January 28, 2012, was a warm, sunny day in Luverne. It was the perfect setting for a cattle show! In fact, two shows were held in the "Friendliest City" on that day. Mr. Ted Dyer, Extension Animal Scientist from Calhoun, GA, served as judge for both. Crenshaw County Junior Cattlemen Association (CCJCA) started the day with their county show.

Winners from the county show were: Supreme Showman, Cameron Catrett; Reserve Supreme Showman, Cassidy Catrett; and third place showman, Justin Rhodes. The heifer classes saw representation of Hereford, Shorthorn and commercial cattle. The Supreme Heifer honor went to Cassidy Catrett with her Bred and Owned commercial heifer. Cassidy also claimed the Reserve Supreme Heifer honor with her Shorthorn. Cameron Catrett’s Walks Alone steer was named Grand Steer with Reserve honors going to Cassidy Catrett with her county bred Rocky Balboa steer. At the conclusion of the county show, Crenshaw County Cattlemen Association provided lunch for everyone prior to the start of the Belt Buckle Classic, the second show of the day.

Twenty youth from throughout Alabama and north Florida came together to participate in the Belt Buckle Classic Show. Thirty-two animals were exhibited. Six youth were awarded top showmanship honors in three divisions: Champion Senior, Sarah Dickinson, Mobile; Reserve Senior, Mary Katherine Pittman, Jackson County, FL; Champion Intermediate, Cassidy Catrett, Crenshaw; Reserve Intermediate, Aniston Bolding, Chilton; Champion Junior, Wilton Pittman, Jackson County, FL; and Reserve Junior, Cameron Catrett, Crenshaw.

Heifer honors went to: AOB Champion, Lakin Whatley, Montgomery, Angus; AOB Reserve, Justin Rhodes, Crenshaw, Hereford; Charolais Champion and Reserve, Nick Williams, Cullman; Shorthorn Champion, Cassidy Catrett, Crenshaw; Shorthorn Reserve, Cameron Catrett, Crenshaw; Champion Simmental, Sarah Dickinson, Mobile; Reserve Simmental, Aniston Bolding, Chilton; Commercial Champion, Wilton Pittman, Jackson County, FL; and Commercial Reserve; Aniston Bolding, Chilton. Overall Supreme Heifer was awarded to Wilton Pittman, Jackson County, FL, with his commercial heifer. The Reserve Supreme Heifer honor went to Aniston Bolding, Chilton.

Steer class winners included: Cassidy Catrett, Crenshaw; Shelby Windham, Dale; Cameron Catrett, Crenshaw; and Mary Katherine Pittman, Jackson County, FL. The Grand Steer belonged to Mary Katherine Pittman, Jackson County, FL. Reserve Grand Steer honors went to Cameron Catrett, Crenshaw.

AFC was a major sponsor for the day’s events in addition to these loyal supporters: Luverne Cooperative Services, Inc.; First Citizens Bank; First South Farm Credit; Crenshaw County Farmer’s Federation; Brantley Bank and Trust; Compton Farms; First National Bank of Dozier; Hilburn and Sons Farm; Representative Charles Newton; R & R Farms; Shinglepile Creek Farm and the CCJCA family.

Perry Catrett, manager of Luverne Cooperative Service, Inc., also serves as advisor for the CCJCA.