THE OKEECHOBEE YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW, INC. is a not-for-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, one of which is our scholarship program, OYLS strives to provide opportunities for our young people.

The foundation of our organization is our annual Livestock Show and Sale held at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center in March of every year. This weeklong 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 the 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, goats, beef breeding cattle, steers, swine, and dairy cattle for the coveted title of Grand Champion. In addition, the exhibitors also compete in a showmanship contest and a herdsman competition.

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.  We will be glad to include you in the tradition of educating Okeechobee’s youth. We appreciate all those who consider supporting, or continue to support, the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show in Okeechobee County – a county where the foundation and heritage is its agricultural industry!

Matt Vinson, President,
Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, Inc.