Wauchula, FL — Cattle Show enthusiasts from 26 Florida counties filled the Cattlemen’s Arena in Wauchula, FL, on December 7-8, to participate in the 2012 Hardee County Preview Show. This annual family-friendly event, sponsored by Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO), attracted nearly 300 head of cattle and more than 180 exhibitors and in only four years has grown into the largest non-State Fair cattle show in Florida.
Due to its increased popularity, a second ring and judge were added this year to accommodate the large number of animals and exhibitors. Jeff Jackson and Doug Satree provided quality judging for the show. Jackson, Stephenville, TX, owns and operates a large-scale cattle company which markets animals to 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Satree owns a commercial cattle and registered angus business in Montague, TX. Both are experienced National Level cattle show judges.
“The purpose of this show is to help young participants gain hands-on experience in the competitive world of cattle exhibiting before they hit upcoming local and state fair circuits,” explains Jackson. “As judges, our goal is to help them gain and refine the necessary skills that will support them in the show ring.”
The show exists with the backing and support of businesses in Hardee County, lead by the support of Peace River Electric. “Across the nation, electric co-ops are very involved in local community activities,” said Nell McCauley, chief marketing and member services officer of the Wauchula-based cooperative. “Florida is ‘ranch country,’ so the show is a great way to reach out to our consumer-members and agri-business in the State.”
PRECO employees conceived the idea of the cattle show in 2009 as a way to support youth involved in FFA and 4-H organizations. Both groups have members who often get most of their livestock experience through show projects.
“Due to the generous support of local businesses and volunteers, the Hardee County Preview Show is able to return 100 percent of entry fees collected back to show winners,” adds McCauley.
2012 Hardee County Preview Show Winners
Bull
Supreme Grand Champion Bull – Destiny McCauley, Bowling Green
Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Bull – Brandais Austrino, Dade City
3rd Place- Sarah Davis, Okeechobee
4th place – Brandolyn Bishop, Trenton
5th Place –Quinn Carter, Haines City
Heifer
Supreme Grand Champion Heifer – Brooke Smith, Lake Park
Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Heifer – Randa Conner, Brooker
3rd Place –Cody Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
4th Place – Clay Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
5th Place – Ryan Vaucura, Lake Wales
Steer
Grand Champion Steer – Clay Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Cody Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
3rd Place- Julliam Deriso, Arcadia
4th Place – Makayla Keeney, Ft. Pierce
5th Place – Michaela Aycock, Bartow
Cow/Calf
Supreme Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Jessica Humphrey, Okeechobee
Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Quinn Carter, Haines City
3rd Place – Josie Chandler, Polk City
Showmanship Novice – Age 7 and under
1st Place – Abigail Bunyak, Myakka City
2nd Place – Olivia Baker, Punta Gorda
3rd Place – Turner Smith, Lake Park, Georgia
4th Place – Adam McCauley, Bowling Green
Showmanship Juniors
1st Place – Brook Smith, Lake Park, Georgia
2nd Place – Bobbi Jean Frazier, Ocala
3rd Place – Patrick Lehman, Okeechobee
4th Place – Kailey Stallard, Durant
5th Place – Anna Bunyak, Myakka City
Showmanship Intermediate
1st Place – Clay Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
2nd Place – Jay Arbuckle, Winter Garden
3rd Place – Cody Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
4th Place – Jullian Deriso, Arcadia
5th Place –Randa Conner, Booker
Showmanship Seniors
1st Place – Michaela Aycock, Bartow
2nd Place – Shanna Hillman, Deleon Springs
3rd Place – Ryan Vaucura, Lake Wales
4th Place – Jennifer Olsen, Land O Lakes
5th Place – Morgan Boykin, Thonotosassa
Showmanship Adult
1st Place – Briana Bishop, Trenton
2nd Place – Brittney Pederson, Ft. Pierce
3rd Place –Shelby Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia
4th Place – Kevin Moreno, Venice
5th Place – Lottie Knight, Christmas
Find the Hardee County Preview show on our Hardee County Preview Show fan page on Facebook or at www.preco.coop.