Outstanding season for livestock show team

Sarah Hester received accolades for her showmanship at the state fair livestock show. Hester, along with several teammates, also placed among the top presenters at the event. (photos provided) [Click to enlarge]

It's been a busy period of time for the Rector chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The organization has completed a highly successful fall season of livestock shows.

"We had one of the best showing seasons we've ever had," advisor Jason Murray said. "The kids really worked hard and it was apparent in each show we participated in."

Last month, the livestock show team took part in the annual Arkansas State Fair livestock show at Little Rock. Nearly 500 presenters took part in the week-long event, highlighting the best the state has to offer in animal showmanship.

Nathan McClelland received fifth place in lightweight market steers at the state fair livestock show. [Click to enlarge]

While all the local participants are to be commended for their efforts and achievements, the Rector team stood tallest in its presentation of goats at the state level.

Senior Sarah Hester was one of 37 students in the state for the Senior Showmanship Drive, a first for Rector FFA.

"It's a pretty big honor for a student to be called back for the Senior Showmanship Drive," Murray said. "That's reserved for the very top presenters. Judges choose that based upon the quality of the presenter, not the animal."

Kaitlin Vangilder earned the team's highest overall placement, finishing fourth in her division. She also received an invitation to be a part of the Premium Sale Lineup, highlighting the best goats in each category.

Truly making the event stand out was the overall success enjoyed by the team. Also taking home ribbons for their goats were: Breanna Benson, seventh place; Emma Bucy, eighth place; Hannah Scott, eighth place; Sarah Hester, 11th place; Chelsea Benson, 14th place, and LeighAnn Beck, 19th place.

Nathan McClelland also had a strong showing at the state level, earning fifth place in the lightweight market steer division.

"I think the state fair was probably the best showing we had," Murray said. "To have that many kids receive recognition really says a lot about how hard they've worked to get this program where it is today."

Vangilder and McClelland also stood out at the county and district levels. Vangilder earned the school's first-ever Grand Champion award for goat at the district fair. McClelland was named Reserve Grand Champion at the event.

"I'm very proud of my kids and what they've achieved," Murray said. "The district fair is highly competitive. For us to beat out Greene County on anything is a pretty big feat. They're one of the most competitive counties in the state for livestock.

"Kaitlin did an outstanding job with her presentation. I think it says a lot about a kid when they're able to win an award no one at the school has before."

Vangilder also won Grand Champion at the county level. Beck was also highly decorated, earning Reserve Grand Champion status.

McClelland had two steers earn Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion honors at the Clay County Fair.

"All the students have worked so hard and really made this one of the best livestock teams we've had," Murray said. "It's all because of their hard work."

The team will take part in shows once the spring season begins. Planned events include the Lawrence County Spring Fling and Crowley's Ridge Classic in March and the Buffalo Island Junior Livestock Show in April.