Jones College Show Team

ABOUT THE JONES COLLEGE SHOW TEAM

The Jones College Show Team represents a unique facet of our agricultural education program, emphasizing hands-on experience in the livestock show industry. Comprised of dedicated students with a passion for animal husbandry, the team offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage in the raising and exhibiting of livestock, preparing members for a future in the agricultural sector.

MISSION AND EXPERIENCE

Our mission centers on providing a comprehensive, practical education in livestock management. Team members take on daily responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, halter-breaking calves, feeding, grooming, animal husbandry, and preparing animals for shows. This immersive experience is designed to cultivate not only their skills in animal care but also their understanding of teamwork and responsibility, key attributes for any professional in the livestock industry.

The team’s daily operations are a testament to our commitment to hands-on learning. Members are responsible for the morning and afternoon feeding of show cattle, working in pairs on a rotational basis to ensure each student gains experience while managing their academic schedules. Grooming sessions are held three times a week, where students learn the intricacies of animal presentation, from rinsing and combing to blow drying and conditioning. Keeping the barn clean and orderly is also a fundamental aspect of our operations, reinforcing the importance of a well-maintained working environment.

The show team consists of 8-10 members who are selected based on their commitment to the livestock industry and their academic excellence. Each member is awarded a full academic scholarship and is required to live on campus, fostering a close-knit community of like-minded individuals. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to maintain scholarship status, underscoring the importance of balancing academic achievements with extracurricular commitments.

The Jones College Show Team is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a cornerstone of our agricultural education program, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to thrive in the livestock industry.

COMPETITION AND COMMUNITY

The Jones College Show Team, recognized for its competitive spirit and commitment to agricultural education, actively participates in a variety of prestigious livestock shows across the country. Their future plans are filled with notable events, including the Tulsa State Fair, Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, MS Youth Expo, Dixie National Open Show, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, LA State Fair, and the Fort Worth show. At these events, the team has garnered impressive accolades, such as Reserve Grand Champion Red Angus Heifer, Champion Jr. Female, and Reserve Champion Female, highlighting their dedication and skill in the livestock show circuit.

Beyond their achievements in the show ring, the team’s involvement in the community is commendable. They support and assist with several local events, including the South MS Fair in Laurel, the Dixie National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest, and the Farm Bureau Livestock Show, demonstrating their commitment to the agricultural community. Additionally, the team plans to host educational events such as 4-H/FFA Grooming Camps and breed field days at their farm, contributing to the growth and development of future generations in agriculture. This blend of competitive excellence and community engagement showcases the Jones College Show Team’s significant role in fostering a love for the livestock industry and agricultural education.