Annual pig sale set next weekend

By Sam Waller

In a little over a week, the 37th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale will offer approximately 125 to 140 animals to be auctioned to FFA and 4-H members for  agriculture projects.

The longest-running livestock sale in the U.S., which benefits Shackelford County youth who participate in the county stock show, is scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 9-10.

At 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, a ribbon cutting will be held to reopen the renovated show barn.

“It will be a little cooler in there than it has been in the past,” Shackelford Youth & Livestock Association board member Reggy Spencer said, “with more room and more pens for the breeders.”

A total of 30 breeders were invited to bring animals, but Spencer expects about 20 to be in attendance.

On Saturday, entries will be placed at 3:00 p.m. Barbecue and refreshments will be available starting at 7:00 p.m.

“On Sunday morning, we’re having Brother Ray Perryman with Short Round Ministries conduct a service at 9:00 a.m.,” Spencer said.

Animals will then be judged for placement at 10:00 a.m. with the sale starting at 2:00 p.m. Animals will be sold in the order they were placed in judging.

Cameron Knight of Lubbock and Riggin Barham of Blooming Grove will serve as judges.