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FRANKFORT
, Ky. — Kentucky's young livestock exhibitors and breeders
now have added incentive to participate in shows sponsored
by the state Department of Agriculture with the creation
of a new Junior Livestock Points Program.
The
program will recognize outstanding youth exhibitors,
their animals, and the top breeders who excel during
the KDA-sponsored show season, said Kentucky Agriculture
Commissioner Richie Farmer.
“Working
with livestock at a young age develops both character
and skills that are used throughout life, and the Department
is proud to assist that effort with its many junior
livestock shows,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The intention
of this new points program is to recognize those junior
exhibitors and breeders that give the maximum amount
of effort by attending as many shows as possible.”
The
program will recognize the top five bulls, heifers,
steers, rams, ewes, market lambs, breeding does, bucks,
market kids, dairy heifers, dairy cows, commercial gilts
and market hogs that are shown throughout the year,
said Steve Mobley, Director of KDA's Division of Show
and Fair Promotion. Additionally, the top 10 exhibitors
and the top three Kentucky breeders in each species
will be honored.
“We
believe that this point system, combined with the new
Kentucky Bred Program, will increase demand for and
add value to these animals in Kentucky ,” Mobley said.
At
the conclusion of the livestock show season in October,
a banquet hosted by Commissioner Farmer will recognize
all winners.
For
more information on the new program or livestock shows,
contact Jeff Zinner of the Division of Show and Fair
Promotion by phone at (502) 564-4983 or by e-mail at
jeff.zinner@kyagr.com, or log onto the KDA Web site
at www.kyagr.com .
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