The winners of the hay hauling contest, with a time of 44.15 seconds, was the team of Clayton Watz, Trey Staff and Nick Jump from Rice Consolidated FFA. — Staff photo by Rost

May 18, 2006 - Roaring antique tractor engines pulling all the weight that they could muster was one of the many attractions at the first South-Central Texas Farm and Ranch Show held April 29 at the Colorado County Ag Complex in Columbus.

After a forecast of stormy weather the night before, the day turned out to be sunny and bright allowing antique tractor enthusiasts and general show-goers a grand opportunity to view beautifully restored tractors of the past and to watch a number of  competitions held throughout the day.

Preston Little, treasurer of the Rice Consolidated FFA Booster Club which hosted the event, was very pleased with their first show although the forecast of thunderstorms may have kept some people away.

“I think the weather might have scared off some of the commercial vendors.”

Those that made it to the event, however, did a good job of entertaining the show attendees.

“We had a great turnout of antique tractors and people that did the antique tractor pull,” said Little.

A great effort, with a time of 1 minute 2 seconds, was issued by team members Bernadette Jurica, Crystal Sepulveda and Jessica Till, also from Rice Consolidated FFA, had a bit of difficulty but hung in there and finished. — Staff photo by Rost

Little was especially pleased that two FFA chapters came from a far away distance to compete in the contests.

“Two things that we’re exceptionally proud of are two chapters. One FFA chapter came all the way from Commerce, or the Dallas area, and one FFA chapter came all the way from Odessa to exhibit their tractors that they restored and to enter the ag mechanics project contests.”

Other students participating were from Columbus, Rice Consolidated and Brazos High School.

When asked if they plan to make this an annual event Little quickly replied, “Yes. Most definitely. It was very well received by the people that were there and we had a great number of sponsors and volunteers that helped out, all throughout the organization, that day and then clean-up day as well. It was wonderful to have that type of support.

“We are very appreciative of the sponsors that helped put it on and the volunteers that helped out and the Colorado County Ag Complex for allowing us to host it there.”

For more information about the South-Central Texas Farm and Ranch visit www.southcentraltexasfarmandranchshow.com.

Competitions Included:

• 4-H and FFA Tractor Technician Contest
• 4-H and FFA Hay Hauling Contest
• 4-H and FFA Pig Catching Contest
• 4-H and FFA Antique Tractor Restoration Contest
• Antique Tractor Pull
• Ranch Rodeo
• 4-H and FFA Ag Project Contest
• 4-H and FFA Steer Saddling Contest