Youth from across the state have entered 1,733 head of animals for the 82nd annual Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS). A total of 760 4-H and FFA members from 90 counties will show 126 market steers, 308 breeding heifers, 332 market hogs, 131 breeding gilts, 275 market lambs, 220 breeding ewes, 236 meat goats and 105 commercial doe kids. The competition will take place September 19-22 at the Kansas Pavilions in Wichita
Douglas County leads the state with the most exhibitors, 34, and the largest number of total livestock entries, 75. Youth from this county also have entered the most breeding gilts, 8, and breeding ewes, 14. McPherson County youth have entered the most steers, 10. The largest number of heifers, 21, was entered by Pottawatomie County. The market hog category is led by Franklin County, with 22 entries. The largest number of commercial doe kids entered, 8 head, is a tie between Douglas and Pottawatomie counties. Exhibitors from Labette County entered the most market lambs and meat goats, with 16 head and 12 head, respectively.
When the competition is complete, grand and reserve steers, hogs, lambs and goats will sell during the KJLS Auction of Champions, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to support the event by bidding on livestock in the live auction. In many cases, exhibitors of the winning animals use the money earned from the auction to help fund their college educations and buy next year’s livestock projects.
Prior to the auction, KJLS will present a number of scholarships ranging from $750 to $2,500 to exhibitors who have excelled academically, in community service and in 4-H/FFA. A total of $348,600 in scholarships has been presented to 268 KJLS exhibitors since the program’s inception in 1993. Last year, a total of $20,500 was awarded to 12 exhibitors. The scholarship program is funded primarily through private contributions and income generated by the Beefeaters Barbecue held in the Sam Fulco Pavilion prior to the premium sale. Tickets to the barbecue, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., are $65 and can be purchased at the door that evening or in advance by calling Betsy Anderson at (316) 706-9750.
“KJLS is a great chance for our livestock-producing youth to participate at a higher level of competition and interact with others from throughout the state,” said KJLS President Brian Creager of Emporia. “We invite individuals and businesses to help reward these hard-working young people by attending the Beefeaters Barbecue, participating in the sale or contributing to the scholarship fund.”
Separate from the selection of species champions, a showmanship contest will be held. The top showman in both the junior and senior divisions of each species will receive a silver belt buckle. Prizes also will be awarded for second through fifth place in each division.
The Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) will sponsor a club calf show and sale during KJLS. Steer and heifer prospects from some of the top club calf producers in the Midwest will be consigned. The event will take place September 20. Sale proceeds will go toward KLF Youth in Agriculture scholarships.
The Mid-America Classic Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest also will be held September 20 in conjunction with KJLS. This event, which has been held for more than 30 years, provides college teams the chance to compete in a quality collegiate-level livestock judging contest early in the season.
KJLS is sponsored by KLA, Kansas State University and the Agri-Business Council of Wichita. In addition to these groups, hundreds of volunteers from across the state help organize and put on the show.