Four local FFA students to compete in 2007 HCLS Calf Scramble Show

Peyton Williams

Four area FFA students will be among eight Henderson County FFA students who will compete in the 2007 Henderson County Livestock Show Calf Scramble Show to be held Friday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m, at the Henderson County Fair Complex on Highway 31 east of Athens.

Peyton Williams is a sophomore at Brownsboro High School, and the son of Scott and Carla Williams.

His BHS FFA Ag teacher is Mr. Derek Sims. Peyton purchased a polled Hereford heifer from Atlas Farms in Alvarado, TX. He selected this particular breed because they are docile, have a high sale price, good mothering ability and superior genetics. She was six months old and rough broke. Peyton says she was easy to work with following the delivery home.

Peyton's sponsors are Henderson County Farm Bureau; Hayes & Company; Acme Brick and Berry Lumber.

Peyton's heifer placed 8th in the East Texas State Fair; 3rd in the Sweet Potato Jamboree in Alba Golden; and 6th in the Fort Worth Livestock Show.

"I have learned many things from my calf scramble experience, " Peyton said. "It has taught me responsibility and many life skills such as caring for cows' illnesses. I have also learned how to keep records and send monthly reports to my sponsors. I am very appreciative of my sponsors and to everyone involved so that I and many others could have this life changing experience."

Andrew Dyer

Andrew Dyer is also a Brownsboro High School sophomore, and a member of the school's FFA, where Mr. Derek Sims is his Ag advisor. He is the son of Mark and Sherri Lawson.

Andrew purchased an eight month old Simmental heifer from 4B Ranch in Kemp, Texas. Andrew selected her because of the eye appeal, good manners and good temperament. She was not halter broke upon purchase and he said it did take some time, but finally succeeded in breaking her by the first show.

Andrew entered his heifer in four shows placing 4th at the AJSA Classic in Tyler; 5th at the East Texas State Fair; 3rd at the Sweet Potato Festival; and 7th at the Fort Worth Livestock Show.

Andrew said he is very appreciative of his sponsors the Henderson County Farm Bureau; Athens Young Farmers and Estes & McClure Assoc, as well as to his Ag advisor Mr. Sims.

Shelby Stringer

"He has shown me how to care for my calf and how to learn to be a responsible person, " Andrew said. "I have enjoyed the project."

Shelby Stringer is a Frankston FFA sophomore at Frankston High School. She is the daughter of Cheryl Dickerson and Johnny Davis. Shelby's Ag Advisors are Jenifer Nuckolls and Danny Foster.

Shelby is very appreciative of her sponsors the Henderson County Farm Bureau, Gary and Terry Douglas of Anderson County, and First State Bank of Athens.

Shelby purchased her heifer from the Yorke family of Rafter Y Cattle in Navasota. TX. She named her Reba because she is red and Reba MacIntyre has red hair.

Shelby has shown her heifer and placed 3rd at the East Texas State Fair; 7th at Fort Worth Livestock Show; 5th at San Antonio Livestock Show, and 3rd at the Dogwood Classic Show. She also has the upcoming Henderson County Livestock Show and Anderson County Livestock Show to enter.

Shelby said this is her first heifer to show and has learned responsibility, time management, money management and how to be more independent.

Taylor Conrad

Shelby said running in the scramble with the boys was difficult. The challenge was there to beat a boy and it was worth it because it has given her the opportunity to raise a heifer.

Taylor Conrad is also a Frankston FFA sophomore. He is the son of Tim and Tessa Conrad of Frankston.

His FFA advisors are Jenifer Nuckolls and Danny Foster.

Taylor purchased an Angus from Eric Eikner Chamness Land and Cattle Company in Larue, TX. He chose the Angus because his family raises Angus cattle and was already familiar with that breed. He named her Coalie because she is black as coal.

Taylor has shown rabbits and pigs but this is her first heifer. He went to the East Texas State Fair and placed 3rd; Fort Worth Livestock Show, San Antonio Livestock Show, Houston Livestock Show, Anderson County Livestock Show, and will also be attending the Henderson County Livestock Show.

Taylor's sponsors are the Henderson County Farm Bureau, Franklin Bank, and Wagner Cadillac of Tyler.

Taylor has learned responsibility, good work ethics, and money management in caring for Goalie. He said he thought the scramble was a very fun and exciting experience, especially when he caught his calf. He said he was nervous in running with so many others and doing so with hundreds of people watching.

Taylor said he is very appreciative of his sponsors for having an opportunity to be able to raise a heifer.

The remaining four competitors are Joshua Watson, a junior at Eustace High School; Brian Morse, a senior at Mabank High School; Nathan Thornton, a member of the All American 4-H Home School in Athens; and Cord Bailey a freshman at Eustace High School.

All those showing Calf Scramble heifers at the Henderson County Livestock Show invites everyone to come by and visit their exhibits and to especially watch the scramble heifer show Friday, March 30, at 6pm.