Midwest Texas Longhorn Association bringing show to Putnam County Fairgrounds

There will be plenty of cattle on display this weekend at the Putnam County Fairgrounds as the Midwest Texas Longhorn Association will be bringing its show home. 

According to event organizer Jessica Buckler, the association got its start in 2009 and after doing shows all over the state, it settled on the Putnam County Fairgrounds as a permanent home. 

"Our show has a home in Putnam County, and that is wonderful to say," Buckler told The Putnam County Post. 

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday and will go until approximately 5 p.m. Admission is free to the event. 

"There will be local concessions, a silent auction with a variety of things to bid on, shirts and hats being made during the show and lots of friendly faces ready to talk cows," Buckler said. 

The show will be an opportunity for visitors to see what cattle farms and ranches are producing, as well as seeing those showing earn points to later attend the national show in the fall. The event will be open to any registered longhorn cattle farmer or ranch in the United States. According to Buckler, there will be some Putnam County owned longhorns, as well as cattle from around the country. 

"We typically have 50 entries, but we are working hard to increase that number as well as the youth participation in our group. Our breed is not permitted to show in the 4-H program, so our youth membership shows cattle in the annual MTLA show," Buckler said. 

Buckler said the show picks judges that like to educate the crowd and the owners love to talk longhorn cattle.

"It is a great opportunity for folks new to the breed to see some of the different characteristics and herd management styles, as well as learn about why we choose to raise this breed of cattle," she said. 

The show will begin with the youth show, where animals are shown at halter. That will be followed by a Haltered division open to both youth and adults and ends with the non-haltered portion, where animals move about the ring with natural form to allow judges an opportunity to see the animal's gait and structure. 

"We enjoy the friendly competition, seeing the kids' show, but, mostly, we enjoy meeting people who are interested in Texas Longhorn cattle. The awards are really fantastic. The Grand Champions receive belt buckles and the Champions receive laser cut metal plaques," Buckler said. 

Buckler said she hopes residents and guests make the trek out to the Fairgrounds to learn more about the cattle and see the event. 

"We would love for people to come out and see the cows, steers and bulls and ask any questions they may have about our stock. The judges do a great job of telling the crowd what he is looking for and lots of times why a trait is desirable in our cattle," Buckler said.