The 44th Annual Weatherford Area Livestock Show is set to begin in less than 2 weeks.
The event, hosted at the Weatherford Agriculture Complex in Rader Park, began in 1977 by a group of individuals who wanted to draw people back to Weatherford while rewarding area children. What resulted is a free fair-style livestock show which brings in 4-H and FFA students from Custer, Caddo and Washita counties.
Andy McPherson, ag teacher turned local banker, co-chairs the event committee with Dr. Tim Lowry.
“We have a great group of people who help us,” McPherson said. A lot of the parents whose children participate are active members in the committee.”
This year, the livestock show is January 28-29. Due to COVID-19, the 4-H and FFA showing scheduled have been condensed, making this the best date available without pushing it to later in the year.
The livestock show will open with the Showstopper event 10 a.m. January 28. This show features special education students from participating schools. East student shows sheep, goats and pigs with the assistance of another ag students. In addition, they each get a short bio about their interests and future plans.
This event is followed by the gilt and barrow show classes, which McPherson said should end about 6 p.m. depending on the number of participants.
Friday will open 10:30 a.m. with the goat show classes followed by sheep and cattle.
McPherson said Western Oklahoma has some of the best livestock, especially cattle, but the numbers of students showing this category have dwindled. However, other livestock have become popular among the students.
“When I was teaching ag here, people form out of state wanted to judge our livestock shows just to the cattle,” he said. “We now have the same experience with other species now.”
McPherson said the Weatherford Area Livestock Show has become popular due to its free fair-style, which means there are no entry fees for students. In addition, the committee has many area businesses supporting and advertising at the event.
The committee now is looking at the future of the event. An additional building will join the current facilities at the Ag Complex which will serve as a new show ring, upgraded bathrooms or concessions. This will allow Weatherford to host statewide events.
This will bring more traffic and sales tax money into Weatherford as well as more opportunities for ag students.
“What we are trying to do hear is grow leaders. The animals are just a venture to get them involved,” McPherson said. “I have a lot of former students who are very successful. They make a lot more money than I do and have a lot more power than I do. I am so proud of them, but it takes a community to get them going.”
The Weatherford Ag Complex is located at the corner of Lyle Road and EW 1000 Road. Livestock show participants should contact their ag teachers regarding rules for entry.