Rick
Jones Memorial Scholarship to be awarded at
The Southern Plains Farm Show Scholarship Competition
At 8 AM Thursday, April 17, 2008 a commercial cattle grading scholarship competition will be a kick off event for the SOUTHERN PLAINS FARM SHOW. The top scoring individual overall will receive the Rick Jones Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2000.00. Rick Jones was a lifelong cattleman and a founding partner of OKC West Livestock Market, Inc.; El Reno, OK. Sadly, Rick passed away recently. Rick always realized the importance of having a good eye for cattle, feeling it was the single most important key to success in any aspect of the cattle business. He always encouraged young people who were interested in the cattle business and will continue to do so through the memorial scholarship bearing his name. This interesting event will take place outdoors in the airplane court at State Fair Park.
Midwest Shows Scholarship Programs Inc. is presenting the competition that is open to all FFA and 4H members. Those participating will first attend a one-hour seminar on grading presented by Gary Bledsoe, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Consultant on Rural Development. Following Bledsoe's presentation, teams of 4 contestants will grade 15 head using the criteria covered in the seminar. Scoring will be supervised by Oklahoma Careertech Ag Education department district program specialists Kurt Murray and Rose Bonjour.
A total of 30 scholarships totaling $6300.00 will be awarded to the top three FFA teams, the top three 4H teams and the top three individuals from FFA and the top three individuals from 4H. There will also be an open class for individuals not participating in the scholarship competition.
In recent statements, Midwest Shows Scholarship Programs Inc. President, John Riles, commented, "We are very pleased and proud that OKC West Livestock Market has again chosen our event to award the Rick Jones Memorial Scholarship honoring one of their founding partners," Riles continued "This Competition will expand our existing programs that are designed to reward practical, hands-on skills and encourage young people to pursue post-secondary education in agricultural fields. We are thankful to have quality sponsors like OKC West Livestock Market and Oklahoma Farmer's Union that make these events possible." Equipment for the competition is courtesy of Powder River and Linn Post & Pipe ( Panels Gates & Pens); cattle for the competition are provided by OKC West Livestock Market Inc. of El Reno. Funding for the Commercial Cattle Grading Competition Scholarships is also through sponsorships and gifts. Riles concluded, "No discussion of this event would be complete without expressing our grateful thanks for the efforts of the Career Tech, OSU Extension, 4-H, and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture for their support through supply of grading cards and personnel who staff and manage the actual competition." First place team members and the first three place winners of the open competition receive merchandise awards from Langston's Western Wear of Oklahoma City, Midwest City and Ykon.
MERCHANDISE
AWARDS SUPPLIED BY
The first place teams and first place individuals also receive a $100 gift card courtesy of Langston's in Oklahoma City.
Midwest Shows Scholarship Programs, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 corporation and has awarded over $35,000 in scholarships at their Livestock Handling Skills Competition held during the Tulsa Farm Show and the First Annual Southern Plains Farm Show Commercial Cattle Grading Competition in April of 2005.
