FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- Kelsee Nelson, a member of the Ector FFA, was among the winners in the Calf Scramble event during the January 29th evening performance at the 118th edition of the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Parents of the winner are Chris and Kristi Nelson. The award was sponsored by Tom and Katherine Smith of Fort Worth, TX.
The Calf Scramble, which allows 16 students to compete at each of the 29 rodeo performances, has eight winners each performance. The young people are high school students out to catch and halter a calf with hopes of winning a $500 purchase certificate that will help buy a registered beef or dairy heifer for a yearlong 4-H or FFA project.
Winners must care for their animals throughout the year and return for the 2015 Stock Show to exhibit it in the Junior Heifer Show. Those who do the best job will be in line for scholarship funds when they enter college. To date, the program has awarded more than $3 million toward the purchase of heifers and granted 1,039 scholarships totaling $1.1 million. In all, 232 youngsters will catch calves during the 2014 Stock Show.
All entries receive a special T-shirt with their contestant number. Participants who fail to catch a calf receive a certificate for a pair of Justin boots. Longtime sponsor, Justin Boots continue their support along with new sponsor, Texas Mutual Insurance Co.
The nation’s oldest livestock show is currently underway now through Feb. 8, 2014 at the world-class Will Rogers Memorial Center. The Stock Show features 23 days of family fun and entertainment, and will host nearly 28,000 livestock entries throughout the run. In addition to the prestigious livestock competitions, the Stock Show offers many interactive educational exhibits, great shopping in the trade show area as well as an exciting carnival and midway and 29 thrilling performances of the World’s Original Indoor Rodeo®. For information, call 817.877.2420 or visit www.fwssr.com.