Class 1 Senior Division Showmanship winners at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) were, from left, Rayne Starkey of Jackson County, first; Paige Quick of Cullman County, second; Michael Morrison of Clay County, third; Cheyenne Ritter of Lauderdale County, fourth; and Annie Smith of Chilton County, fifth. The contest was March 16 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation and held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum. / Holly Alford
MONTGOMERY – Hours of training, grooming and practicing culminated in applause, ribbons and banners for winning youth livestock exhibitors at the 60th Alabama Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 15-17. JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation with numerous community and business sponsorships
“I’m convinced what we’re doing to support this event is one of the most important things we can do for our state,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “These young people are our future, and we need to help them prepare to be leaders.”
Special guest Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey provided words of support to exhibitors when she visited the JBE March 16.
The JBE was held inside Teague Arena on the Garrett Coliseum grounds in Montgomery, and thousands of dollars in prize money was awarded to winning exhibitors. Special college scholarships were also presented.
For the Market Show and the Heifer Show held March 15 and 17 respectively, division winners were awarded based on cattle breed and performance. The March 16 Showmanship contest split competitors into classes based on age and awards were presented based on the exhibitor’s skills in the ring.
Grand champion awards were presented to:
- Ashlyn Ruf of Limestone County and Grand Champion Market Steer Mr. Incredible
- Dow Boyd of Coffee County and Grand Champion Heifer HLVW Pays To Shine 1730
- Bryce Hendricks of Coffee County and Grand Champion Bred & Owned Heifer HCC Miss Versace D2
- Rayne Starkey of Jackson County – Senior Showmanship Grand Champion
- Victoria Thompson of Lee County – Intermediate Showmanship Grand Champion
- Gus Ashley of Montgomery County – Junior Showmanship Grand Champion
In total, 175 youth participated and exhibited 325 animals in the expo. JBE is held annually in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo.
