Livestock Shows

Scholarship Spotlight: Liz-Anne Earle’s Texas dreams and North Carolina Facetimes

Marisa Linton See April 23 April 23

It was the final show of the Eastern Carolina Lamb Showmanship circuit. Points were close between competitors. This show would determine the circuit champions and who would win the belt buckle. Everyone watched with baited breath to see if the novice showman, although young and cute, could show a lamb as good as the most-seasoned showman. The judge deliberated. Finally, he made his decision and shook the winner’s hand. The audience erupted in applause and hollered. There was one scream, though that could be heard all the way from Texas. Liz-Anne Earl grew up showing cattle and lambs in North…

Nance family invests in youth at Meat Goat Leadership Institute

Marisa Linton See March 27 March 27

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Nance have a passion for both the meat goat industry and for youth. The result is a yearly 4-H meat goat leadership institute made possible by an endowment from the couple. The 8th Annual Billy Nance Family 4-H Meat Goat Leadership Institute was held on Feb. 10 at the N.C. State University Beef Education Unit in Raleigh. Youth learned about more than goats, though. They also gained skills to become an effective leader in their communities and beyond. The institute invites youth ages 10-19 to apply, and the top applicants are selected to attend the day-long…

For the Love of Livestock

Marisa Linton See February 26 February 22

Showing livestock, as so many youth and families in North Carolina do, is not an easy thing. It is not as simple as walking an animal around a ring, accepting a ribbon, and having your picture taken. The days are long and include hours working with your animal, making sure it stands just so. These hours are longer when that goat or steer decides to be exasperatingly stubborn and rebellious. The work is hard. Many a showman have earned their share of blisters from shoveling manure or playing tug of war with an animal. The experience is messy. Mud-caked boots…

NC State Fair Livestock Scholarship Program Helps Fund FFA Livestock Judging Contest

Marisa Linton See February 12 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. The N.C. State Fair Livestock Scholarship Program provides more than scholarships for college students. It also provides funds for youth competing in 4-H and FFA livestock events throughout the year and across the state. The FFA livestock judging competition is one such an…

Youth care for livestock projects in rain, snow, and shine

Marisa Linton See February 5 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. The beginning of the year brought snow with it to North Carolina. There were many excited kids playing in the snow and relishing the delay and cancellation of school. In many parts of the state, children were making snow cream, attempting to build…

10 Reasons Why I am Thankful for Showing Livestock

Marisa Linton See December 1 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. During this holiday season, we tend to reminisce about all there is to be thankful for. I decided to ask livestock folks, who are some of my favorite people, why they are thankful for livestock shows, especially those at the N.C. State Fair….

Champions are made at the NC State Fair

Marisa Linton See November 6 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. With a point, a glance and a handshake, a dream comes true. After hours of hard work and months of preparation, it all becomes worth it when the judge points to you. The noise of the crowds and the sights of the fair…

The road to the N.C. State Fair

Marisa Linton See September 25 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for the past 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. The countdown to the N.C. State Fair is dwindling. All of a sudden, we are in double digits, and September is almost gone. While many of us are anxiously awaiting the time when we can sink our teeth into all manner…

Heat doesn’t stop youth from competing in livestock contests

Marisa Linton See September 18 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for the past 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. It was hot. The kind of hot that North Carolina summers are known for, where the humidity envelops you like clothes. It’s the kind of hot day where air conditioning is preferred. However, more than 100 youth gave up a few…

Youth take field trips to prepare for state livestock contests

Marisa Linton See July 31 February 2

Following is a guest post from Marisa Linton. Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock, and currently lives on her family’s small farm in Mount Olive. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for the past 14 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger. Do you know how to tell the difference between a loin chop and a rib chop? Do you know what breed of sheep was developed at N.C. State University? Or what makes a good quality heifer? Every summer, youth from across…

Category: Livestock Shows