Youth take center stage at 85th annual Coastal Plains Junior Livestock Show and Sale
More than 125 youth from across eastern North Carolina will gather at the Lenoir County Livestock Arena on April 21–22 for the 85th Annual Coastal Plains Junior Livestock Show and Sale.
Young participants from 12 counties — including Pitt, Greene, Lenoir, Craven, Jones, Carteret, Cumberland, Onslow, Duplin, Sampson, Pamlico, and Pender — will showcase months of dedication and hard work with their livestock projects, which range from goats and lambs to cattle and hogs.
The show kicks off Monday at 1 p.m. with goat and lamb competitions, followed by the cattle show. That evening, the crowd-favorite Sheriff Showdown will take place at 6 p.m., featuring local sheriffs stepping into the ring to show pigs.
Tuesday’s events begin at 8:30 a.m. with the market hog show. The evening will conclude with awards, dinner at 6 p.m., and the livestock sale at 7 p.m.
“Supporting a child through the purchase of their animals is easy,” organizers said. “Animals are sold by the head, and buyers must be present to bid effectively.” While premium buyers do not take home animals, those interested in bulk purchases should contact Kaelyn Mohrfeld prior to the event to arrange bidding opportunities.
Mohrfeld, Livestock Extension Agent for Lenoir and Greene counties with NC Cooperative Extension, emphasized the value of livestock projects for youth development.
“You can't teach kids in a classroom what these kids learn in the show ring or in the barn at home,” Mohrfeld said. “They train, feed and care for their animals every day. The amount of time, hard work, patience and dedication it takes is something the community doesn’t always see.”
Beyond competition, the event includes a “rookie show” for newcomers who want to experience showing without needing to bring their own animal.
“This show is raising hardworking individuals who will succeed in any occupation they choose,” Mohrfeld added. “Come watch the future of our local community in the show ring. You won’t regret it.”
The Lenoir County Livestock Arena is located at 1791 Hwy 11/55 in Kinston. The public is encouraged to attend and support these young agricultural leaders.
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