The Keystone International Livestock Exposition returned to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg Friday, bringing youth and adult competitors showing thousands of the finest cattle, goats, sheep and horses from across the US and Canada. The East Coast's largest cattle show features a diverse array of contests, offering youth opportunities to demonstrate their skills ranging from breed knowledge, to animal care, handling, strength and agility; to wool quality and clothing construction using wool.
"Pennsylvania is proud to host the East Coast's largest cattle show every year," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. "But we're even prouder to give youth the chance to test their skills, learn from adults at the top of their field, and show off what they have learned during long hours and hard work in the classroom and on the farm year-round. These are the youth who will feed our nation and our world tomorrow. We hope you'll stop by to meet them and get a glimpse of what they can do."
Competitions began Friday and the show resumes Oct. 6 with draft horse and pony pulls and contests; sheep and beef cattle shows and calf sale, and events culminating in the selection of the Youth Supreme Beef Champion beginning at 1 p.m. Oct. 9.
High school and college youth on FFA, 4-H and collegiate teams from across the nation will compete in a judging contest demonstrating their breed knowledge and skill at defending their decisions before a judge beginning at 8 a.m. Oct. 8. Saturday's contests also include the Keystone Classic Barbecue State Championship, that will qualify a Pennsylvania grill-master for the Kansas City Barbecue Society's American Royal World Series of Barbecue in 2023.
Diverse breeds of sheep, goats beef cattle and horses, from the smallest Halflinger ponies to massive Percherons, can be viewed in stalls throughout the complex or from the showring stands. Visitors can also support local farmers and youth scholarships with a meal from the Pennsylvania Livestock Association and a PA Dairymen's Farm Show milkshake.
Events are open to the public and parking is free.
Find more information and a complete schedule of events at keystonelivestockexpo.com.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock