Cowboy Youth Classic June 19-20 in Laramie

Beef, goat, hog and lamb fitting and showing clinics begin the annual Cowboy Youth Classic in Laramie Friday and Saturday, June 19-20.

The annual show/clinic is at the University of Wyoming’s Cliff and Martha Hansen Livestock Teaching Arena approximately three miles west of Laramie on Hwy. 230. The classic is open to youths age 20 and younger.

Started in 1997 by the College of Agriculture’s Department of Animal Science, the event expanded to include market lambs and hogs in 2003, and market goats have been added this year.

The event draws about 60 to 80 youths. Contestants are required to attend their choice of workshops Friday. Livestock shows Saturday, in order, are goat, lamb, hog and beef.

The classic’s aim is two-fold, said Lance Miller, who is the Livestock Judging Team coach and Cowboy Youth Classic chair in the college.

“The intent is to provide an opportunity for youths to not only exhibit projects prior to county fairs, but, more importantly, to provide educational opportunities for the exhibitors to learn more about livestock production, husbandry, health, and management, along with proper show techniques and etiquette,” said Miller.

The format provides an educational environment for all levels of exhibitors.

“It’s our belief some exhibitors are really excited about their livestock projects but are too inexperienced to feel really competitive at traditional jackpot shows,” said Miller. “We want to provide an opportunity where exhibitors of all ages can learn by doing, and, hopefully, have them better prepared for county and state fairs.”

Friday’s schedule

8 a.m. – Barn opens

9 a.m. – Hoof trimming available

9:30 a.m. – Beef, lamb, goat and swine weigh and check in

11 a.m. – Market lamb fitting and showing clinic, followed by market goat

Noon – Beef fitting and showing clinic followed by market hog

2-4 p.m. – Mandatory workshops. Attendees are required to take one in each session. Session I includes market goat nutrition and management, anatomy of animal nutrition, “Speaking with Confidence”; Session II includes swine artificial insemination, range plant identification walking tour, and market animal ultrasound.

6 p.m. – Complimentary meal and tour of facilities.

Livestock shows begin 9 a.m. Saturday.

More than half of the 23 Wyoming counties are usually represented, and exhibitors also come from Nebraska and Colorado.

Information about the classic, including a registration form and entry fees, is online at http://www.uwyo.edu/anisci/info.asp?p=7795. Registrations should be postmarked by June 6.

Miller said the classic would not be possible without support from the animal science department, the Albany County office of the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service and donors.

“All participants receive a T-shirt and a complimentary meal Friday night, and 100 percent of the entry fees are paid back in the classes,” he said. “All of the money for the prizes for the champion and reserve champion projects and exhibitors come from sponsors.”

 For more information, contact Miller at (307) 766-2159 or lrmiller@uwyo.edu.

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Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWAG/news.asp

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