2009 Smith Genetics Educational Camp

Tim Smith, Smith Genetics, Giddings, Texas held an educational camp to assist juniors in preparing for the upcoming TJSSA Futurity, American Junior Simbrah Roundup, AJSA Regional and National Classic Shows.

The three day event, held over Memorial Day weekend, drew 20 juniors and parents.
The youth were coached on the events of livestock judging, extemporaneous speech, sales talk, showmanship, grooming, selection, cattlemen's quiz and skillathon.

Considerable attention to the skillathon was given as this is a new event added to summer shows. The skillathon includes identification of tools used in the cattle business, such as syringes, castrators, fencing supplies, feed stuffs, and etc.

Rodney Finch served as the showmanship and grooming instructor, Richard Foster, Jr. assisted the youth with livestock judging and oral reasons, and Robert Davila with Bovine Elite discussed bull selection. In addition, Martha McCrary served as the camp cook, while Richard and Betsy Foster assisted with details and leg work involved in the three day event.

“This was one of the best camps we have held and the interest by the kids and their parents was intense. The camp is designed to provide knowledge across the board in the cattle industry and to provide workshops and actual experience in the competitions at the summer shows,” explained Smith.
Enjoy the snapshots, and plan to attend next year!