livestock – Page 2

The Hand of the Buyer Extends Beyond the Stroke of a Check: NC State Fair Sale of Champions

Marisa Linton See November 6 November 6

On October 13th, a record was set in the state of North Carolina. The NC State Fair Sale of Champions brought in a record-breaking number of $190,000. Buyers bought champion goats, sheep, steers, and pigs exhibited by youth at the fair in the auction. Although many a check was stroked, the hand of the buyer goes far beyond that initial check. If a map of those affected by this Sale of Champions were created, there would be a web extending across the country. The hand of the buyer goes much farther than a raise for a bid or the stroke…

The Making of a Nurse: How Showing Livestock Impacted a Nursing Student

Marisa Linton See October 6 October 4

Did you know that there is a huge shortage in nurses throughout the USA? According to the American Nurses Association there will be a need for 3.44 million nurses by 2022 which is a 20.2 percent increase in RNs. In other words, there will be a need for 1.13 million additional nurses. That is a staggering number, but there are those who are seeking to fill those positions. Meet Megan Lawing. She is a nursing student at Gardner-Webb University. She is also a N.C. State Fair Livestock Scholarship recipient. Megan grew up showing sheep for 15 years and showed pigs…

Poise, Confidence, Character, and a Bit of Swag

Marisa Linton See October 4 October 4

Apollo the pig entered the ring with a bit of attitude. Gideon, my brother, was guiding him around the show ring calmly, asking Apollo to walk at a nice pace and make a few turns in front of the judge. I stood from the sidelines figuratively biting my nails because I had managed to break that habit many years ago. I was in danger of starting back up again, though. I’m always nervous for my little brothers in the show ring, especially this time. Apollo had been known to be super hard-headed, but Gideon had worked hard at home to…

3 brothers and a goat named John

Marisa Linton See July 3 July 3

Meet the Henson brothers—Noah, Jesse, and Caleb. They live in the mountain town of Canton. Every year, they set goals for the season and do their best to achieve them. During last year’s fair season, they had a goal that revolved around a goat named John. They knew the goat was special, and they wanted to make sure he reached his full potential by the time he was shown at the N.C. State Fair. After hard work all season, it was time to walk in the ring with John. The only thing left was to hope that the judge thought…

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…

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…

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…

Tag: livestock