By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com
Tuesday’s Junior Fair beef showmanship competitions had plenty of spit and polish, and it wasn’t reserved for just the cattle.
The beef showmanship began at full speed. To kick it all off, Tori Kirian, of Barnyard Guys and Gals 4-H club, took first place for showmanship in the Senior Beef Feeders Division.
Kirian has been in 4-H for 11 years and she has taken beef for about seven years. Despite her biggest setback, losing one of her calves and having to replace him, she managed to overcome that and show her steer very well.
When asked what her favorite part of showing beef feeders was she said, “making the relationship with the animals. I mean people listen to you but animals listen to you a lot better because they don’t talk.”
Clearly the communication was successful as she and her steer calmly walked around the arena Tuesday evening.
Reegan Leonhardt, of Star Farmers 4-H Club, received first place in the beef feeders Intermediate Division. His favorite part is getting the chance to go out and show and do well. He mentions that his biggest challenge with his beef feeder was, “halter breaking it.”
All the hard work paid off, as he did not seem to have trouble during the show and keeping his steer near his side.
For the Junior Division of the beef feeders, young Kylee Bloomfield of Dairy Maids and Gents 4-H Club, won first place. She has only been in 4-H for two years now. She mentions how she has learned a lot from showing steer things such as, “how to set them up right, and the body parts.”
Moving on to the Beef Cattle showmanship, winning the Senior Division was Adam Widman, of Sulphur Springs Star Farmers 4-H Club.
He says he really enjoys, “seeing the animals progress and see them mature and get better and correct them when they need to be corrected.” Widman will be advancing to the Showman of Showmen this Friday evening.
In the Intermediate Division, Lori Millenbaugh of North Robinson Blue Ribbons, received first place. Millenbaugh, being in 4-H for nine years now, says she loves the competition. Her older sister, Jessica, also loving the competition took home second place in the Beef cattle senior division. Both girls passion for their steers are clearly displayed by their success and poise when showing.
Wrapping up the evening, Kendall Widman, younger sister of Senior Division winner Adam Widman, brought home another first place for the family. She says that she thinks the most challenging part of showing beef cattle is, “setting them up and getting them used to you.” Yet, those challenges she faced did not stop her from succeeding and competing well.
Adam Widman was chosen to advance on to Showman of Showmen this Friday evening.
Results:
Beef Feeders
Senior:
1. Tori Kirian
2. Claire Ehmann
Intermediate:
1. Reegan Leonhardt
2. Carson Heinlen
Junior:
1. Kylee Bloomfield
2. Seth Lohr
Beef Cattle
Senior:
1. Adam Widman
2. Jessica Millenbaugh
Intermediate:
1. Lori Millenbaugh
2. Jenna Siegel
Junior:
1. Kendall Widman
2. Allison Lust