Steers, heifers entered in prospect shows

By Sidney Bartee

Several members of Albany FFA have been attending multiple cattle prospect shows across the state during the summer, with their efforts paying off with some top spots and awards.

The prospect shows are held to prepare beef projects for major shows held in the fall and winter.

The most recent show was the Show Steer Nationals in Abilene, with more than 800 steer projects entered from all over the United States.

Seventh grader Hattie Braly and Kenzie Neve, a freshman, exhibited four steers each, while junior Gracie Price entered two, and senior Kam Browning showed one.

Neve won second place in both the Shorthorn and Slick Shear divisions, third in the Yellow division, and fifth in another Shorthorn division.

Browning exhibited a fourth place Angus.

Neve has also been to events in Weatherford, Stephenville, McKinney, Coleman, and Belton, as well as attending the Master Showman Clinic in Fredericksburg. She topped the entries at McKinney by taking the Grand Champion banner, along with earning six Breed Championships, and eight Reserve Breed Championships.

Braly also exhibited at Denton and Belton.

Freshman Myleigh Leveridge entered several shows and was the only local student who exhibited heifer projects this spring and summer.

Leveridge attended Texas Shorthorn Junior Preview in Abilene and was awarded Division Champion. She showed in Weatherford and Aledo as well.

Leveridge also attended the Greatest Showman Cattle Camp and won the Good Heart Award during the camp, given to a showman who is helpful to others, kind and courteous in the ring, and has a great attitude.

“It’s been a busy summer for these show girls, and they’re all looking forward to the fall and winter events,” said Kenzie’s mother, Leslie Neve.