The 71st Pike County Steer and Heifer Show is set for Saturday night at Cattleman Park. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

“The cool weather is sure to remind us that it’s not springtime yet,” said Grant Lyons, Pike County Extension coordinator. “But, who says that you can’t have fun in the cold?

“On the farm, animals need care regardless of the weather. The animals that the youth work with to get show-ready require even more care simply because they are going to be participating in the various shows throughout the year. It’s a lot of hard work.”

The Pike County Steer and Heifer Show will begin at 6 p.m. with Showmanship followed by the heifer and steer show. George Richburg, Jr. will serve as the judge.

“George is currently the manager of Auburn University’s Beef Teaching Unit with a cow herd of Angus and Beefmaster cows,” Lyons said. “Recently, he judged the 2013 Florida State Fair.”

Tammy Powell, retired Pike County Extension coordinator, will serve as master of ceremonies and Cody Johnson, a former Pike County 4-H’er and Steer and Heifer show participant, will serve as the ringmaster.

“We are so fortunate to receive continued support from the Pike County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen for this show,” Lyons said. “Cattleman Park is a tremendous facility and we are proud to have the opportunity to showcase our youth there this weekend.”

Lyons said that the show also receives support from Mueller Beefmasters, Pike County Farmer’s Federation, South Alabama Electric Cooperative, First South Farm Credit and Troy Bank and Trust.

“Various awards, including Best Records and Best Daily Rate of Gain, are offered thanks to these partners,” he said. “Shows like this would not exist without the help of these community partners. They all care deeply about our youth and their involvement in agriculture in general.”