President’s Address

Last week our family spent several days at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. We were in the steer barn along with several thousand other contestants and families all hoping to win the grand champion ribbon. Of course only one steer can win, but that doesn’t stop everyone from trying. Each steer that travels to Fort Worth represents hundreds of hours of feeding, washing, brushing, leading and caring for that animal. It was interesting to just sit back and watch the families working together to present their animals and contestants in the best manner possible. In the evenings, seeing the kids and even some parents curled up asleep on a hay bale after starting the day at four in the morning is an example of the hard work and dedication that goes with exhibiting an animal.

When you really get down to it, this whole exercise is not just about winning. It is about kids working with their parents and others to complete a project. It is a shame every youngster doesn’t have the opportunity to participate in 4-H or FFA. I think we would have a lot fewer problems if this were possible.

ICA