There’s just something about the bond between youth livestock exhibitors and their livestock. Stories of triumph, resilience, accountability, drive, innovation and work ethic are just a few of the themes woven into these stories that caught readers’ attention in 2023:
No, He’s Not a Buffalo: Why We Can’t Avoid Their Questions Anymore
“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair.
He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.
To my credit, I didn’t laugh. I quickly and calmly answered, “No, this is a steer. But he certainly has fluffy hair, doesn’t he?”
As the fairgoer wandered off to their next adventure, I stood there in a bit of shock. A buffalo? Is our society so removed from production agriculture that they don’t know the difference between bison and cattle?
Maybe.
This is just one of many questions that we answered while our family was in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair last month. My son was fortunate to exhibit the grand champion market barrow. The grand champions are housed in the Hall of Champions for an additional eight days after the animal wins the show. During this time, the Hall is open to the public.
Read the rest of the story here.
Girl on Fire Sells Pig for $111,000 in Parker County Livestock Auction
Summer Hardin burst into tears when lot number 22 brought in a shocking $111,000 on Saturday night at the Parker County Stock Show Sale of Champions.
Although one could say the Champion Berkshire Market Hog at the Parker County Stock Show was a great one, the money raised wasn’t about the pig. The money raised was to honor a young woman who wasn’t able to show that pig this year because she’s fighting a battle that no one saw coming.
A group of friends pulled together to buy 16-year-old Paizlee Hardin’s barrow in the premium auction. Since March 15, Hardin’s life turned upside down when this avid pig showman from Brock, Texas, lost her ability to walk and began experiencing “crazy symptoms” as she refers to the intense pain she began to experience that baffled doctors.
Read the rest of the story here.
There’s Just Something About Stock Show Friends
If we are being honest, showing livestock is for crazy people. Late nights, early mornings and little time for social lives. But I think most stock show families would agree they live for summer to do just that – chasing the show circuits, heading out to junior nationals, prepping for the state fair.
Admittedly, those pursuits don’t come without sacrifice. Showing livestock requires financial investment, lots of energy and attention to uncontrollable circumstances, and a sacrifice of social life...unless your friends enjoy late evening strolls with pigs, sheep, goats or cattle.
Read the rest of the story here.
Why a Texas Show Pig Went Viral on TikTok
When Bobbie Vowell threw together a TikTok video of her 16-year-old daughter Madison showing a pig at the Rusk County Youth Project Show in Henderson, Texas, she never imagined it would go viral. The video featuring Big T, a Hampshire barrow, walking across the showring to the song “Pretty Girls Walk” by Big Boss Vette has already surpassed 12.2 million views.
“This is definitely the most comments and responses anyone in my family has ever gotten from a TikTok video. Who would have imagined?” says Madison Vowell of Kilgore, Texas.
She’s been showing pigs for over eight years and believes their TikTok videos have brought awareness to people around the world about different cultures and activities.
“It’s good for people to see how hard work can and does pay off when being consistent. I like the fact that it’s a ‘sport,’ but not the typical sport that people usually think of,” Vowell says. “I love when people can feel the intensity of the final moment. It’s what we all work so hard for.”
Read the rest of the story here.
9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week
We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. When it’s all said and done, we hope we raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others.
But let’s be real.
During fair week, that all goes out the window. We are parenting to survive. There are no blue ribbons for “Mom of the Week” or “Dad of the Day,” so do what you gotta do to get through the hot calves, grumpy barrows, whiny goats, bored lambs and tired kids.
To protect the innocence of all parents involved, here’s an anonymous list of good parenting rules that go out the window during fair week.
Read the rest of the story here.
It’s Time to Bridge the Gap Between the Show Ring and Production Ag
Livestock shows have long been a celebrated tradition where youth showcase their skills and expertise in handling and presenting animals. These events not only provide an avenue for competition, but also serve as a stepping stone towards a career in production agriculture.
However, there is a gap between the show ring experience and the endless opportunities within the commercial production agricultural industry. Recognizing this gap is the first step towards creating opportunities to bridge it and foster a stronger connection between youth livestock showmanship and production agriculture.
