SINTON – Speakers and judges from throughout the country are scheduled to travel to the Texas Gulf Coast next month to partake in the Coastal Bend Classic Clinic and Show, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service organizers.
The fifth annual event for area 4-H and FFA members is scheduled to take place Dec. 5-6 at the San Patricio County Fairgrounds, 219 W. 5th Street, Sinton.
“Many people from throughout our region have worked very hard to make the Coastal Bend Classic a new tradition,” said Donnie Montemayor, district AgriLife Extension administrator for District 11.
“We all share the passion of competition in the show ring,” he said. “This event provides our youth with the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced breeders and consultants in the country to develop skills in livestock project management. We also stress that with passion comes character, which includes sportsmanship and leadership values.”
On Dec. 5, optional early arrival will be from 3-9 p.m., and a social, sponsored by Nueces and San Patricio counties will be held from 6-7 p.m., according to Montemayor.
“Youth from throughout the Coastal Bend region can come here to increase knowledge and skills about their livestock projects through educational activities related to selection, nutrition, animal health and proper handling of livestock,” he said. “In addition, they have the opportunity to improve their showmanship skills with hands-on instruction.”
Educational sessions, hosted by AgriLife Extension agents in the district, will cover livestock exhibition of cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and rabbit species,” Montemayor said.
Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Coastal Bend Texas Farm Bureau organizations. The featured keynote speaker will be Allyson Tjoelker, the Houston Livestock Show’s executive director for agricultural exhibits.
“After lunch, exhibitors will have the opportunity to participate in a prospect show where their animals are evaluated by some of the best judges in the state,” Montemayor said. “Prizes will be awarded to winning exhibitors. Platinum sponsors for this event include Anderson Bean Boots and Purina Honor Show Chow Feeds.”
Topics and speakers/judges will include:
— Swine clinic, Kelton Mason, sponsored by Linder Feeds, Montgomery, Tx.
— Beef, Jay Carr, sponsored by Purina Honor Show Chow, Sudan, Tx.
— Lamb, Dr. Jeff Ripley, AgriLife Extension, College Station.
— Goat, Mark Morris, sponsored by Purina Honor Show Chow, Beeville.
Registration is $30 and can be made online at http://d114-h.tamu.edu/events-and-contests/coastal-bend-classic/ .
For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Nueces County at 361-767-5220 or the San Patricio County office at 361-364-6234.