by Nikki Wilson
Special to TownTalk News
info@www.towntalkradio.com
“I was whipping it and petting it,” four-year old Ashlynn Rodgers, daughter of Erica Bueno, said as she shared her strategy for showing Piggy last week at the Gaines County Stock Show.
The civic building and show barn in Seminole were buzzing with activity for several days. Seagraves Schools had 42 entries in lambs, goats, and hogs and five entries in rabbits.
The show began Wednesday with the Rabbit Show and ended Saturday with the awards ceremony.
Ashlynn’s older sister Robbyn Rodriguez placed third with her pig Wilbur. She said showing animals teaches her good habits.
“I feed it and walk it every day,” said Robynn. “I think it’s fun getting to be with animals. It teaches me responsibility.”
Fifth grader Nevaeh Bueno, daughter of Jose and Valerie Bueno, won Reserve Breed Champion Black OPB Barrow with her pig, Mr. Pigglesworth. “It’s exciting to see how good they do,” she said.
Students purchase the lambs and goats in the summer and the hogs in the fall. Many weeks of feeding and training go into preparing for the first show.
Freshman Brianna Fleming, daughter of Brian and Tiffany Fleming, placed fifth with her pig Crisp E. Bacon.
Brianna said the effort is rewarding in multiple ways. “It helps to have money for college, and I enjoy being with the animals.”
“Every one of our students made the sale this year,” said Seagraves Ag Teacher Samantha Kinzie. “Some students will choose to take their animals down the road to San Antonio and Houston.”
Freshman Sara Maddox, daughter of Chris and Charla Harper, plans to show her lamb, Lambert in San Antonio in February. She earned Reserve Breed Champion with it and Breed Champion with Leon, her rabbit.
“FFA is the only thing I can do that I don’t feel intimidated in,” said Sara. “With other things, I get really nervous and scared. Whenever I step into the show ring, I’m not nervous at
