09-03-2025
Oklahoma tradition of 4-H and FFA members showing livestock they've cared for continues
On March 20, 1934, even in one of the worst years of the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, hundreds of 4-H and Future Farmers of America youth traveled from across the state to have their animals judged — and hopefully finish "in the money."
A story in The Daily Oklahoman reported that while some farmers didn't have credit in the bank, their children who were raising show animals did.
"There will be no need for federal farm relief in 25 years," said J.B. Perky, Stillwater, state superintendent of vocational agriculture. "These boys are putting farming on a business basis. This show is an excellent part of the program of better farm citizenship.
If anyone in the city doubts that the youths are getting the job done, let them check bank records. The youths have credit where their fathers have none."
The 4-H and FFA Livestock Show in 1934 was made possible by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Wilson & Company, Armour & Company, the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company "and the great and earnest efforts of the many boys and girls of the state who are participating," according to an advertisement that was published on March 21 in The Daily Oklahoman.
With fellow youths, parents, judges and the public looking on at the three-day event, a 13-year-old from near Stillwater won the grand championship.
Henry Van Arsdell and his Hereford steer "Cheerio Duncan" achieved the top honor at that year's livestock show. He didn't mind the win but seemed a little shy about some of the attention:
"I don't want to talk on that radio," he explained. "Sure, I'm thrilled, at raising the grand champion, but I want to get out of that radio talking. I don't see why I have to get breaks like this. Why can't someone else make that radio talk?"
However, he was persuaded to do the radio show and did better than he had expected, a story reported.
Oklahoma FFA and 4-H youth throughout Oklahoma know it's that time of year again. Spring is more about cleaning stalls and washing, brushing and grooming their heifers and lambs and less about their sleep.
And then it's about getting into the ring to show off their hard work — just like Henry Van Arsdell.
The Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) junior livestock show will be March 10-21 at the OKC Fairgrounds. While youth, their animals and their families will be in the stock barns for the competition, the public also can attend the show and learn more about this springtime tradition. To learn more, go to
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 4-H, FFA livestock shows tradition throughout much of Oklahoma history
