The Simpson County Jr. Livestock Association hosted their annual awards banquet and appreciation dinner last Monday to show appreciation to all of the association’s supporters.
Around the show area of the barn are banners advertising several local businesses which donate $100 for the banners to be displayed. This money helps the Simpson County Jr. Livestock Association to provide opportunities to its members.
In addition to showing appreciation, the dinner acts as a fundraiser. Jr. Livestock Association President Donnie Welch explained that all of the money raised at the event would go towards the Simpson County Jr. Livestock Appreciation Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded to senior members of the association who have shown livestock during their final three years of high school.
Three seniors accepted awards at the ceremony. Alexis Sullivan, Britton Holland and Ryan Welch each received a belt buckle, plaque, and $1,000 in scholarship funds. Each of the three seniors has shown livestock for the past 10 years. The Simpson County Jr. Livestock Association scholarship is one of the largest in the county.
Welch explained that the program has grown tremendously, and now has 67 youngsters actively participating. The largest group consists of approximately 40 participants ages 8-12.
Welch spoke of the importance of getting kids interested in the association at an earlier age, and how there are several other activities competing with showing livestock.
He gave a brief history of how Simpson County was the first county to establish a livestock association in January 1946, and how several years later the Jr. Livestock Association came to be.
Other recognition was given to people who have made the program a success. Paul Mullins was a former president of the Jr. Livestock Association and was awarded Show Dedication. Mullins was thankful for the honor and how much the program has grown.
Mullins also stressed that the program is available to anyone. He said, “If you have a kid who wants to be involved and their family doesn’t have land or animals, this program will help anybody. It’s run by good Christian people who will help these kids who are interested.” He stressed that there are no limitations, and that the association would do whatever it could to extend opportunities to interested children.
The Livestock Association took time to honor a former member who passed away by recognizing Rex Broadhead and giving him Show Memorial honors. Torrie Williamson received the Excellent Showmanship award. Amanda Blakeney and Patti Braddock were recognized for their help with 4-H and FFA.
Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson attended the event. Gipson owns a farm in the Braxton area. He expressed the importance of agriculture and how MS impacts other parts of the country. Gipson said, “There is no better way to impact the future of Mississippi that with agriculture. Our young people are our greatest resource.”
Following the ceremony, the crowd was able to have a bit of fun. An auction was held which featured several items that were donated by local businesses. The items included a rifle, several cakes, Yeti cooler, animal feed, and tools. Will Gipson served as auctioneer and was assisted by Paul Mullins and Andy Berry. The three provided a ton of laughs while the items were being auctioned off. The auction was a success, and the Simpson County Jr. Livestock Association was able to raise a substantial amount of money for the scholarship fund. The highlight of the night was provided in the show area. Show pigs were shown by some inexperienced special guest. Greg Paes, Bo Huffman, Billy Wayne Hankins, Amanda Blakeney, Patti Braddock, and Andy Gipson were each given a show pig to chase guide around the area.
It was comical for the children to watch their instructors struggle to get their pigs to cooperate. Will Gipson served as the judge, and asked the contestants questions. The contestants came up with names for their animals such as Spot, Sausage, and Elmo. It was a good experience and everyone was a winner in the end.
Welch thanked everyone for coming and said, “We appreciate each an each one of your donations, and our program wouldn’t be what it is without you our supporters.”
