It’s Showtime Down in the South!
Pictured above is one of the final drives of the day, and the competition was tough.
The annual Cattle in the Cane Prospect Show, hosted by Clewiston Christian FFA, proved to be a financial and educational success. With over 200 entries and a whopping $8,560 raised, the event demonstrated the strength of the agricultural community and the dedication of the FFA members who organized it. The show featured multiple cattle divisions throughout the day, giving exhibitors the chance to shine in showmanship and compete within their breed and weight classes, whereas FFA members took on leadership roles backstage.
The Exhibitors Perspective
Exhibitor Lydia Lee, showing off her skills in the ring with her steer, Todd.
For exhibitors, Cattle in the Cane served as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with their livestock. Participants spent weeks preparing, practicing showmanship, and learning how to care for their cattle. Lydia Lee described the impact of showing livestock, stating that it “has shaped how I am in many ways, helping me to be able to put forth hard work and create goals for myself and my animals. As an exhibitor, it has taught me to be proud of my project no matter the outcome of the show because I know I put forth full effort and tried my best.” Experiences like hers illustrate how the show ring helps students develop responsibility, patience, and confidence, lessons that apply in more aspects of life than just agriculture.
Behind the Scenes
Pictured left to right: Advisor Kalei Hogan, Lailah Simon, Yazmine Carrera, Jaxson Palladino, Jaxon Hernandez, Judge Wade Kirkwood, Wyatt Keen, Camryn Prowant, Riley Sutton, Chloe Branaman, Bristol Rives, and Landon Sutton.
While exhibitors filled the ring, the FFA officers worked to support each part of the show. Chapter Vice President Riley Sutton, who took part in the show and played an active role in organizing the event, shared her experience: “Being involved behind the scenes and in the show ring at our chapter’s prospect show gave me a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into hosting prospect shows for the youth livestock industry. I learned how much coordination and problem-solving it takes to keep events like this running smoothly, and showing my own livestock helped me understand the value of that effort from a showman’s perspective.” Her involvement highlighted the leadership and teamwork skills students gain when supporting their chapter’s events. Cattle in the Cane is about more than just competition; it’s an opportunity to grow.
Beyond the Ring
Although the prospect show only lasts one day, its influence continues long after the judge evaluates the final class. Exhibitors walk away with improved skills and confidence after gaining valuable feedback from the judge. FFA members and officers further develop their leadership abilities, which will serve them beyond the organization. The community’s support, combined with the dedication of exhibitors and volunteers, demonstrates the positive impact events like Cattle in the Cane have on the next generation of agricultural leaders.
