Purple Circle Club Honors 145 Students at Annual Ceremony in Benton
The Purple Circle Club recently inducted 145 students at a special ceremony in Benton, celebrating their achievements in livestock projects at the Arkansas State Fair. Representing more than 200 awards, these students were recognized for their excellence and dedication to agriculture, with awards in categories such as breeding cattle, commercial steers/heifers, dairy cattle, showmanship, goats, lambs, swine, rabbits, and poultry.
Founded in 1952, the Purple Circle Club honors youth exhibitors who have earned championship titles for their livestock at the Arkansas State Fair. Originally sponsored by Arkansas Power and Light Company (now Entergy Arkansas), the program has been coordinated by Arkansas Farm Bureau since 2005. The inaugural class of inductees in 1952 consisted of 38 students.
Dan Wright, president of Arkansas Farm Bureau, spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the students’ accomplishments both inside and outside the show ring. Wright said quote, “These students represent more than just success in the show ring. They reflect a commitment to excellence, strength of character, and the sacrifices that come with raising livestock.”
Among the honorees, several students from across Arkansas were recognized for their exceptional livestock projects. In Pike County, Lillie Jo Cook was awarded Grand Champion Hereford, while Trace Minton received the Champion Pee Wee Market Hog Showmanship award. Colton Robbins from Pike County also earned two prestigious awards: Grand Champion Beefmaster Heifer and Grand Champion Beefmaster Bull.
From Howard County, Gauge Young earned recognition as Grand Champion Percentage Simmental Bull. In Hempstead County, Huck Plyler received multiple awards, including Grand Champion Charolais Bull and Division Champion Charolais Bull.
The ceremony not only celebrated the students’ hard work and dedication but also highlighted the strong agricultural community in Arkansas. The Purple Circle Club continues to serve as an important tradition, acknowledging the future leaders of the agricultural industry.
