By Blake Jackson
On November 13, the Northwest Missouri State University Agricultural Learning Center hosted a vibrant gathering of students and community members for Block and Bridle’s Little National Western livestock show. The event celebrated a love for animals and provided students with valuable hands-on learning experiences.
Freshman Jerrica Hess, studying agricultural business, participated as a novice sheep showman and won the overall novice showmanship award. “It’s not winning that really means a lot. I just really enjoy having fun with it,” said Hess. “At the end of the day, I didn’t care if I won or not. I was having fun with my friends and that’s all that mattered to me.”
Students had the chance to choose from species including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs. Over four weeks, they trained and prepared their animals for the competition. Participants were categorized as either novice or advanced showmen, with advanced students mentoring novices to teach them the skills of livestock showing.
The event followed a structured format, with separate showings for novice and advanced participants in each category. Winners from each group competed in a final round-robin competition, judged by Northwest alumna Tess Mittag. “This industry teaches hard work, responsibility, along with creating lifelong lessons and relationships,” Mittag, a 2016 Northwest graduate, said. “I would not be the person I am today if I had not shown livestock.”
The livestock show continues a long tradition at Northwest, dating back to the Little American Royal in 1985. Block and Bridle revived the event last year, under the leadership of its president, Cole Hunter, to re-establish the club’s prominence and provide students with unique opportunities.
“It helps show that the School of Ag is motivated and has a lot of hard-working individuals that are willing to go above and beyond to help showcase certain projects that they’ve been working on,” said Hunter. “I think it helps show that the School of Ag is devoted to agriculture.”
Advised by animal science professors Dr. John Greathouse and Dr. Kaitlin Epperson, the event was primarily organized by students. Dr. Epperson, a former Block and Bridle member herself, emphasized the importance of such events in teaching practical skills that go beyond classroom learning.
Freshman Andrew Stewart, an advanced goat showman, encouraged others to participate, especially those without an agricultural background. “I think that more people should come do it. Give it a shot,” said Stewart. “I think that’s what the novice division tries to do. It’s a lot of fun.”
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Hogs