Attend The 2006 Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op
Spring Expo
April 1st and 3rd

Lawn & Garden, Equine, Goat, Pet,
Beef and Dairy Events

For Details Call: (903)885-3143

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NETLA Organization
Celebrates Successful
2006 County Show

by: Bobby McDonald

 

The Northeast Texas Livestock Association members met at 7:00 p.m., at the Sulphur Springs High School Vocational Agriculture Building, and conducted a "re-cap" of the 2006 Hopkins County Market Show and Sale, on Monday night. Reports were received from all of the various species superintendents and committee chairmen.

Amy Sells reported a net profit of over $3000.00 for the concession stand and praised Mr. & Mrs. Randy Caddell for their outstanding organization of that facet of the show. Money from the concession stand is used in the scholarship program that awards college scholarships to participating seniors from all the schools involved.

A report of $9,454.00 in raffle ticket sales, was received, and that money is used in the "buyer's pool" to fund actual purchases during the sale, by "The Wild Bunch." Each participant in the Market Show is required to sell 20 raffle tickets for two sides of beef, that are given away during the Sale of Champions.

In a treasurers report, members received word that the 2006 Sale of Champions grossed $201,627.00, and praised the local community supporters and businesses that made it the largest event in the history of the organization. A record, 135 lots were sold in this year's sale and monies will be used to finance future projects and college educations.

The NETLA Organization stands by their motto: "A Man Never Stands So Tall, as When He Stoops to Help A Child!" The saying was made famous by Cal Farley of Boys Ranch, Texas, and exemplifies the spirit of the local organization.

A record 192 students from across Hopkins County entered the 2006 show and a devoted group of NETLA volunteers organized, planned, and now has implemented the successful show.

"It's going to be hard to top this year's event," expressed Brad Johnson, President of NETLA, at Monday night's meeeting. "But, we're starting with the meeting tonight to try our best to make the 2007 show even more successful for the youth of Hopkins County."

A variety of "wrinkles" in the 2006 show were discussed and ways to improve the implementation of the almost insurmountable task were suggested, as well as a thorough discussion of the many "pluses" that were realized during the three day event.

"We already have the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center booked for the 2007,2008, and 2009 shows," advised Johnson. "So, we're definitely committed to the youth of Hopkins County!"

Some minor rules changes and suggestions were discussed and put on the agenda for the April meeting of the organization, which will serve as the meeting to elect officers for next year.

Additional time was devoted to the discussion of the 2006 Northeast Texas Dairy Show, to be conducted in June, in conjunction with the Hopkins County Dairy Festival. Bryant Fisher will again serve as the Dairy Show Superintendent and selection was made to ask Danny M. Huddleston of Alba, to serve as judge for the show. "We're already having requests for information on the Dairy Show, from as far away as Arkansas," reported Larry Spradlin, Hopkins County Agricultural Agent.

 

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