By Dani Mays,
North Florida Cattle Battle
The 1st Annual North Florida Cattle Battle was held at the Madison livestock barn on Saturday October 15. There were 50 animals entered and approximately 40 of these were from out of town. The exhibitors came as far away as Douglas, Ga., and Lakeland, Fla. Including exhibitors, family and spectators, there were approximately 300 in attendance. The committee was excited not only about the opportunity to host such a prestigious group but also about the exposure for our county and businesses. The show was a “jack-pot” event with all monies collected being paid back to the exhibitors in cash awards. The children ranged in age from 8 to 18 years old and every exhibitor left winning some money.
The event started with an animal weigh-in and registration from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., the Purina feed representative, Robert Whiltse put on an excellent nutrition and feed clinic for the exhibitors to help educate them on how to better understand weight gain and keeping their animals healthy. It was followed by an interactive game in which the kids answered trivial questions on what they had just learned. Based on how they answered these questions, they were awarded with hats, feed and cash. This was an informative and very successful clinic enjoyed by both the children and the parents.
There were a number of Madison residents participating in this show including Lane and J.D. Peavy, Sunni and Katie Mays and Savannah Salter.
They each did very well in relation to the competition they faced. The local kids brought home numerous second place ribbons and the overall grand prize.
The show started at 12:30 p.m. with showmanship classes. LeAnn Beville from Nashville, Ga. won the junior division, Matthew Beville from Nashville, Ga., won the intermediate division and John Beville from Nashville, Ga. won the senior division from Nashville, GA. After showmanship the heifer show began. The Grand Champion Heifer position was won by Dillon Frazier from Colquitt County, Ga., with Will Childers from Gilchrist County winning Reserve Grand Champion Heifer.
Next up was the Steer show with our very own Savannah Salter from Madison taking top honors winning Grand Champion Steer and LeAnn Beville from Nashville, Ga., winning Reserve Grand Champion Steer.
Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and already looking forward to next year. Special thanks go to Robert Whiltse with Purina Feed, Donnie and Mickie Salter, Opie and Paige Peavy, Dannitte and Dani Mays, and Tim and Connie Day who organized the event. Thanks also to all of the other helping hands the day of the show including but not limited to Dan Fenneman, Ricky Bass, Teri Barrs and Mandi Barrs and anybody else that is not mentioned but who had a part in the success of this show. Last, but not least, special thanks go to Purina Feeds, Gordon Tractor and The Madison Cattlemen’s Association. Thank you so much for your support.
Pictures can be seen on our Facebook page – North Florida Cattle Battle.
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