The deep red hair glistened in the sunlight as the doe-eyed heifer stared at me through the rustling grass of the pasture. I had been watching the Limousin heifer since she was born, knowing that she would be my next show heifer. I named her Regina George.
I waited patiently for weaning time, knowing that I would soon be able to bond with my Regina George. After sorting the calves into the barn, the air is filled with anticipation as we gently placed the halters on them for the first time. Quickly, they learned to trust us and we became friends.
My sisters and I worked from early November until late September on our show calves--leading, washing, combing, and nurturing them to ensure competitiveness in the show ring. The daily routine of preparing these calves woke us up early before dawn and kept us out late until the crickets started to chirp. It was in these long hours outside with the heifers that we were closest to nature, to the livestock, and to our family.
There is nothing better than raising your own seed stock, watching them grow, and getting to spotlight them at cattle shows across the country. The reward is in walking them into the ring--knowing the time, sweat, and tears that have gone into the one calf. Out in the show ring, I am one with Regina George, and together we worked to attract the attention of the judge. The trophy gleamed in the ring, and as the judge slapped Reggie and I as champions--we knew we have accomplished something together.
It's not about winning and losing though. Showing cattle instills a sense of pride in agriculture life, a respect for animals and nature, a strong work ethic, and a feeling of togetherness with family. I wouldn't trade my years in the show ring for anything. Every kid should be given the opportunity to showcase their livestock at local fairs
Unfortunately, children planning on showing at the San Fernando Fair were uninvited to the event this year and livestock were prohibited from the fair grounds. Instead sea lions and turtles become the main attraction of the event. This deeply saddens me as this piece of agriculture is stolen from young people in California. Please let Fair Board member Margie Beeson know how you feel about this issue. Support youth in agriculture and protect the American tradition we are all so fond of.
Contact Margie at margie_beeson@yahoo.com
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Comments (4)
how could they not let the
kids , show livestock. What is the world coming to?
Posted by Big Daddy | June 10, 2007 1:30 PM
Posted on June 10, 2007 13:30
You are right. Showing livestock is a great way to teach kids life's important lessons while also instilling in them a love of agriculture. I will always remember my days of showing cattle with fondness! Thanks for your comment.
Posted by Amanda Nolz | June 14, 2007 6:03 PM
Posted on June 14, 2007 18:03
I agree completely with you Amanda!!! I have shown livestock for most of my life, and I too have learned many of the same valuable life lessons that you have learned. I know that through showing, I have learned just how dedicated farmers are to caring for their livestock and land!!! I too hope that showing will continue to be an important part youth's lives in the future!!!!
Posted by Londa Johnson | June 16, 2007 9:49 PM
Posted on June 16, 2007 21:49
Thank you for your comment Londa! I'm really missing showing cattle this summer being an intern in Washington D.C. for the USDA, but its great to know young people still feel strongly about caring on this great American tradition!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | June 17, 2007 10:46 AM
Posted on June 17, 2007 10:46