Stock show board adds 3 directors
By Sam Waller
The Shackelford Youth Livestock Association added three new board members at its meeting last week in addition to reelecting all officers.
Association president Bronco Askew said Charlie Price, Lee Burton, and Chris Edgar were added to the board at the meeting held April 12 at the high school ag classroom.
“There are several things we’ve been needing to do at the show barn, and we just have to do them gradually,” said Askew.
The SCYLA also announced its memorial scholarship recipients and recognized this year’s Top Hand winner.
Askew said most responsibilities associated with conducting the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Show will be handled by the same people as in the past, including concessions and superintendents.
The 2023 show was scheduled Jan. 19-21 with some changes proposed.
“We discussed adding pens of cattle,” Askew said.
Askew said finding appropriate facilities for such projects is a major factor that will have to be addressed before a decision is finalized.
“We don’t have the facilities at the show barn to have that competition,” he said. “The cattle wouldn’t come into the show ring. They’re just kept in pens.”
Askew said such projects have become popular in recent years, with several county exhibitors already participating in major shows.
Askew said the next association meeting would probably be in August. Among business items still under consideration is contracting judges for the next two years.
Top Hand
Shackelford County 4-H member Jordan Fikes received the Top Hand belt buckle award, which is presented to an individual who displays enthusiasm, dedication and good attitude in all circumstances of stock show participation.
“Jordan helped at the ag farm a lot; it didn’t matter if it was 4-H or FFA,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “She was always willing to help anybody who needed it, and she has an extensive knowledge of animals from personal experience.”
Fikes, who showed a hog at the county show, is the fourth generation of her family to show locally.
She is also very involved in the 4-H horse program and teaches riding at Albany Polo and Riding School, which her family recently opened.
Fikes plays polo nationally, traveling to matches in California and Wyoming. She helps with her family’s polo operation, caring for 135 horses. That includes organizing this year’s Polo on the Prairie, scheduled for April 30 at the Lazy 3 Ranch.
Fikes is also active at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church and in Fandangle.
Scholarship Winners
Albany seniors Kam Browning, Pepper Martin, and Jaylynn Roberts and Moran’s Johnnie Hise were named winners of the SCYLA scholarships.
Provided by a fund at First National Bank, the scholarships are presented to high school seniors who plan to attend college, business school, or trade school after graduation.
Awards are based on leadership, character, scholastics, service to the community, and cooperation.
