Students with Conway FFA competed in the livestock show at the Faulkner County Fair last week. These students worked all summer preparing their animals for the event—a process that requires countless hours of hard work and dedication. Each student is responsible for purchasing their animal as well as providing the feed. Taking on this responsibility demands true commitment, with early morning feedings before school and evening routines that include feeding and exercise.
The names of Conway FFA students were heard repeatedly in the arena, and their dedication certainly paid off. Four swine exhibitors advanced to the Faulkner County Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday, earning a combined total of over $7,000. Those exhibitors were Ella Kate Brown, Lainey King, Blaine Horton, and Libby Anne Brown from Ruth Doyle Middle School. In addition to their auction success, these swine exhibitors also earned numerous awards.
Senior Ella Kate Brown took home several honors, including Reserve Breed Champion Breeding Gilt, 6th Overall in the Market Show, 2nd place in Crossbred Breeding Gilt, 1st place in Class 14 Dark Cross Show, and 2nd place in Class 15 Dark Cross Market Show.
Senior Lainey King placed 17th Overall in the Market Show, 2nd in AOB Class 1, 4th Overall in the AOB Breeding Gilt Class, 5th in Crossbred Breeding Gilt, and 3rd in Class for Dark Cross Market Hog.
Senior Blaine Horton finished 28th Overall in the Market Show, 3rd in Class for Crossbred Breeding Gilt, and 1st in Class for Dark Cross Market Hog.
Junior Henderson Ealy placed 5th in Class for Crossbred Breeding Gilt and 6th in Class for Dark Cross Market Hog.
Libby Anne Brown earned 9th Overall in the Market Show, 1st in Class and 3rd Overall for Registered Breeding Gilt, 3rd in Class and 4th Overall for Hampshire Market Hog, and 1st in Class 10 for Dark Cross Market Hog.
The swine exhibitors will continue their competition season by traveling to Fayetteville in October for the Arkansas Youth Expo, where they will compete against schools from across the state. Following that, they will participate in the Arkansas State Fair, once again facing off against exhibitors statewide.
Additional FFA members also earned top honors in other livestock categories.
Senior Brianna Moseley won Grand Overall Breeding Sheep.
Senior Braelynn Carter earned Rabbit Showmanship as well as Grand New Zealand.
Senior Lane Leavell received Grand Standard Rex and 3rd Overall.
Senior Madison Hartsfield won Grand Lion Head, and Junior Kanika Lep earned Reserve Grand Lion Head.
These students’ success is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and the strong agricultural education provided through Conway FFA. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to cheering them on at future competitions.
