New progress show debuts in Torrington
Torrington – After hearing that the Southeast Wyoming Progress Show would no longer be held for 4-H and FFA members, a group of producers from the Torrington area has stepped up to institute a two-day progress show.
“We are hosting a progress show for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats on June 7-8,” says George Haas, who is among the supporters organizing the event. “This is a new event but will be conducted like many other progress shows.”
The Eastern Wyoming Junior Livestock Expo, as the show has been dubbed, will be held June 7-8 in Torrington at the Goshen County Fairgrounds.
“We are starting empty handed and don’t have any money, so we are collecting donations and organizing a committee to put this event together,” Haas comments.
Haas says a group of producers banded together to continue the 25-year tradition in the southeast corner of the state.
“We have nearly 30 people who have been working on this for a lot of years,” he continues. “Most of us are Southeast FFA Alumni, and we went to school at Veteran, Yoder, Huntley, Hawk Springs and LaGrange. We started this progress show in the mid-80s, and FFA chapters have been running it since.”
However, with an upcoming international livestock judging trip, the FFA students determined that they would be unable to host the event this year.
“There are a whole bunch of 4-Hers and FFA members who like to show, and they like to do this show to prepare for fair,” he says. “They like to practice and understand how the animal handles in the show ring.”
The high-quality cattle, sheep and hogs that come out of progress shows speak to their success and importance.
“When it comes time for county fair, these students have a better idea on dressing their animals and on the showmanship aspect,” Haas continues. “It is also good practice and a possible way to make some money.”
While the show hasn’t yet determined the payout for the event, he notes that there will be an opportunity for students to win cash prizes during the show.
Haas also notes that, since it is the inaugural year of the show, they are searching for donors to help fund the event.
“If anyone has questions or would like to make a donation, feel free to call 307-575-1756,” Haas says. “We want to make this a great event.”
For the event, the entry fee will be $25 per market class, and showmanship classes will cost five dollars each to enter.
On June 7, the lamb show will begin at 9 a.m., and the goat show will start at 11 a.m., with weigh-ins prior to each show. The beef show will begin at 1 p.m. with heifers, and the pig show will start at 5 p.m.
On June 8, the pig show will begin at 8 a.m., beef show at 11 a.m., and the lamb and goat show will start at 1 p.m.
Wyoming animal health regulations and show ethics will be enforced, and out of state entries are welcome with proper health and brand inspection documents.
Due to health concerns, only pigs tagged with the Wyoming State Fair tag will be allowed to enter. Additionally, pigs must not have left the state within a 30-day period prior to this show.
A $20 refundable pen cleaning deposit will be required on entry and can be recouped following checkout.
For questions, contact Zach Johnson about lambs at 307-575-2171, Lawrence Randall about goats at 307-217-1778, Levi Kosmicki about beef at 307-575-3076 and Jeff Chapman about pigs at 308-631-9704. Haas can also be reached at 307-575-1756 for more information.
Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.
