Market Steer

Showmanship

• Junior – Aubree Baldwin – Town & Country 4H
• Intermediate – Tate Starling – Kendrick 4H
• Senior – Bailey Leitner – Town & Country 4H

Record Book

• Junior – Abigail LeFils – Kendrick 4H
• Intermediate – Sawyer High – Kendrick 4H
• Senior – Cora Taylor – Town & Country 4H

Skill-A-Thon

• Junior – Kaylyn Tyson – Town & Country 4H
• Intermediate – Sam Love – Belleview Bald Eagles 4H
• Senior – Lane Taylor – Town & Country 4H

Carcass Contest
Clay Peebles – Cracker Country 4H
Herdsman Award
Chloe Davis – Belleview High FFA

Carey Robbins Award
Chloe Davis – Belleview High FFA
Landis Blitch Award
Brianna Bennett – Vanguard High FFA
Bess Miller Award
Reagan Rowe – Kendrick 4H

Bess Miller Award

• Hoping to encourage girls showing an interest in the field of agriculture, the Marion County Cattlewomen annually approves the following proclamation. The result? A deserving young woman is rewarded with a beautiful silver tray in honor of her outstanding efforts. Thank you Marion County Cattlewomen for carrying on the vision that Bess Miller left us. WHEREAS, Mrs. Bess Miller served as a working member of the Marion County Cattlewomen for many years and was a beloved member of this organization, WHEREAS, Mrs. Bess Miller also served and was an active member of the Florida State
Cattlewomen organization and, WHEREAS, Mrs. Bess Miller was long interested in the work of young people in our county in the field of agriculture, BE IT THEN RESOLVED that the annual award the outstanding 4-H girl from Marion County be henceforth known as the Bess Miller Outstanding Achievement Award. In order to be chosen for the Bess Miller Award, the winner must first be a member
of a 4-H Club and a resident of Marion County. She must be showing a steer in the current fair and must display a love for livestock and a desire to “make the best better.” She must display a working knowledge of approved animal husbandry practices and show a diligent effort in her steer project including sound management practices and good record keeping. The award committee will also examine her overall 4-H accomplishments. It is easy to see why the winner of the Bess Miller Award can truly display her silver tray with pride.
• Rules & Entry

Carey Robins Award

• The Carey Robbins Trophy sponsored by the Ocala Lions Club, has been given annually at the Southeastern Youth Fair since its inception in 1983. This award was initiated to honor an outstanding FFA member who shows expertise in the Steer and Beef Program. Members of the Ocala Lions Club knew Carey Robbins to be a longtime friend of agriculture and youth in Marion County. Carey died suddenly in 1975. He was, at that time, a director of the Southeastern Youth Fair, Florida Cattlemen’s
Association, State Forestry Association, and the Florida Farm Bureau. He was past president of the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association and served as Assistant County Extension Agent for Marion County between 1948 and 1953. Carey was a man who worked hard in all that he did whether it was family, work, or church activities. He involved himself in many youth activities and felt the main emphasis of 4-H and FFA to produce “Blue Ribbon Young’uns.” He felt the experience gained in doing fair projects outweighed any monetary profit gained in the project. The projects were only good in so much as they developed the person involved. We thank the Lions Club for carrying on this important emphasis through the Carey Robbins Award.
• Rules and Criteria
• Application

Marion County Cattlewomen’s Scholarship

• Rules and Criteria
• Application

Landis Blitch Award

• The Southeastern Youth Fair is proud of its long history and the Landis Blitch Trophy is a prime example of a cherished tradition. First awarded in 1955, this trophy is presented annually. This award first came into existence through a decision by our local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors back in 1954 who decided to name the award in honor of the late Landis Blitch, a past president of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Blitch actively worked all his life to promote agribusiness in Marion County and was instrumental in the formation of the Southeastern Livestock Show, which grew into the present Youth Fair. The Ocala/Marion, County Chamber Of Commerce has continued to sponsor the trophy ever since.

Premier Exhibitor Award

• Award is given to an Intermediate or Senior exhibitor, based on place in Showmanship, Record Book Raw Score, and Skillathon Raw Score.

Herdsman Award

• The Marion County Farm Bureau is proud to be a participant in the Southeastern Youth Fair. We have been a sponsor of the Herdsman Award for over thirty years. Judges are composed of Farm Bureau directors and others who are associated with the cattle industry. Contestants are selected on their knowledge of the beef cattle industry, leadership, showmanship and record keeping of their beef projects. The cash award consists of first, second, and third place for exhibitors who excel in all of those areas.

Carcass Contest Champion

Showmanship

• Showmanship is the art of the exhibitor showing an animal. The showman’s goal is to present his animal to the judge in the way that best emphasizes his animal’s good qualities while minimizing any faults. A good showman is not made on show day. Months of practice and training of the animal precede show time. The judge will be looking at the general appearance and cleanliness of the animal. Careful clipping and grooming of the animal is critical to a good presentation. The topknots are made at the point of the head to create an illustration of height and to add symmetry or balance. The judge also studies the exhibitor’s ability to lead and pose the animal in the ring. Show sticks do not hurt the animal, but are used to direct the placement of the animal’s feet. Desired placement of the legs is squarely under the animal. The stick is also used to stroke the animal and keep it content. A good showman is polite and courteous to other exhibitors and pays attention to both the animal and the judge at all times.