Representatives of the Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau, who sponsored the meal, were left to right, Mike Miesse,
Marilyn Smith, Mary Lou Wright, Andy Wright, Delores Miller, and Mark Sustaire.

Farm Bureau Sponsors Prime Rib
Luncheon For NETLA Buyers

by: Bobby McDonald

It was prime rib and all the trimmings for buyers at the 2005 NETLA Market Show and potential first-time buyers at the show this weekend, as the Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau "rolled out the red carpet" to honor those who participated and supported the youth of Hopkins County. "This is our way of being involved and lending our support to those who come out and support the youth of Hopkins County, who are involved in agriculture," expressed Mark Sustaire, President of the Hopkins-Rains County Farm Bureau. "We want to recognize those who open their pocketbooks and support youth and agriculture!"

"We can't think of a better way to spend our money than supporting those others, like our organization, who support the future of agriculture," expressed Mike Miesse, Local Farm Bureau Agency Manager. "Agriculture is our business and we want to be involved in anything that will continue the future of agriculture in this area!"

Local youth supporters Truman Ragan and Sam Tatum prepare to enjoy the prime rib dinner, sponsored
by the Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau.

Mary Lou Wright, of Wright's Catering, prepares hot rolls, as members of the local Farm Bureau and
show exhibitors get the meal prepared for Buyers, at Wednesday's luncheon.

The meal was provided by Farm Bureau and prepared by Andy and Mary Lou Wright, of Wright's Catering, as their donation to the youth of Hopkins County.

Brad Johnson, top, visits with several of the 4-H and FFA members about their projects, as they
serve as the wait-staff for Wednesday's Buyers Luncheon, at First Baptist Church.

Brad Johnson, President of the NETLA Organization, served as the master of ceremonies and introduced the Vocational Agriculture Teachers and 4-H Leaders across Hopkins County, that were in attendance, as well as giving a re-cap of the entries for the upcoming 2006 show. "The number of exhibitors are up significantly, this year," advised Johnson. "And, we're asking local businesses to help us make certain that no youth is 'left behind' in selling their animals in the sale!"

Local veterinarian, Kevin Gray, addresses the buyers as a member of the group that was the volume buyer at
the 2005 NETLA Show and Sale, and as a former recipient of monies for his college education, generated from
the sale of market animal projects!

Johnson then introduced Kevin Gray, a young veterinarian at Hopkins County Vet Clinic, who represented the volume buyers of the 2005 Sale, when they contributed $7658.00 to the sale, purchasing local animals.. "It is my pleasure to be on this stage representing a business that contributed significantly to last year's sale," expressed Gray. "And, I'm here to tell you that I'm a product of just such community involvement, as a large portion of my college education was funded from 4-H and FFA projects, that I raised during my high school and junior high school years. The money you spend is used effectively in educating the youth and supporting them in their advancement into productive citizens of the community!"

 

Helena Wall, Sulphur Bluff FFA member and 2006 NETLA Show exhibitor, entertains the crowd with her
step-by-step involvement in showing and raising her pig, including her daily "massages!"

Brad Johnson next introduced Helena Wall, a Sulphur Bluff High School student, who will be exhibiting her pig in the 2006 show. Wall expressed the hours of work that are involved in caring for, feeding, and showing a market show project, and then entertained the audience with her humorous ritual of "massaging" her pig every day, as she becomes attached to her show project. "There's nothing real glamourous about wading mud, getting out and exercising pigs in the cold weather, and going to feed them before school each morning," advised Wall. "But, you learn an awful lot about responsibility, by completing the daily rituals and competing with all of your friends from across the county, at the Market Show!"

Circle E Western Wear donated a pair of ostrich boots that were given away in a drawing. Ben Spraggins was the lucky winner of the prize, when his name was drawn from all of the buyers. And, prosepective buyers left the gathering intent on making the 2006 Show and Sale a memorable experience for the youth of Hopkins County.

Members of the local FFA and 4-H Clubs served as the wait-staff for the meal and visited with prospective buyers about the time and effort involved in producing an animal for the show.

This local FFA member was just one of the 2006 exhibitors that served as the wait-staff for the Wednesday
luncheon, that honored local businesses who contributed to the 2005 sale.

 

"We want to see all of you out watching the show and at the Buyer's Stew and Chili Supper at 5:00 p.m., on Saturday," expressed Johnson, in his closing remarks. "I want to thank Farm Bureau, Barbara Sanders and her decorating committee, and each of you for your support of our youth!"

Brad Johnson, President of the NETLA organization, standing right, visits with prospective buyers at
Wednesday's Farm Bureau sponsored luncheon, honoring those who support the youth of Hopkins County.

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