Pike Co. Steer Show

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

March 7, 2000 11 PM

Jennifer Waters wasn’t out to prove that whatever a boy does a girl can do better, but she did a rather convincing job of proving that girls can raise and handle steers with the best of them.

Jennifer’s steer was named Grand Champion of the 58th Annual Pike County Steer and Heifer Show held at the Pike County Fairgrounds Saturday night.

Jennifer’s steer also placed first in the heavyweight division of the steer show and she placed first in junior showmanship.

Cousins Cory and Hayden Goodson shared top honors in the steer and heifer shows.

Cory showed the Reserve Champion steer and the Grand Champion Heifer. Hayden showed the other top finisher, the Reserve Champion heifer.

Cory’s steer finished second in the heavyweight division and Hayden’s finished second in the medium weight class.

The top finishers in the showmanship divisions were: Senior Showmanship, Drew Powell, first place; Carson Waters, second place; and Tommy Brown, third place.

Junior Showmanship winners were: Jennifer Waters, first place; Ross Hixon, second place and Shae Flowers, third place.

In the weight classes top finishers were: Lightweight – Tommy Brown, first place; Shae Flowers, second place; and Mitch Holland, third place. Middleweight: Ross Hixon, first place; Hayden Goodson, second place; and Brandon Nickolson, third. Heavyweight, Jennifer Waters, first place; Cory Goodson, second place; and Carson Waters, third.

Special award were presented to Hayden Goodson, best records; Ross Hixon, best daily rate of gain and Hayden Goodson, second best rate of gain.

David Carpenter, county agent, had nothing but high praise for the youths who participated in the steer and heifer projects this year.

"The show is the climax of these projects which started back in the summer," Carpenter said. "The steer and heifer projects are excellent family activities. The entire family has to be involved for the child to be successful. The project is designed to teach responsibility to young people. The show is a good indication that the projects do what they are supposed to do. This was a good show and everyone had a good time. We will be looking forward to another successful show next year."

Jennifer and Carson will participate in the district steer show in Montgomery Friday with an opportunity to participate in the state show the following week.

The beef calf exhibitors and the communities they represented were: Tommy Brown, Goshen; Shae Flowers, Springhill; Corey Goodson, Brundidge; Hayden Goodson, Brundidge; Ross Hixon, Monticello; Mitch Holland, Rural Home; Brandon Nickolson, Goshen; Drew Powell, Wingard; Shaun Richburg, Ten Mile Branch; Carson Waters, Brundidge; and Jennifer Waters, Brundidge.

The Pike County Steer and Heifer Show was sponsored by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Future Farmers of America; Pike County Cattlemen’s Association, Pike County Cattlewomen’s Association and the Pike County Extension System.