Rising costs and last year’s drought affects students who show livestock

BULLARD, Texas (KETK) – This year has been particularly hard for FFA and 4-H students to get a show animal of their choice due to rising costs.

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“There has been feed increases in the beef industry, just all around increases, it’s been very difficult on us,” said Brendon Brown, a freshman at Bullard ISD.

Brown, who shows cows, got into the program to see a different side of the industry.

“To learn about all the different opportunities here in the FFA and Ag department and just to see all the people meet new people,” said Brown.

Now he is doing all he can to showcase the hard work he has put into his heifers. Parents of these students said the cost associated with raising an animal to show has hit everyone hard.

“Hay has been really, really scarce here because of our drought and because it’s $125, $150 for a good bale of hay,” said Roxi Pinkerton, parent.

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Roxi Pinkerton is a parent of an Arp junior student and said she has been seeing fewer students showing this year.

“I think people want to come out and show their cattle, but sometimes they just get apprehended by gas,” said Pinkerton.

She said some schools are trying to lessen the burden by taking students and their animals to shows.

Pinkerton said the community can help with the rising cost by donating to students’ show animals through the Smith County Youth Expo “Add-ons” option.

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