Some things I learned along the way to the Katy Rodeo, FFA style!

For the unintiated, "raising" refers to raising an animal, over the course of about 6 months (longer for cattle) from a young baby to a full grown animal suitable for slaughter and eating.  

The Katy ISD FFA raise several animals: Steer, Pig, Lamb, Goat, Chicken, and Rabbit.  

Our adventure was with a goat.  

Our daughter named her goat after the ficticious character on the fake license in Super Bad...his name was McLovin.  We didn't care for the name, but hey, it was her goat.

Anyway, as the Katy area livestock show and rodeo are going on this weekend, her animal was judged yesterday.  She didn't make the auction and so McLovin goes to what is known as the barn sale (I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I know it's not good and it ultimately means that out of the 500+ animals raised by Katy High, Morton Ranch High, Cinco Ranch High, Seven Lakes High, and Mayde Creek High, there were only 110 places in the "AUCTION".  The rest go to "barn sale" and ultimately right on to slaughter).

We're proud of the work that Ashley put in, raising her goat and maybe even glimpsing what it's like to try to teach someone who is almost as stubbon as she is (as any teenager at 15 is!).

I also learned that the FFA teachers have to be some of the most dedicated teachers in the district...not to slight other teachers but, wow, the time they have to put in OUTSIDE the classroom with these kids and animals!

Ultimately, I also learned that it's not easy to say goodbye.  We were a part of raising McLovin, and now it's time for him to part ways with us...it won't be easy.

The part that WILL be easy is NOT HAVING TO go to the barns twice a day, every day, rain or shine, holiday, school day, weekend....that part, I say goodbye to willingly!

Anyway,  Congrats to all the kids in the KATY ISD and even if your animal didn't win GRAND CHAMPION, I'm sure you all learned along the way!  Grats to you....

Until next year! LOL!