You might not have cared to know the recommended trucking practices for pigs or other livestock, but Colorado State University professor Temple Grandin is happy to explain all of that and more. She’s got videos too.

Perhaps you know somebody who made a new year’s resolution to improve the way they truck their livestock?

The text of what appears to be the press release (online at Alpine Avalanche):

The Fort Davis Merchants Association and the Jeff Davis County 4-H Club encourage everyone to come join the fun as they host the Second Annual West Texas Beautiful Burro and Mule Contest Saturday, Nov. 12.

The contest will be held on the west side of the Jeff Davis County Courthouse, and begins at 11 a.m. with a parade of contestants.

Proceeds will go to the 4-H Club to assist them with construction of their new livestock barn at the county park.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful burro, most beautiful mule, best dressed burro and best dressed mule (costume contest), most congenial, loudest bray, longest ears, traveled the farthest distance, best trick and most obstinate.

A distinguished panel of judges, all of whom can be bribed, (all bribes go to 4-H), includes noted humorist Tumbleweed Smith.

The 4-H Club will have a food booth.

For entry forms, contact Donna Trammell at 432-426-2924, or e-mail rocklady2002@sbcglobal.net.

Not knowing much about Texas geography, I’ll have to assume this all happens in Fort Davis, and not knowing much about burros and mules, I’ll have to bemoan the fact that I can’t find any pictures of last year’s event online. For now, all I have is the announcement above and this NPR mention from earlier this morning.

tags: 4h clubs, beautiful burro and mule contest, beauty contest, burro, costume contest, jeff davis county, livestock, mule, second annual, texas, tumbleweed smith, west texas