mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com 

MONTE VISTA- For many young people, showing livestock is much more than walking an animal through a show ring. It teaches responsibility, confidence, patience, and perseverance while creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. 

This summer, youth with disabilities from across the San Luis Valley will have the opportunity to experience those same life-changing moments during the Power of Possible (POP) Livestock Exhibition, an event dedicated to celebrating ability, and creating opportunities through agriculture. 

The exhibition will take place Saturday, July 25, at the San Luis Valley Fairgrounds. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the exhibition scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to young people with disabilities ages 8 to 18 and will feature livestock, prizes, giveaways, food vendors, ice cream, coffee and a welcoming atmosphere focused on inclusion and fun. 

The event is being organized through The Colorado State University Extension Office. According to the CSU Extension Office website their mission is to connect Colorado communities with university research, university education and outreach programs that improve lives through agriculture, youth development, natural resources, family and consumer sciences and community engagement.  

CSU programs are designed to bring research-based education directly to local communities while creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn and succeed.  

The Power of Possible Livestock Exhibition, also known as POP, shares that same vision by creating opportunities for youth with disabilities to participate in livestock exhibitions in an environment centered on encouragement rather than competition. 

According to the program, POP was established to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to experience the joy of working with livestock, regardless of developmental or intellectual challenges.  

Participants are paired with mentors and volunteers who help guide them through the exhibition while allowing each exhibitor to experience the pride that comes from showing an animal in the ring. 

Rather than focusing solely on ribbons and rankings, the exhibition emphasizes personal achievement and confidence and focuses on celebrating what each participant can accomplish. 

According to 4-H Youth Specialist Mollie Wells, the event is about much more than livestock. 

It is about helping youth discover new strengths and new abilities, building self-confidence, and creating meaningful memories alongside family members, and members of the agricultural community. 

For many participants, the experience also introduces them to agriculture in a way they may never have imagined possible. From caring for animals to learning basic showmanship skills, the exhibition offers opportunities to develop responsibility, and leadership while enjoying the support of an entire community cheering them on. 

CSU has long recognized the important role agriculture plays in strengthening Colorado communities. Through educational programs, 4-H Youth Development, livestock education and community partnerships, The Extension Office provide hands-on learning experiences that help youth develop life skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture and natural resources.  

The POP Livestock Exhibition brings those values together by combining agriculture with accessibility, ensuring every participant has the opportunity to succeed. 

The day promises to be filled with excitement both inside and outside the show ring.  

Community members are encouraged to attend and help celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable young exhibitors while supporting an event that demonstrates the power of inclusion. 

The CSU Extension Office sincerely hopes the exhibition will continue growing each year, giving more youth with disabilities the opportunity to experience the friendships and life skills that agriculture has to offer. 

Registration is currently open, and space is limited. 

For additional information or to register, contact Jesse Entz by email at jesse.entz@colostate.edu or by phone at 719-852-7381.