Grey Mixon
& Dion
Working with Dion and learning more about cattle has been a lot of fun. I can’t wait for the show!
A portion of my proceeds will go towards scholarships for in-need youth wanting to attend 4H Camp this summer. The rest goes towards my education.
Hi! I’m Grey Mixon, an 11-year-old 6th grader from Paris, TN, and I’m proud to be a steer exhibitor at the 2024 Henry County Youth Livestock Show. This event is part of the Henry County Fair, held from August 9-17, and it’s an incredible opportunity for young farmers like me to showcase our hard work. Whether you’re here to learn more about the fair, support local youth, or just curious about livestock shows, you’ve come to the right place. Follow along as I share my journey in preparing for this year’s big event!
I’ve been involved in livestock shows for the last three years. In 2022, I showed a hog in Okeechobee, FL at the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show. It is part of the Okeechobee County Fair in Okeechobee, FL. That taught me a lot about “show life” and helped prepare for what was next.
I moved to my Papaw’s Farm in Paris, TN last year. He raises Romagnola cattle and encouraged me to show a steer in the Henry County Youth Livestock Show. It is part of the Henry County Fair here in Paris, TN. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot about cows that I didn’t know. I also learned they are a lot more work than a hog.
I’m excited to participate in the Henry County Youth Livestock Show again this year with my steer, Dion. Being part of this event is more than just showing animals—it’s about learning responsibility, dedication, and the value of hard work. My steer and I have been working hard for months, and I can’t wait to see how we do at the show. On this page, I’ll share updates, photos, and stories about my journey to the show. Thanks for stopping by!
The countdown to the Henry County Fair in Paris, TN is on, and I’m getting more excited every day! This week, my focus has been on making sure my steer is in top condition for the show. From feeding routines to grooming sessions, there’s a lot that goes into preparing for a livestock show. I’ll be sharing more about my daily routine and some tips I’ve learned along the way, so stay tuned!
Steer Show - Aug. 15 @ 2:30 PM CT
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Steer Sale - Aug. 15 @ 7:00 PM CT
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Learn How to Bid in Person or via Phone
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
9:00 AM – Hog Show
Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Show & Sale Times
9:00 AM – Hog Show
11:00 AM – Lamb Show
1:30 PM – Goat Show
2:30 PM – Steer Show
7:00 PM – Auction Begins
Auction Order: Steers, Lambs, Goats, & Hogs
Thursday, August 22, 2024 – Buyers Banquet
6:00 PM – Buyers Banquet Starts
Banquet Tips to Share with Buyers
- Banquet Tickets must be purchased in advance from Ms. Staci Foy at the Henry County UT Extension Office in Paris, TN.
- Exhibitors are responsible for purchasing their personal Banquet tickets and tickets (typically 2) for the buyer of their project. Give the buyer their tickets the night of the Sale.
- Exhibitors should sit with their family and the buyer of their animal if at all possible.
- Buyers pay the exhibitor for their project at the Banquet.
- Dress for the Banquet is business or smart casual.
1. In-person
2. Call-in bidding
- If you wish to bid by calling in, you must arrange this ahead of time. Call Staci Foy at 731-642-2941 by August 12, 2024, to get on the call-in list.
- Purchase the animal and keep the meat.
- Co-purchase the animal to share the meat.
- Purchase the animal and donate the meat to a charity of your choice.
- Purchase the animal and then resell it at the market. You will receive the market price for the animal.
- You will not be responsible for transporting the animal to the market or to a processor.
- You will be responsible for paying the processing fee if you choose to keep the meat.
The livestock exhibitors make a huge investment in time and money to show an animal. They are not only involved in agriculture, they are also entrepreneurs.
Skills and knowledge acquired:
- Responsibility & Priorities
- Time Management
- Animal husbandry
- Budgeting & Record keeping
- Consequences & Meeting deadlines
- Sales & Marketing
- Communication & Confidence
- Critical thinking & Decision making
- Hard work!
- K & J Meat Processing
731-642-6490 - Kauffman’s Processing
731-782-3368 - Laurel Hill Processing
731-247-5555 - Buckaroo Meat Co
731-213-2016
Buyers should contact the processor for information on cuts, pricing, etc.
Show Life is a Great Life
Show Life is Hard Work
Dion must be fed every morning and every night. Then I need to bathe him often to keep his hair in perfect condition. I also have to work with him all the time so he will be ready for the show.
Show Life is About Learning
Working with Dion taught me about responsibility, hard work, and the basics of expenses and business.
Show Life is About Family
I worked with Dion a whole lot but I still needed help from my family sometimes. With their help I have been able to keep up with my school work.
Show Life is About My Future
All the money that I make from my shows goes directly to my college fund. I haven’t decided what I want to go to school for yet, but I want to be prepared to afford school.
New Lessons &
New Friends
Not only did showing teach me some great lessons, I also got to make some wonderful friends. Great people like Cori Hopkins helped teach me how to take care of my steer.
Support is a Key to Success
I appreciate any help you provide me or the other exhibitors. Every kid works hard for months and months to get their animal ready for the show.