Snow didn’t stop the Walter Gerlach Livestock Show from bringing in pigs Tuesday morning as the show works to create opportunities for local youth.
SAN ANTONIO — Snow and freezing weather couldn’t stop the Walter Gerlach Livestock Show and Sale from bringing in around 200 show pigs Tuesday Morning. The organizations Facebook page posted a photo Tuesday morning showing snow still on the ground.
Show president Robert Stricklin said the show teaches youth hard work, dedication, and practical skills through raising livestock and the cold weather was simply part of that.
“This is stock show weather!” Stricklin said.
The snow did delay unloading pigs for about two hours but after that it was business as usual. Stricklin said they are currently in the middle of their 52nd show. He said the cooler weather can actually be better for animals as it helps keep them calm.
The Walter Gerlach Livestock Show and Sale requires youth to take on an animal and feed and care for that animal for months as the show approaches. Some kids had been feeding their animals since June of last year.
Stricklin said the show is all about life lessons. The show requires the kids to feed animals early in the morning and late at night. The youth must calculate how much it costs them to feed the animal and how much they could make if the animal makes it to market. They even must contact potential buyers about selling the animal. Stricklin said the responsibilities pay off later in life.
“We develop kids that people want to hire, that people want to have working for them,” Stricklin said. “They are go-getters. They are leaders. It takes a lot of fortitude to stick with this for a long period of time.”
Show participant Kaleb Murray had been taking care of his pig since late September. He named the kid porkchop.
“It feels like a relief. It feels good to know that your pig made it to the finish line,” Stricklin said.
The Livestock Show ends with a donation auction on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. It costs $1,000 to bid in the ring and the auction money goes towards scholarships for the kids involved. The event is located at 18945 Babcock RD San Antonio, TX.
Anyone looking for additional information can contact the livestock show at president@wgls.org