DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The State Fair of Texas on Friday announced additional events to the revised 2020 livestock show schedule, including virtual contests and livestock breeding show competitions through an unprecedented partnership with the Heart O’ Texas Livestock Show.
In addition to the market week shows in Fair Park during September 23 through October 2, announced earlier this month, Fair officials said the will new shows provide opportunities for students to maintain their eligibility to apply for Big Tex Youth Livestock scholarships to support their higher education.
According to the State Fair of Texas, the 2020 virtual contests that will take place online will be:
- Agri-science fair
- Public speaking
- Job interview
The shows that will take place at the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco, through a partnership with the State Fair of Texas, will be:
- Youth breeding heifers
- Youth prospect steers
- Youth purebred breeding gilts
“With the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Texas, due to COVID-19, thousands of students who were planning to show at the Fair might not have had the opportunity to exhibit their project animal,” said Daryl Real, senior vice president of agriculture & livestock for the State Fair of Texas. “At the foundation of our organization is promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement, so we knew we had to find other avenues for these students. We’re thrilled to partner with the Heart O’ Texas, whose mission to support agriculture aligns perfectly with ours. Together we will be able to provide the best and safest option for all our students with breeding animals.”
With health and safety for all involved as the top priority, the availability of space of the barns at the State Fair of Texas was unable to accommodate for proper procedures to be in place to keep exhibitors and staff safe due to the modifications made for market shows, according to officials with the Fair. The Heart O’ Texas, however, was willing to partner with the Fair to provide enough space to ensure safety.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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