Showing.... It's a Lifestyle

Showing…. It’s a lifestyle.

With graduation approaching fast I find myself looking back on my past years to see how far I have come and what has shaped me into the individual I have become.  Over the years I have played multiple sports, been involved in numerous organizations but none of them even compare to the impact showing livestock had on me. I cannot stress enough the responsibility, leadership, work ethic, and value of friendship showing will bestow on you.

Starting at the young age of five I way allowed to show in open class at our local county fair. This is where it all began. I can remember getting ready for my first time in the big arena. We would take the pig to the wash racks get them all shined up making sure they looked the best in the arena. Mom then took me back to the campers to get myself “show ready” bursting with excitement she braided my hair, tucked in my freshly ironed flannel, put my pig grooming brush in my back pocket and off to the show we went! Back in the barns we waited for my class to be called into the arena knees shaking, heart pounding I was a nervous wreck. I heard the announcer call “class seven to the area.” I headed to the arena trying to remember all the tips my parents had told me, keep your eye on the judge, do not ever stand between the judge and the pig, keep him moving and most importantly be confident, you will do great! After what seemed like forever the judge started placing the top five exhibitors. I was now more nervous than ever! When the judge final said “and this young lady in the pink flannel will take the class” I did not know to cry to jump for joy. My very first time showing and I won showmanship! This is where it all started, not knowing it would be the beginning of so much more.

From this point forward I knew livestock would be in my life forever. My parents told me how much work and time I would have to put into these fair projects. Now old enough to show as an exhibitor I did not care nothing could keep me from showing pigs. However, it was not long after receiving my pigs I learned how much work they were. I had to be up early, remind you this is my summer vacation, I want to sleep in. Nope, had to be out at the barn by 8a.m. Once we got the pigs fed and watered it was time to walk them. It never failed we were back in the bars that night feeding, washing and walking them all over. It was a huge adjustment for the first couple weeks. I mean I was only nine and had never successful raised a goldfish. I now know the responsibility this taught me. Responsible behaviors in the 4-H livestock program include providing timely and appropriate care, feed and housing for the animal, as well as preparing for the show. Maintaining an accurate project record book is another important component of the 4-H livestock program; members should responsibly record their animal’s health, feed, age, and take pictures of their livestock project to document growth.

Furthermore, starting at such a young age I had already learned the value of leadership. Leadership for some is something they are born with, for others it’s something they have to work at to learn. In the stock show world, they learn this lesson very early on. No matter what animal they take into the show ring they have to lead it in there or drive it. These animals have to learn to trust these kids and that’s why you can tell the kids that work with their animals from the kids that don’t. The animals from the kids that work with them stride in the ring, because they trust the person behind or in front of them. The kids that don’t work at it have to deal with an animal that is resistant to go anywhere with them. Just like how being a leader really is. Before people follow you they must first trust you.

Moreover, I knew what it was like to work hard and see the rewards you earn from your hard work. I started ahead of the game, which I am so very thankful for now! My earnings from selling my market projects were placed into a savings account that helped me pay for my college tuition. Once I was too old for showing I had so much extra time on my hands, getting a job was the only thing that seemed to occupy my excess time. This continued to build on my work ethic I gained from raising livestock.

Finally, the best thing I gained out of this experience a vast amount of lifelong friendships. Making lifelong friends and memories is something all livestock exhibitors will obtain after stepping into to the show world. Some of the best memories aren’t always made inside the show ring, but rather at home working, sitting in the trailer preparing for the show, or headed towards the show. Showing brought my family together closer. We had to spend hours upon hours traveling together in the truck for miles and we had plenty of time to talk about anything and everything. Family and friends are the most important people in your life. Without their love and support it would be tough to do anything.

In conclusion, in life dedication, integrity, and hard work can get you anywhere you want to be. Those are just some of the characteristics that describe what FFA and 4-H push kids to possess. Which is why FFA and 4-H are beyond important for the agriculture industry. Stock show kids are always working towards conquering a goal and accomplishing their dreams.That is why show kids really are the best kids.