The Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, Inc. is a Non-Profit organization seeking to promote and educate the young people of Okeechobee County, primarily in the field of agriculture and community development, since 1969. Through many of its community outreach programs, OYLS, Inc. strives to provide opportunities for our young people. The foundation for our organization is our annual Livestock Show and Sale (OYLS), held at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center in March of every year. This week long event is full of livestock show activities and culminates on the third Saturday of March with a livestock auction. The participants, approximately 300 students from 5 to 18 years old, are local youth who proudly show their animals they have raised as an Okeechobee 4-H or FFA project. Upon entry to the show, the animals are on display for the patrons of the Okeechobee County Fair to enjoy throughout the week. The students’ exhibit their rabbits, poultry, lambs, goats, beef breeding, steers, swine and dairy cattle and compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion. In addition, the exhibitors compete in a showmanship contest, herdsman competition and the Ultimate Triple Crown contest, a contest designed to recognize an All-Around Champion for those exhibitors competing in multiple species categories.

		Volunteers and sponsors, are the key to OYLS’ and our youth’s successes. The members of OYLS and the 16 member board of directors work throughout the year to provide experiences that will further educate students. The sponsors, such as Okeechobee Children Services Council, provide the funding to help make OYLS’ mission possible. If you would like to become a member of OYLS, or if you would like to contribute as a volunteer or sponsor, contact us, and we will be glad to include you in the education of Okeechobee’s youth. We hope you will consider, or continue, to be a part of the tradition and support the OYLS, Inc. in Okeechobee County – a county where the foundation and heritage is its agricultural industry! Ben Butler President-OYLS, Inc.

	Supporters

		Here at OYLS, Inc. we are very grateful for our supporters. The continuous outpouring of support from our community and surrounding communities make this organization possible. These area businesses and individuals who sponsor and make donations to OYLS, Inc. are the backbone to this wonderful organization. The sponsors funding, allow OYLS, Inc. to purchase awards, reduces exhibitor’s expense, and provides educational opportunities in the form of receipts from sale animals and scholarships, rewarding each individual for the hard work and strong work ethics learned throughout their show career.

	Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, Inc. PO Box 1313 :: Okeechobee, Florida 34973 Phone: 863-634-1463