Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

A Classic Still in the Making
Emily Melies, Corner Post Staff

February 7-8, 2004 - The Alpha Gamma Rho Classic was held this past Saturday and Sunday at the Midway Exposition Center in Columbia.

The show is one of the largest preview steer and heifer shows in the Midwest. It is also a First Missouri Point Sanctioned Show of 2004. The men of AGR have been sponsoring the show for the last ten years.

This year's show featured a judging contest, steer show, and heifer show. Presiding as judge for the Classic was Cody Lowderman. The Classic chairmen were Josh Phillips, Matt Hill, and Mike Deering.

This year's show was held in memory of Justin McBee, who tragically passed away this past Thanksgiving. Justin was a brother of Alpha Gamma Rho. He was dedicated to the cattle industry and had been showing cattle since he was ten years old.

"We encourage you to honor Justin's memory through prayer. Justin loved the Classic and showing in general, by being here you are keeping his memory alive," the Men of Alpha Gamma Rho said. "We also encourage older participants to learn something from Justin and help younger exhibitors do what you cherish so deeply."

In addition, the brothers of AGR formed a memorial fund in honor of Justin. 2004 Classic gloves were sold throughout the weekend. 100% of the money raised was set aside for the fund.

Check-in and registration took place on Friday from 12-8p.m. Then Saturday rolled around with a full schedule of events. The day got under way with judging contest registration taking place at 8 a.m. and beginning at 9 a.m.Steer weigh-in was scheduled from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The heifer show started at 11 a.m. with showmanship following. The steer show began, bright and early, Sunday morning at 8a.m.

Prizes were awarded to breed champions in the heifer and steer shows. The Supreme Champion Steer received $2,000, the Reserve Supreme Champion Steer $1,000, the Supreme Champion Heifer $1,000 and the Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer $500. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three places in the junior and senior division of the judging contest.

Laine Martin was awarded Supreme Champion Heifer with his Crossbred heifer. Jason Martin took Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer also with a Crossbred. In the Steer show Jason Martin rose to the top again with his Crossbred Supreme Champion Steer. Taking Reserve Supreme Champion Steer was Jeffrey Sims with his Chianina.

Many feared the brisk winter weather would be a diminishing factor to the show's turnout. With temperatures below freezing the decision had to be made whether to risk it and bring their animals or play it safe and leave them at home.

"The conditions are definitely hazardous for the animals, but the show had to go on because it is a sanctioned points show," junior member of AGR and exhibitor, Cab Weaver said. "Numbers are up and despite the conditions hopefully we can get through the weekend without any serious problems."

Despite the negative digit temperatures the Classic upheld its tradition and was a success just as years past. The weekend concluded without any serious problems. In addition, the quality of cattle has improved compared to years past playing an active role on the amount of competition. Both the Men of Alpha Gamma Rho and all those who exhibited can be thanked for a great and certainly entertaining weekend.

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