1993'S TOP RANCHER HAS HIGH HOPES FOR THIS YEAR'S CATTLE

If Lendell Thompson were a betting man, he would likely put everything he owned on his prize-winning Charolais named L.T. Caprice.

After all, as an 8-month-old calf it was named Reserve Grand Champion in last year's SEMO District Fair livestock competition. But Thompson is setting his sights on another calf for this year's competition. This year, he says L.T. Caprice's younger half-sister, L.T. Caprice 2020, is the one to watch.

"The judges probably won't see it the same way I do, but I kind of think the younger one will do better this year," said Thompson, who was washing L.T. Caprice with Joy soap in one of the livestock stalls Tuesday afternoon.

While he was applying soap to L.T. Caprice, Thompson was watched his son Trevor struggle to control L.T. Caprice 2020 move toward the barn.

"The younger ones don't always like to do what they're told," Thompson said. "It's always that way."

Livestock competitors had until 6 p.m. Tuesday to enter their animals. Awards won't be given until Thursday.

The St. Mary rancher can be considered an authority on prize-winning cattle, having won Herdsman of the Year honors at last year's SEMO District Fair. Such an honor is given to the top breeder at the fair.

Thompson said he was honored and surprised by the Herdsman of the Year honor, but it didn't make him rich.

The honor, however, can help a rancher at subsequent auctions, Thompson said.

Thompson, who has entered livestock for five years, produced five champions at last year's district fair.

Thompson thinks he has brought some good bulls and heifer calves to this year's fair," but I'm sure everybody here feels like they brought the best."

A parade of champions for all grand and reserve champions is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday in the show tent.

The top prize brings $37. The least a winner can make is $18 for seventh place.

"You can win a few hundred dollars if you place in everything you enter, but nobody gets rich from the prize money," Thompson said.

Thompson said he competes for the pride and to see what other ranchers are doing.

The fair continues today with the Big Bull Chute-Out by Wild Horse Rodeo Productions scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Bob Rosenquist's band will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. in the R&R tent.

Astro Amusements will hold a Moonlight Madness special for rides from 5 to 11 p.m. Anyone purchasing a $10 band has unlimited access to the rides within the designated time frame.

On Friday, Louie The Lightning Bug, Union Electric's electrical safety bug, will appear at the fair from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Louie is part of Union Electric's education on electrical safety. The education consists of animated television advertising, printed material and public appearances.

Louie will be accompanied by a Union Electric ambassador to who help deliver some of the same messages as Louie. The ambassador verbalizes his messages while Louie acts them out.