College students helping organize calf showing team

A trio of Polk County Junior Cattlemen are forming a team to show off their skills with showing off calves in competition.

The group of Berry College students Savannah Norman, Madison Atkins and Jaycie Simpson will soon be starting practice this month as the Polk Show Team in calf shows around the region in the coming months.

The show team held a first fundraiser and calf show of their own at a Polk County Cattleman Association appreciation dinner and trade show, and are soliciting help not only from members but also from local cattle owners around the county.

It's not quite a sport, but takes physical skill and smarts to wrangle and show off cattle during shows. The team will be working on their own during the week to enhance their skills according to a press release, but plan to gather once a week as a team to go over techniques and get others involved in participating.

They'll be expected to participate in at least five calves shows at the year continues and ahead in 2018, and are looking to participate in the Georgia State Fair show as well.

Members will also work together to get needed equipment, uniforms and hold an awards banquet locally after the state fair.

Their own kickoff took place at the Sleeping R Ranch owned by Glenn & Laura Robinson where interested parent and juniors learned about the program and asked questions, according to the release.

A demonstration was also put on by Jason Duggin from the University of Georgia extension program, who gentled and haltered a calf.

Want to help the team get a good start? Email lrobinson1301@bellsouth. net for more information about what can be done to assist the team.

The first team practice is scheduled for Aug. 12 for any local youth who might also be interested in participating on the team.