Livestock, small animal show numbers are up in some areas

By Jan Schultz
The Imperial Republican
From Sunday to Thursday next week, 4-H and FFA youths will be involved in horse, livestock and small animal shows as part of the Chase County Fair.
A report from the Chase County Extension Office indicates numbers are steady or better for most of the shows compared to 2011.    
Kicking off with Sunday’s horse show, Extension Educator Kimberly Cook said 20 4-H members will be involved in the events that include reining, showmanship, horsemanship, pleasure, barrels, pole bending and trail.
In addition, 4-H members will also compete in the halter class.
Following that first 4-H show of the week, 4-H and FFA members will then compete in the dog and cat shows on Tuesday, the swine and sheep shows Wednesday, the poultry and rabbit shows Wednesday and closes out with the beef show next Thursday, Aug. 16.
Here are the number comparisons for this year.
Horse show—20 4-H exhibitors this year, up from 11 in 2011.
Dog show—11 participants, up from five last year.
Cat show—Four participation, up from two last year.
Swine show—61 market swine entered, about even to last year.
Sheep show—36 market lams, eight breeding ewes; 2011 had 38 market lambs and five breeding ewes.
Poultry/rabbit shows—12 exhibitors in poultry, 11 in rabbit; last year featured a total of eight youths in both.
Beef show—66 animals entered in five divisions, including 42 market beef; last year total numbers were also 66.