Staff writer

DURANT- Tractor Supply and Orscheln donated stall mats to the Bryan County Fairgrounds in preparation for the Bryan County Jr. Livestock show scheduled for March 2-5.

“We donate what we can to help the FFA and 4-H. We appreciate all that they do to support us,” said Tractor Supply representative Brad Robinson.

“We appreciate the support for the youth of Bryan County, and the fairgrounds in general,” said Larry Conditt, president of the fair board, adding that both companies have been generous in their support of local youth activities.

The “wash rack”, an enclosed area in the stone barn, has become quite a danger due to it's concrete floor. The stall mats, which are rubber, will help keep the children and animals safe while they are preparing to show.

Meanwhile, preparations for the youth stock show are in full swing at the fairgrounds.

“The purpose of the show and sale is to encourage higher quality livestock and to provide a learning experience about feeding and showing livestock for the youth of Bryan county,” according to the brochure. The BCJL is based on the idea that training in sportsmanship and fair play will make better citizens.

The entry free for the show is $10 a head, with $5 getting applied to the scholarship fund.

All exhibitors must be a member of BC FFA or 4-H and be enrolled in school.

The swine show is scheduled with weigh-in at 8 a.m., and barrow judging at 1 p.m., and gilt at 1:15, Friday, March 2. Classes include the premium sale order, showmanship and county born and raised.

Saturday, March 3, is the day for beef, with weigh-in between 8-9 a.m. Heifer judging will start at 1, with premium sale order following. Other contests include steer judging, steer sale order, showmanship and country born and raised.

Goat and sheep, weigh-in will take place between 8-9 a.m., Sunday, March 4, with goat class judging starting at noon, followed by premium sale order, sheep showmanship contests and country born and raised, sheep only.

The FFA and 4-H judging contest will start with registration at 9:30 a.m., Monday March 5. The buyers' banquet will take place at 5:30 p.m., at the Bryan County Community Building, with the meal being furnished by Bryan County Farm Bureau agent Kerry Carr. The awards ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. and the premium sale will be held a 7 at the show arena.

Schools scheduled to participate in the sale are: Achille, Bennington, Caddo, Calera, Colbert, Durant, Rock Creek and Silo.

Other local businesses have donated to the show, sponsoring awards including buckles, plaques, jackets and even scholarships.

Rule books are available for pickup at the extension office, and the public is invited to come and watch the show.