Every summer since I was the age of nine, mid to late July has always been the busiest time of the year - between harvesting wheat, playing sports and getting my 4-H projects ready for the fair. Whether it was putting the final stitches into my jumper I made for my sewing project or working with, washing and clipping my animals to perfection from dusk 'till dawn, 4-H wasn't just about exhibiting projects at the fair to see how much money I would make, not even about how well I was able to compete against the other exhibitors - I received much more by being in 4-H for 12 years! I have learned many lifelong skills and noble characteristics from my parents, 4-H leaders and other 4-Her's I've met along the way! Throughout my 12 years, I have learned to be a responsible, caring and enthusiastic individual - ready and eager to learn and serve! 4-H is an awesome way for kids to get involved in pretty much any area - if you can think of it, they probably have something out there for you!!
This summer had pretty much the same 'ring' to it - but maybe a little less involved at home (seeing as I am working during the day on campus). This year my 4-H projects consisted primarily on my Dairy cow and heifer, as well as my Holstein feeder calf. Although this year, I felt myself starting to be molded into a 4-H leader - as I was helping younger kids with their projects. They extended the fair week this year - which kind of was a little discouraging for many exhibitors and their parents - but by the grace of God I am pretty sure everyone survived! Tuesday was the beef and feeder judging and I truly felt blessed when I won the Reserve Grand Champion Feeder honors this year at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. Wednesday was another long day - beef and feeder showmanship - here I didn't come out so lucky, or at least that is how I felt. I ended up getting 3rd in a super close call between the top three showman. Personally, I felt a little cheated from what I thought was a pretty awesome job by myself - but the judge had his own personal preferences. The judge gave us three showman opportunities to come to the microphone and he asked us questions on the spot - One of the major questions he talked about were issues facing the cattle industry: The first kid that went up to the microphone addressed the issue of feed prices (corn prices being at around $6 a bushel causes the feed prices to exponentially increase greatly) and how big or a role that will play on the producers in the industry as well as the quality of the product. I then proceeded to go to the microphone and I addressed the issue of Animal Welfare and certain ethical issues that the livestock industry is facing today! I also mentioned how important it was for me as a producers to make sure that I am promoting our industry as positively as possible. I thought I did a good job addressing the issue and stating my claim. Another issue that I think that could have been addressed was environmental restrictions (I should probably write a little more on that another time); however, the third person was asked a totally different question that isn't really relevant to the other questions we were asked above.
Finally Thursday rolled around - time for another exhausting day! The dairy show was bright and early and I rolled out of bed a good half hour before the sun crept over the horizon. First was showmanship, so I decided to take my cow out - big mistake. She didn't want to cooperate very well and because of my cow, I wound up getting third again while my brother Garrett took the 1st place honors!! My mom was just about in tears because Garrett felt so bad for beating me - because it was my last year and because he knew that I worked harder than he had. I came back though in judging and won my class with my heifer and ended up winning Reserve Champion Junior Holstein Female, Champion Senior Female and to top it off Supreme Champion Female! Now that is something I could smile about!
Wow, there is a lot to write about and its getting late...I will have to finish this story in another blog later!!!
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