14 FFA members raised animals over the summer to show at the 2023 Fort Bend County Fair. 13 out of 16 projects made sale, with 10 making the premium auction.
They spent many days at the fairgrounds, September 28-October 8, caring for and showing their animals, selling at the sales, and supporting fellow exhibitors.
These students spent countless hours preparing for this show. They had to go to the Katy ISD Ag Facility, 30 mins away, twice a day, every day, for about 5 months to feed and work with their animals. Some people even raised multiple animals.
This was senior Samantha Skinner’s 3rd and last time to show a goat for the Fort Bend show. Sam has raised many goats in the past and even a couple steers. On Friday September 29, 2023, Sam placed 2nd in her class and made the Premium Auction.
“It felt good to be the reserve champion in my class, especially at my last county fair show.” Sam said. “It was definitely bittersweet because it was my last time showing at the fairgrounds,” Sam says as she reflects on unforgettable memories. This was the highest Sam had ever placed with her goats. Sam sold her goat for $1500 Thursday night.
Buyers at the fair ended up donating a total of 1,314,996.81 to students that participated in these events. Students give buyers gift baskets to thank them for their support.
FFA students have spent near every day together and have created an amazing bond.
“These people, we’ve been through everything together, and I will never forget all of the memories we’ve made together,” Sam said.
Sam credits much of her success to the help of her teachers.
“[We] couldn’t have done this without the help of our amazing ag teachers. Especially Ms. Dykes,” Sam said. Ms. Dykes is in charge of the goats at the KISD ag barns and is very experienced in the show ring herself.
FFA students’ hard work all summer long was put on show at a very successful county fair this year.
On October 7th, these students, along with many others, continued their projects and got new animals for the 2024 Katy ISD Livestock Show to begin the hard work for another show.
