Rockwall, TX (March 11, 2024) – Rockwall’s oldest organization will bring its one-of-a-kind Livestock Show, Agriculture Mechanics Show and Market Sale back to the grounds of the Rockwall County Courthouse for the 71st year on March 20-23. The Youth Fair of Rockwall County showcases the hard work and dedication of area youth in the study of agriculture with a Livestock Show, Agriculture Mechanics Show and Market Sale.
Establish in 1953, back when Rockwall was mostly rural farmland, the Youth Fair of Rockwall (YFOR) promotes the education, constructive talents and leadership skills of the youth of the community by conducting clinics, training demonstrations, shows and auction sales.
Activities of this year’s Youth Fair kick off on Wednesday, March 20 with the Agriculture Mechanics Show. Throughout the year, students of the Rockwall County FFA and 4-H Clubs have a chance to tap into their creative side by fabricating their own metal pieces such as fire pits, chairs and trailers. They then display their handiwork for sale during the fair and for judging during the Ag Mechanics Show, where students in each of the contest’s five divisions earn ribbons.
The highlight of the Rockwall Youth Fair is the Livestock Show and Market Sale, when young people from across the county in 4-H and FFA demonstrate their skills and disciplines in breeding and showing market animals. The Livestock Show consists of the following: Market Rabbits, Market Hogs, Market Goats, Market Lambs, Market Steers, Breeding Rabbits, Breeding Market Goats, Breeding Cavies, Breeding Beef, and Market Broilers.
The Market Sale is held immediately after the livestock show and presents an opportunity for the local community to support Rockwall youth involved in agriculture projects. Market animals will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with the premiums then utilized by the students to save for college and/or to continue next year with another project. It’s a true win-win for both community members and the kids: buyers bring home quality meat for the dining table while rewarding a young person for a job well done.
The YFOR works together with the Rockwall County Extension Service, Rockwall 4-H Clubs, Rockwall FFA Chapters, and other youth organizations of Rockwall public schools to provide kids with an experience that’s sure to stick with them throughout their life. Through the year-long program, students learn how to properly raise baby farm animals including rabbits, hogs, goats, lambs, steers and sheep.
With the assistance of their parents, leaders, county agents, and agriculture teachers, they learn all sorts of valuable life lessons as well as skills in animal science and animal husbandry. From feeding and care for animals to ensure proper growth and health, to washing, drying, clipping and showing their animals, the students put countless hours into the animals they raise. They also learn how to share their knowledge and experience with others and the importance of agriculture in everyone’s daily life.
“The ultimate goal is providing a quality meat product for a potential buyer at the Livestock Show of the Fair,” Craig Merritt, Youth Fair of Rockwall, President.
The YFOR is open to all Rockwall ISD students, FFA members and Rockwall County 4-H members who have not yet graduated with high school degrees or a GED. For more information visit rockwallyouthfair.net.
Submitted press release by Michelle Morris. Courtesy photos.
Rockwall Youth Fair Livestock Show, Ag Mechanics Show and Market Sale returns March 20-23 added by Melanie M on
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