County Livestock Show Fun

The county beef show was this past weekend. The grandchildren who live up on the hill next door had their parents take their cattle to the Ag Expo Park for the show. They got things settled in - bedded the space, set up fans, put out some hay, rinsed the cattle, and tied them in. Then, it was over to another barn and the 4-H project chicken sale to sell the chickens they'd raised for the boys and mama, Bonnie. Dad and Abby Lee were off to their softball scrimmage. The Mister, grandfather, was left to keep watch over the cattle.

Later, the Mister returned home and had a snack before we loaded into the truck and headed over for the cattle show. First, came the showmanship classes. Abby Lee participated in the Pee Wee class. She did a good job, thanks to the coaching of older brother, Levi, and a docile Hereford heifer named Kaitlyn.

Then, it was Levi's turn to show in the Junior showmanship class, followed by Easton's turn to show in the Explorer class. Then, it was time for the heifer classes. First, Levi showed the registered Angus heifer they had raised. 

She and Levi worked their way up to Reserve Champion Angus heifer. It is always rewarding to win an award with an animal that was born and raised on the family farm.

Levi and Kaitlyn returned to the ring for her class. Together, they earned Champion Hereford Heifer honors and Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer 

The steer show followed the heifer show. Easton and his steer, AJ, shined in their class. The steer was sort of a middle-weight calf. 

Levi and his heavyweight steer also caught the judge's eye for a little extra attention. All in all it was a wonderful experience for the kiddos and their family. Even dad was all smiles back in the barn.

We were all smiling big smiles as they loaded up the cattle and equipment to head back across the county toward home. It was loads of fun and quite rewarding for all of us. Let's hope that everyone is still smiling after the sale of the steers on Thursday!