Rick Williams is no stranger to the game when it comes to the show cattle industry. He is well known for the respected RW Derby Day Jackpot show in Ocala, FL but his beginning in show cattle started long before that. RW’s passion for show cattle began as a young boy and only grew with age as he began showing. His Florida roots lead him to hosting the first ever club calf sale in the southeast in the early 70’s. He was sure to note that the top calf brought a premium of $900, which was top dollar back then! With the formation of his Cattle Fitting Service and sale RW saw a need for a show where EVERYONE could show! This lead to the first ever RW Derby Day Jackpot which was held in 2013.
Since 2013 Rick Williams has grown the jackpot from 200 head to over 600 head of cattle and some extraordinary prizes to the line up. “My goal with this show was to create an event that everyone could be apart of! In Florida there are restrictions at other shows that exclude kids who buy calves, have cattle in certain age range and other limitations, I didn’t want that here. I want everyone to show up with the animals they have and have a good time showing!” explains Rick.
“Most importantly I want them to show up and have the drive to want to win… so I make sure the prizes are good” Rick says with a grin on his face. “I think it’s important that people want to win what you’re handing out. We have custom buckles and banners made, coolers, halters and of course the custom Derby Day show box that Southern Show Supply donates!”
Rick goes on to note how this show wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the sponsors and volunteers like Tomi Smith and so many more! Jason and Kim Weaver may be the Show Supply dealers on hand at the show but they are involved in so many more ways. Their son Brock Weaver won Supreme AOB his last year showing. “The Weaver Crew treats everyone like they are family and that’s why I want them here!” Rick states.
“Their knowledge of the show cattle industry and of the Sullivan Supply products makes them a true asset to have. They are always more than willing to help everyone and people genuinely look forward to stopping by and visiting with them. They are always willing to donate to our show and lend a helping hand whenever it’s needed!”
This year the Supreme award is a custom Derby Day Show Box donated by Southern Supply, The Weaver Family.
Sullivan Supply is proud to be a part of this event. It truly is a one of a kind show for the southeast that allows so many juniors the opportunity to exhibit their animals that otherwise may not have it. Keep up the great work Rick Williams, Tomi Smith and crew! The Sullivan Supply team looks forward to many more years of being at the Derby Day Jackpot, the largest one day jackpot on the east coast!
