What Happens After a Calf Scramble?

If you are not familiar with the event, ‘Calf Scramble’ then you have not paid much attention to any of the big livestock shows in Texas. This is the event that releases young calves into the rodeo arena to be pursued by about three times as many teenagers. The teens lucky enough to subdue a calf, halter it and drag it across a finish line earn a prize.

Much to my disbelief, I recently learned that this is all that most people know about a calf scramble. I recently listened in disbelief as a radio announcer vocalized his ignorance about what it meant to catch a calf. Well, the prize awarded to the student is in the form of a voucher. That voucher is used to purchase a heifer calf to raise and then enter to compete in the breeding show the following year. These vouchers are sponsored by anyone interested in giving a student the opportunity to raise a breeding animal for show.

At the end of the segment on the radio, I turned to a friend and asked, ‘can you believe that this guy from a small town in Texas didn’t know the ins and outs of a calf scramble”? He said in a matter of fact tone that he didn’t know that either. I didn’t know what to say. What did people think was the payoff for kids getting run over and dragged around the ring by an animal that likely weighed more than them and is a whole lot stronger? Anyway, I immediately made up my mind to inform the masses about why kids climb into an arena and risk life and limb to wrangle and subdue young bovine.

So, what does this have to do with college planning. Have you ever looked into the scholarship money available for students involved in 4-H and FFA? It is substantial. Catching a scramble calf can remove or significantly lower the initial investment for a show animal. Participation in breeding and market shows is a big feather in the cap when the time comes for submitting scholarship applications.

What this should do is get students and parents thinking that there is an organization out there to match your interests, no matter what they are. Seek them out and utilize their resources to achieve your goals and make your college and/or career dreams come true.