Wyo. 4-Hers compete in National Western Stock Show catch-a-calf program

Wyoming 4-H’ers recorded first and seconds among other finishes in the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Catch-a-Calf program Jan. 8-10 in Denver.

Jaycee Hendrickson of Kemmerer earned a first in showmanship, Lane Barker of Evanston a second in live placing and Brooklyn Salo of Laramie a second in record book.

This year’s participants also included Burgandy Mackey of Cokeville, Karl Brennecke of Cheyenne and Morgan Sanchez of Bear River, said Molly Keil, program superintendent.

4-H’ers ages 12-19 from Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska participate, she said. The 4-H’ers catch a calf during a rodeo performance and receive a calf, 600 to 800 pounds, in May to raise the next eight-plus months. They must maintain record books, write monthly letters to their sponsors who provided the money to buy the calves, and raise quality meat animals. They exhibit the finished market steer at the NWSS, submit their record books and participate in judged interviews.

All steers go to market after the show, except two chosen for the NWSS Junior Livestock Auction. A limited number of animals are allowed in the sale, said Keil.

Next year’s participants are chosen during the program. Those from Wyoming are Riggen Meyers, Baggs; Colby Stockton, Cheyenne; Kristina Nelson, Cody; McKinzey Camphouse, Evanston; Natelee Huyser, Evansville; Michaela Fleming, Glenrock; and Callie Clingman and Kemsley Gallegos, Laramie.

This year’s finishes are:

Live Placing – Class 1, Barker, 2nd; Hendrickson, 4th; Mackey, 6th. Class 2 –Sanchez, 4th. Class 3 – Salo, 4th. Class 4 – Brennecke, 5th.

Showmanship – Class 1, Hendrickson, 1st; Salo, 4th; Barker, 11th. Class 2 – Sanchez, 3rd; Mackey, 8th. Class 3 – Brennecke, 2nd.

Sponsor Relations – Sanchez, 3rd; Barker, 5th; Salo, 8th; Brennecke, 10th.

Record Book – Salo, 2nd.

Interview – Salo, 3rd; Hendrickson, 4th; Sanchez, (tie) 7th.

Overall Production – Salo, 3rd; Sanchez, 6th; Barker, 15th.

–UW Extension