Kevin Kerr
COMANCHE — Jayla Bohot just started her high school career in Comanche. She wasted no time, however, in getting involved in the school’s ag program.
“I love animals,” Bohot said. “I love being around them.”
Bohot never lived on a farm, but said she has always been around her grandfather’s farm and helped him with his animals. She has a horse of her own that she spends her free time with after school. But since she’s gotten involved in the Comanche ag program, she said more time has been devoted to her sheep Buster after school.
Bohot said she got into the ag program through a friend who encouraged her to join and show animals. She said she didn’t necessarily have a specific animal in mind, but her friend showed sheep, so she followed suit.
Jacey Fye, ag teacher, said they got the lamb in October, and Bohot has been at the school farm twice a day to feed, groom and exercise Buster.
“She feeds him once in the morning, once in the evening and comes and exercises him on the treadmill every day,” Fye said. “It’s a big responsibility, and she’s done well.”
Fast forward nearly five months, and Bohot now has a 165-pound lamb that she continues to prepare for show. Fye said she met with her almost daily to practice showmanship and presentation with Buster.
“She’s a natural,” Fye said. “She’s got a bright future showing sheep.”
Last Monday was Bohot’s first ag show as her and Buster made their debut at the Empire/Comanche local show.
“I was excited and nervous,” Bohot said.
Her nerves, however, were quickly replaced with relief as Bohot won Reserve Grand Champion and Showmanship award.
“For a first year student, she’s really done an excellent job,” Fye said.
Bohot said she was happy to have won the awards, and said it was a good way to start her career in showing animals. She said it gave her a strong sense of confidence to see the results of all of her hard work.
Wednesday, Bohot prepared for her next big challenge at the Stephens County Junior Livestock Show. She again said she was nervous, but felt more prepared and ready now that her initial debut was out of the way.
She competed in the largest division of the day for sheep. In all, six competitors were in the Class 2 Market Lamb division, and Bohot took third place with Buster, and fourth in sales. She also took fourth in showmanship.
Overall, Bohot did well, considering five months ago, she had never taken care of a sheep before, and she hopes to come back next year with even more to offer.
“I want to bring at least two sheep next year,” She said eagerly, “and maybe a hog.”
-Kevin Kerr is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354 Ext. 147 or by e-mail at kevin.kerr@duncanbanner.com.
