By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com
Genetics played a significant part in the judging for championship stock at Tuesday’s Junior Fair Beef Show – for handlers as well as the bovines.
Showmanship kicked the evening off with intense competition. Exhibitors put forth all of their effort to show the judge that they deserved to be given the showman award.
Taking the title of Senior Showman in the Beef Feeder category was Dairy Maids and Gents 4-H Club member Claire Ehmann. Intermediate Beef Feeder Showman went to Carson Heinlen, member of Holmes Liberty 4-H Club. Junior Beef Feeder Showman title went to Ehmann’s younger brother Keith Ehmann.
When speaking to the Ehmann siblings about the honor of bringing home two Showman awards, Claire was very excited to respond.
“We work together all the time so I’d give him pointers and stuff. This is actually his first year doing the Beef Feeders,” a proud Claire said hugging her brother.
Keith admitted that Claire played a huge role in helping to prepare him for the show. He said that he wouldn’t have been able to do as well without the guidance from Claire as they worked together throughout the year.
Snagging both the Senior Showman in the Jr. Fair Beef Feeder category as well as Beef Showman of Showmen was Lori Millenbaugh, member of North Robinson Blue Ribbons 4-H club. Since winning Beef Showman of Showmen, Millenbaugh will advance on to Friday evening’s Showman of Showmen competition.
“It feels really good. Showman of Showmen only happens once in a while and once you’re done you can never go back and show every species ever again. It’s going to be fun! I’m excited,” Millenbaugh expressed her happiness after winning Beef Showman of Showmen.
The Intermediate Showman of the Jr. Fair Beef Feeders was Levi Hartschuh of Lykens Champions 4-H Club. Bringing the Beef Showmanship to an end, Kylie Bloomfield took home the title of Junior Showman of Beef Feeders.
As the Beef Feeder show began, it was clear that each exhibitor had spent ample amounts of time working with their steer to prepare them for that moment. The amount of poise given off by each exhibitor alone made the show very competitive.
The Grand Champion Beef Feeder was shown by the Intermediate Showman winner, Heinlen. Reserve Grand Beef Feeder went to Kolin Rowlinson, 4-H member of Buckeye Stars.
Heinlen has shown steers for four years but this year is his first time receiving Grand Champion Beef Feeder. When talking to Heinlen he explains how he is extremely happy that all of his hard work has finally paid off.
“I worked about a month and a half every day. Going over to another person’s house. Working with them for an hour and a half to two hours. Walking them and washing them every day. A lot of work to get here,” Heinlen explained of his vigorous routine.
Another Showman winner, Junior Showman of Beef Feeders, Bloomfield was able to take home an Overall Grand Champion Female steer. Reegan Leonhardt of Sulphur Springs Star 4-H Club took home the trophy for Overall Reserve Grand Champion Female steer.
A beaming Bloomfield, sporting her ribbons excitedly, explained how hard she had to work to get to this point in her short showing career of two years.
“Really hard!” Bloomfield emphasized that even though she has only one full year of showing under her belt, she knows that hard work will help her reach her goals.
Hard work is something that the exhibitors of the Grand Champion Market Beef Steer, Millenbaugh, and Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer exhibitor Adam Widman know all about.
Upon receiving her champion ribbon from Judge Jason Bihl, a wide smile spread across Millenbaugh’s face. Millenbaugh’s older sister, Jessica, rushed into the arena and embraced her sister with a huge congratulatory hug. In the past, Jessica had many successes in her days of showing at the fair as well, so it was clear that she couldn’t be any happier for her sister.
“I’m so excited! I’ve never won the County Fair before. I’ve worked so hard every day throughout the summer. I have two other steers for state fair and I’ve just been out there every morning and every night working the heck out of them and finally it all paid off for me,” Lori expressed the thrill she felt after receiving Grand Champion.