I got a text message late last night from our 4-Her, Courtney, who is at the MN State Fair with a yearling heifer breeding project. It simply said: "Got reserve red heifer!"
I immediately called my dad to see if he heard the good news. Yep. He and Courtney had already discussed the competition and results. As my dad told me, "I told (Courtney) congratulations and that she deserved it," to which Courtney's reply was, "No Jack, you deserve it." Man, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It's not often that you find a 4-Her as humble and easy-going as Courtney. We like to tease her about the success she has had this year showing cattle, but it boils down to this: Courtney worked hard to learn about the breeding beef project, put in her time on the farm and at the fairs, and has found success. Everyone at Shady Oaks Farm is proud to create those types of situations for young people.
So, SHO Miss Queen 0914, a March 2009-born daughter of Cyr's Queen 1200 (cow) and LMG Gills Rattler (bull), did well at the MN State Fair. Placing second in a class of 7-8 head, and going on to capture 4-H Reserve Champion Red Angus Heifer.
Other kudos go out to the Philip Berg Family, it was Samantha Berg that had 4-H Champion Red Angus Heifer. Also, our hats go off to the Paul Fehrman Family; Christina Fehrman earned 4-H Champion Cow-Calf Pair. My dad has seen both of these competitor's cattle while at the Red River Valley Fair, and they are good! It's quite an honor to have known both Samantha and Christina before they were even 5 years old.
Allow me to make a trip down memory lane here. We haven't had a Reserve Champion 4-H heifer since 1999, the summer after my senior year in High School. I recall being so proud because it was the first heifer I exhibited that I also bred and raised from the great Bieber Marie A515 Cowline in our operation. Estatic, to say the least. We weren't accustomed to being an annual contender at that point in our lives; we were still young. I remember I had to miss freshman orientation at the University of Minnesota, Crookston; and a weekend of volleyball games, just to make it to the state fair.
Anyways - we'll be back to the state fair next week for the Open Show. Will update you if Courtney gets a call-back for Showmanship!
Showing posts with label Showstring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Showstring. Show all posts
Friday, August 27, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Results: Itasca County Fair
Our hometown fair was held Aug. 18-22 in Grand Rapids, MN. We brought 10 head of registered Red Angus cattle, among other things. Our lone 4-Her, Courtney Johnson, assisted, as did former 4-Her, Marcy McNichols.
Judge for the event was Clint Hathrein from Little Falls, MN. Clint is a Charolais breeder, and a new face to man of our beef exhibitors. It was nice to have someone "new" to our small judging ring.
Here's a re-cap of who did what, what surprised us, and wowed us.
It all got started with the 4-H competition Saturday morning, Aug. 21. Courtney took our young heifer calf, 1001 (whom I've named Divine) out in the prospect breeding heifer class against a stout-made Black Angus heifer from the Ingvaldsons. We wound up winning the class. Whoa... that wasn't expected (though hoped for...).
Then it was the breeding heifer project, where Courtney took out 0914 in a class of five yearling heifers, where she ended up placing first as well.
For the cow-calf class, there was this stout-made April-2010 bull calf at the side of a near-three-year-old Red Angus cow from Ingvaldsons. We knew the competition would be tough for our two-year-old and her heifer calf (Angel and Divine). The judge really appreciated how matched of a pair they were, and ended up placing our pair first.
For overall 4-H project - Courtney's heifer won. In the state fair line-up (though you can only take one entry to the state fair), Courtney placed first with her yearling heifer and third with the cow-calf pair. She then went on to win Senior 4-H Showmanship. After all this, we joked about Courtney being able to get her "ego" into the barn. She had a fantastic day, was extremely humble about it all, and deserved every honor awarded to her.
In the open show, we were a bit more humbled. The bull classes were first and we placed second and third to two nice Mulberry sons from Ingvaldson's. The April-2010 born bull calf they had ended up winning Reserve Champion Overall bull.
But our females surged back, and kept us about even:
Cow, 3 years and over (w/calf): 1st out of 1
Cow, 2 years and under (we/calf): 2st out of 2
Yearling heifers: 0914, 0947, 0929 and 0926* This was a class where dad and I bet Dairy Queen on our placings. Well, I ended up placing dead last - though the judge said my heifer was the prettiest one he had seen all day. She just wasn't as free-moving as the others above her.
Heifer calf: 1st out of 1
The overall Red Angus female honors went to our yearling heifer, 0914. In the overall female drive, it sounds like she would have placed third. As it was, Dan Brown's cow-calf pair was first, followed by a Simmental calf from Pashe's.
We faired well in the group classes, and took Reserve Champion Purebred Cow-Calf pair with our two-year-old pair. That surprised us!
We also ended up with the Reserve Champion Herd (second to Dan Brown's - which was sort of a given since he had Overall Champion bull and female). The judge went to shake dad's hand, saying that it was he who did all the work. When all the animals exited (but mine and dad's), he called him back over to introduce me saying, "It's all her breeding program; I'm just the hired man here." While I don't really agree with dad's analysis, it was nice of him to attribute some of our breeding success. Clint (the judge) told us he really appreciated the uniformity and femininity of our group and really loved the rib our cattle had."
Next up - MN State Fair 4-H weekend. Courtney leaves tomorrow with the heifer, opting for that project since she's taken a cow-calf pair several times to the fair.
Judge for the event was Clint Hathrein from Little Falls, MN. Clint is a Charolais breeder, and a new face to man of our beef exhibitors. It was nice to have someone "new" to our small judging ring.
Here's a re-cap of who did what, what surprised us, and wowed us.
It all got started with the 4-H competition Saturday morning, Aug. 21. Courtney took our young heifer calf, 1001 (whom I've named Divine) out in the prospect breeding heifer class against a stout-made Black Angus heifer from the Ingvaldsons. We wound up winning the class. Whoa... that wasn't expected (though hoped for...).
Then it was the breeding heifer project, where Courtney took out 0914 in a class of five yearling heifers, where she ended up placing first as well.
For the cow-calf class, there was this stout-made April-2010 bull calf at the side of a near-three-year-old Red Angus cow from Ingvaldsons. We knew the competition would be tough for our two-year-old and her heifer calf (Angel and Divine). The judge really appreciated how matched of a pair they were, and ended up placing our pair first.
For overall 4-H project - Courtney's heifer won. In the state fair line-up (though you can only take one entry to the state fair), Courtney placed first with her yearling heifer and third with the cow-calf pair. She then went on to win Senior 4-H Showmanship. After all this, we joked about Courtney being able to get her "ego" into the barn. She had a fantastic day, was extremely humble about it all, and deserved every honor awarded to her.
In the open show, we were a bit more humbled. The bull classes were first and we placed second and third to two nice Mulberry sons from Ingvaldson's. The April-2010 born bull calf they had ended up winning Reserve Champion Overall bull.
But our females surged back, and kept us about even:
Cow, 3 years and over (w/calf): 1st out of 1
Cow, 2 years and under (we/calf): 2st out of 2
Yearling heifers: 0914, 0947, 0929 and 0926* This was a class where dad and I bet Dairy Queen on our placings. Well, I ended up placing dead last - though the judge said my heifer was the prettiest one he had seen all day. She just wasn't as free-moving as the others above her.
Heifer calf: 1st out of 1
The overall Red Angus female honors went to our yearling heifer, 0914. In the overall female drive, it sounds like she would have placed third. As it was, Dan Brown's cow-calf pair was first, followed by a Simmental calf from Pashe's.
We faired well in the group classes, and took Reserve Champion Purebred Cow-Calf pair with our two-year-old pair. That surprised us!
We also ended up with the Reserve Champion Herd (second to Dan Brown's - which was sort of a given since he had Overall Champion bull and female). The judge went to shake dad's hand, saying that it was he who did all the work. When all the animals exited (but mine and dad's), he called him back over to introduce me saying, "It's all her breeding program; I'm just the hired man here." While I don't really agree with dad's analysis, it was nice of him to attribute some of our breeding success. Clint (the judge) told us he really appreciated the uniformity and femininity of our group and really loved the rib our cattle had."
Next up - MN State Fair 4-H weekend. Courtney leaves tomorrow with the heifer, opting for that project since she's taken a cow-calf pair several times to the fair.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Results: North St. Louis County Fair
As I write this, the cattle and kids should be home from the North St. Louis County Fair (Chisholm, MN). It's a local event, though not our county fair, held about an hour from our house. The North St. Louis folks always show us hospitality and provide bedding and hay for hungry critters, not to mention some of the best midway fair food around.
Jack, Marcy and Courtney took nine head to the show. That consisted of:
Judge for the day was Troy Salzer, Carleton County Extension Agent. Jack reported that there wasn't much in terms of competition.
Heifer calf was a lone entry and thus placed first.
In the yearling class, it went: 0914, 0929, 0947 and 0926 - aka, "Fatty Patty." Jack's comments: "He grouped the big, showy heifers and then the working class heifers." The Angus Junior division champion was 0914.
In the cow-calf division, each won their respective class. The champion Angus Cow-Calf pair was 0302 and her bull calf over 0806. "He had a hard time between these two because 0302 has an April calf, but she's a beautiful cow. [The judge] asked me why she calved so late (compared to 0806 who calved early February). I told him it was because she didn't stick AI," Jack said.
Overall champion Angus went to 0302 and her bull calf, beating 0914 for the honor. My mom, Mary, was on the halter working 0302 and did a great job - so much that the judge even winked at her!
In the bull division we had a bull calf and yearling bull (0910). Each won their respective class, with 0910 winning the Angus bull division.
Overall Champion Female: 0302 and bull calf, Shady Oaks Farm
Reserve Champion Female: Darwin Porter
Overall Champion Male: 0910, Shady Oaks Farm
Reserve Champion Male: Bull calf, Shady Oaks Farm
Overall Herd: Shady Oaks Farm
So, all-in-all a very good day. Jack caught up with the Nortons, who used to have beautiful Gelbvieh cattle on "da range." They sold out a few years ago and now travel by RV to work on Habitat for Humanity houses, spending much of their time in Brookings, SD. Their daughter, Sharla, lives on a ranch near Pierre, SD. Dad gave out my contact information; I'm looking forward to catching up with them.
Next show, the Itasca County Fair in three weeks!
Jack, Marcy and Courtney took nine head to the show. That consisted of:
- Two cow-calf pairs (0806 and a heifer calf and 0302 and a bull calf);
- Four yearling heifers; and
- One yearling bull
Judge for the day was Troy Salzer, Carleton County Extension Agent. Jack reported that there wasn't much in terms of competition.
Heifer calf was a lone entry and thus placed first.
In the yearling class, it went: 0914, 0929, 0947 and 0926 - aka, "Fatty Patty." Jack's comments: "He grouped the big, showy heifers and then the working class heifers." The Angus Junior division champion was 0914.
In the cow-calf division, each won their respective class. The champion Angus Cow-Calf pair was 0302 and her bull calf over 0806. "He had a hard time between these two because 0302 has an April calf, but she's a beautiful cow. [The judge] asked me why she calved so late (compared to 0806 who calved early February). I told him it was because she didn't stick AI," Jack said.
Overall champion Angus went to 0302 and her bull calf, beating 0914 for the honor. My mom, Mary, was on the halter working 0302 and did a great job - so much that the judge even winked at her!
In the bull division we had a bull calf and yearling bull (0910). Each won their respective class, with 0910 winning the Angus bull division.
Overall Champion Female: 0302 and bull calf, Shady Oaks Farm
Reserve Champion Female: Darwin Porter
Overall Champion Male: 0910, Shady Oaks Farm
Reserve Champion Male: Bull calf, Shady Oaks Farm
Overall Herd: Shady Oaks Farm
So, all-in-all a very good day. Jack caught up with the Nortons, who used to have beautiful Gelbvieh cattle on "da range." They sold out a few years ago and now travel by RV to work on Habitat for Humanity houses, spending much of their time in Brookings, SD. Their daughter, Sharla, lives on a ranch near Pierre, SD. Dad gave out my contact information; I'm looking forward to catching up with them.
Next show, the Itasca County Fair in three weeks!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Results: Red River Valley Fair, Day 3 (Youth Beef Show)
Dad and Marcy just returned home from the Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, ND. Dad and I discussed the day's show results from the Red Angus Youth Beef Show.
No cow-calf class. Whew - I bet that cow was happy to sleep in.
Heifer calf (1001): Second out of two.
They combined the March and April yearling heifer classes. Yearling heifers (0947 and 0914): 0947 placed second, 0914 placed third out of four.
Judge was Ross Carlson from Murdock, MN
We're on a break from showing until the North St. Louis County Fair (July 31).
Dad's parting words, "The corn is over my head... hee hee hee!"
No cow-calf class. Whew - I bet that cow was happy to sleep in.
Heifer calf (1001): Second out of two.
They combined the March and April yearling heifer classes. Yearling heifers (0947 and 0914): 0947 placed second, 0914 placed third out of four.
Judge was Ross Carlson from Murdock, MN
We're on a break from showing until the North St. Louis County Fair (July 31).
Dad's parting words, "The corn is over my head... hee hee hee!"
Results: Red River Valley Fair, Day 2 (Open Red Angus Show)
Jack's concluding thoughts on Tuesday was, "Let's hope 0914 brings her A-game!"
Unfortunately, that momentum was squashed by Wednesday's results. Dad was a little disappointed with the results, but overall, we still did OK.
Cow-Calf, 0806 Angel and heifer calf 1001: First out of 2.
Heifer calf, 1001: Second out of 2. She won the class yesterday.
April yearling heifer, 0947: First out of 1.
March yearling heifer, 0914: Third out of 3. That's quite a flip from winning the class yesterday.
Judge for the event was Jerry Talsma from Edgerton, MN. Maybe we'll meet him again down the road.
Unfortunately, that momentum was squashed by Wednesday's results. Dad was a little disappointed with the results, but overall, we still did OK.
Cow-Calf, 0806 Angel and heifer calf 1001: First out of 2.
Heifer calf, 1001: Second out of 2. She won the class yesterday.
April yearling heifer, 0947: First out of 1.
March yearling heifer, 0914: Third out of 3. That's quite a flip from winning the class yesterday.
Judge for the event was Jerry Talsma from Edgerton, MN. Maybe we'll meet him again down the road.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Results: Red River Valley Fair, Day 1 (Regional Red Angus Junior Show)
Just got a call from my dad. They pulled into West Fargo, ND, yesterday morning for the Red River Valley Fair. It's a four-day event with three separate cattle shows. Had to pull some strings to get a heifer calf registration number, but all is well.
Jack and Marcy are in Fargo handling the string. They've brought four animals this time. The two-year-old cow-calf pair, and two yearling heifers (a March- and April-born).
Judge today was Nate Frederickson from St. Onge, SD. We had another really good day! The cow-calf pair was first in it's class of two, but didn't manage to get around the aged cow-calf pairs for Champion or Reserve overall cow-calf pair. The heifer calf won it's class of two. The April-born yearling heifer (0947) was first in a class of one. The March-born yearling heifer (0914) was second in a class of three - but, as Jack tells me, "[The judge] hmmed and hawwed over first and second, it was really close." In the overall drive, Champion went to a Berg Red Angus January/February-born heifer, and the Reserve went to the Berg March-born yearling heifer (that just beat us in class).
So, a very good day in all. You can tell Jack is excited, because he had to call me right away as he was leading the two-year-old cow from the showring to the barn. Sounds like Fargo is going to get hit with severe storms today, and possible hail. I wish I could be with the girls and dad at the show, but it's fun to get updates from them. Dad says, "They all looked really, really good."
It's a good day when you can take something you've raised and say that. Way to go!
Jack and Marcy are in Fargo handling the string. They've brought four animals this time. The two-year-old cow-calf pair, and two yearling heifers (a March- and April-born).
Judge today was Nate Frederickson from St. Onge, SD. We had another really good day! The cow-calf pair was first in it's class of two, but didn't manage to get around the aged cow-calf pairs for Champion or Reserve overall cow-calf pair. The heifer calf won it's class of two. The April-born yearling heifer (0947) was first in a class of one. The March-born yearling heifer (0914) was second in a class of three - but, as Jack tells me, "[The judge] hmmed and hawwed over first and second, it was really close." In the overall drive, Champion went to a Berg Red Angus January/February-born heifer, and the Reserve went to the Berg March-born yearling heifer (that just beat us in class).
So, a very good day in all. You can tell Jack is excited, because he had to call me right away as he was leading the two-year-old cow from the showring to the barn. Sounds like Fargo is going to get hit with severe storms today, and possible hail. I wish I could be with the girls and dad at the show, but it's fun to get updates from them. Dad says, "They all looked really, really good."
It's a good day when you can take something you've raised and say that. Way to go!
Results: Central Minnesota Cattlemen's Association Riverboat 4-H/FFA Beef Show
Our 2010 show season began with the Central Minnesota Cattlemen's Association Riverboat 4-H/FFA Beef Show in Aitkin, MN. The 4-Hers really like this one-day show, mainly because it's quick. We've had mixed results over the years, being on both the top and bottom of classes. It's a nice show to bring cattle to for their first time, and there's a hoof-trimmer on site to take care of the show calves feet (if need be).
We took three animals to the show for competition. Our two-year-old cow-calf pair, Angel (0806), and her heifer calf, 1001 placed first in their class of three (two Red Angus cow-calf pairs and one Angus cow-calf pair). Our yearling heifer, 0914, won her class of seven. Courtney Johnson was called back for showmanship, too!
A good day! Courtney treated Jack and Marcy to Dairy Queen on the way home.
We took three animals to the show for competition. Our two-year-old cow-calf pair, Angel (0806), and her heifer calf, 1001 placed first in their class of three (two Red Angus cow-calf pairs and one Angus cow-calf pair). Our yearling heifer, 0914, won her class of seven. Courtney Johnson was called back for showmanship, too!
A good day! Courtney treated Jack and Marcy to Dairy Queen on the way home.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Happy 21st Birthday, Sunshine!
Some may find it strange that every March I mutter a "Happy Birthday, Sunshine" on March 13. Who is Sunshine, you ask? Well, just the greatest maternal mama and foundation of our herd at Shady Oaks Farm. You see, Sunshine was my very first 4-H project, an open heifer we purchased from Bieber Red Angus. I know her birthdate so well because I had to memorize first for the 4-H heifer project, then later as I showed her in cow-calf classes.
Sunshine had a prolific life at our farm. In subsequent years when attending the Bieber production sale, I'd daydream that I'd run into Craig, Ron, or even a cowhand and we'd have a lengthy discussion about the merits of A515 (Sunshine's tattoo/ID), her mother and father, and how she is working for us.
Sunshine was more than just a number for us on the farm. She's raised top-gaining sons for the Focus On Efficiency bull sale/test. She's produced females that had longevity in our herd. Her daughter was my 4-H heifer in 1999, and I won Reserve Champion Red Angus heifer with her (her name was Madeline). It was quite a feat to raise your own champion. And all thanks to Sunshine.
I remember cold mornings in August while at county fairs. My friends and I would pile on top of her back and snuggle (and she'd let us). Nothing really got her riled up. She always looked for grain or a scratch. She weighed in at 1550 lbs., without any help of feed. She was an easy-keeping cow that continued to be productive well into her teens!
My parents didn't tell me the day they took Sunshine "to town." I don't think I could have handled it. But her memory lives on. I think I'd credit her with the reason we're in the Red Angus business. She gave us no troubles and we admired the entire breed because of her (and a few others). To this day, I'll be studying pedigrees in our herd and say something like, "She's the great-granddaughter of Sunshine," and then lobby to keep that bloodline in our herd. It's amazing the kind of impact one animal (or person, for that matter) can have on an operation.
Learn more about Sunshine's performance stats here.
Sunshine had a prolific life at our farm. In subsequent years when attending the Bieber production sale, I'd daydream that I'd run into Craig, Ron, or even a cowhand and we'd have a lengthy discussion about the merits of A515 (Sunshine's tattoo/ID), her mother and father, and how she is working for us.
Sunshine was more than just a number for us on the farm. She's raised top-gaining sons for the Focus On Efficiency bull sale/test. She's produced females that had longevity in our herd. Her daughter was my 4-H heifer in 1999, and I won Reserve Champion Red Angus heifer with her (her name was Madeline). It was quite a feat to raise your own champion. And all thanks to Sunshine.
I remember cold mornings in August while at county fairs. My friends and I would pile on top of her back and snuggle (and she'd let us). Nothing really got her riled up. She always looked for grain or a scratch. She weighed in at 1550 lbs., without any help of feed. She was an easy-keeping cow that continued to be productive well into her teens!
My parents didn't tell me the day they took Sunshine "to town." I don't think I could have handled it. But her memory lives on. I think I'd credit her with the reason we're in the Red Angus business. She gave us no troubles and we admired the entire breed because of her (and a few others). To this day, I'll be studying pedigrees in our herd and say something like, "She's the great-granddaughter of Sunshine," and then lobby to keep that bloodline in our herd. It's amazing the kind of impact one animal (or person, for that matter) can have on an operation.
Learn more about Sunshine's performance stats here.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Showstring successes!
Whew - it's been just over a month since we've began our 2009 show season - and we've had our share of victories and defeats! Here's a quick re-cap of what our hardworking 4-H kids have been up to. First, let's meet our crew.
Marcy McNichols - is our resident "senior" 4-Her. She will be a sophomore at North Dakota State University in the Fall majoring Agricultural Business. When she's not showing cattle, Marcy enjoys shooting sports, and shootin' the breeze. This summer she and her family traveled to Germany to visit a foreign exchange student they hosted.
Courtney Johnson - will be a senior at Hill City High School in the fall. Newest to the showteam, Courtney is a happy-go-lucky young lady who has diverse interests in small animals, health and journalism. Last year she was a one-woman-show for the school newspaper and yearbook!
Emily Rassmussen - known for her dual-skills in horsemanship and cattle, Emily is exhibiting her very own steer in addition to breeding females this year. While there's much to learn about raising and showing steers, Emily's feels proud to have "one of her own" on the string. In the fall, Emily will be a Junior at Grand Rapids High School.
Hannah Rassmussen - here's our cowgirl in training. Though not officially leasing 4-H projects yet, she competed in her first show at the Aitkin County 4-H Fun Show. Hannah is a bright, inquisitive 10 year old who has unrivaled success with her pony. When she's 12, she'd like to become an official member of the showteam.
July 11, 2009 - Aitkin County 4-H Fun Show, Aitkin, MN
Showmanship successes were the highlight of this one-day event! Hannah, in her first show, earned champion Junior Showman with her big, easy going heifer. Cortney, Emily and Marcy were all called back for the Senior Showmanship contest, and Marcy was named champion (her first such honor!). The animals were all well behave, except Double D - Emily's steer - was a bit freaked out.
In the classes, we did well, also. 0811 placed second, followed by 0806 and 0819 in a class of 6. 0846 won her class, but didn't earn any additional honors. The steer placed 4th out of 8 in the unfinished steer contest.
July 13-16 - Red River Valley Fair, West Fargo, ND
This event comprises three different shows: Regional Red Angus Show, Open Red Angus Show and Mel Kirkide Youth Show - which is great to get a different perspective on what your cattle can do. We were on both extremes - near the bottom and at the top throughout the event. What was most memorable though was the fun Alaina and the girls had - especially on Wednesday night when Jack and Becky joined the fun for go-kart racing!
July 31-Aug. 2 - North St. Louis County Fair, Chisholm, MN
Jack and the girls brought a full trailer load to the county fair. A neighboring county, we've brought cattle here for 20 years and feels like a second home. With 4 heifers, 3 cow-calf pairs and 1 steer, it was a tight fit to get to the event. But once, hay and straw was provided for all exhibitors. Through pouring rain, the team showed quite well, sweeping nearly every competition. Champion Female was #12 and her calf; Champion Bull was #117's bull calf. The steer won it's class of 3, also. You'll note the yearling heifer class was jumbled as 0819 is coming on strong, placing: 0811, 0819, 0846 and 0806.
We've got a 2.5 week break before the Itasca County Fair - our hometown crowd and extravaganza!
Marcy McNichols - is our resident "senior" 4-Her. She will be a sophomore at North Dakota State University in the Fall majoring Agricultural Business. When she's not showing cattle, Marcy enjoys shooting sports, and shootin' the breeze. This summer she and her family traveled to Germany to visit a foreign exchange student they hosted.
Courtney Johnson - will be a senior at Hill City High School in the fall. Newest to the showteam, Courtney is a happy-go-lucky young lady who has diverse interests in small animals, health and journalism. Last year she was a one-woman-show for the school newspaper and yearbook!
Emily Rassmussen - known for her dual-skills in horsemanship and cattle, Emily is exhibiting her very own steer in addition to breeding females this year. While there's much to learn about raising and showing steers, Emily's feels proud to have "one of her own" on the string. In the fall, Emily will be a Junior at Grand Rapids High School.
Hannah Rassmussen - here's our cowgirl in training. Though not officially leasing 4-H projects yet, she competed in her first show at the Aitkin County 4-H Fun Show. Hannah is a bright, inquisitive 10 year old who has unrivaled success with her pony. When she's 12, she'd like to become an official member of the showteam.
July 11, 2009 - Aitkin County 4-H Fun Show, Aitkin, MN
Showmanship successes were the highlight of this one-day event! Hannah, in her first show, earned champion Junior Showman with her big, easy going heifer. Cortney, Emily and Marcy were all called back for the Senior Showmanship contest, and Marcy was named champion (her first such honor!). The animals were all well behave, except Double D - Emily's steer - was a bit freaked out.
In the classes, we did well, also. 0811 placed second, followed by 0806 and 0819 in a class of 6. 0846 won her class, but didn't earn any additional honors. The steer placed 4th out of 8 in the unfinished steer contest.
July 13-16 - Red River Valley Fair, West Fargo, ND
This event comprises three different shows: Regional Red Angus Show, Open Red Angus Show and Mel Kirkide Youth Show - which is great to get a different perspective on what your cattle can do. We were on both extremes - near the bottom and at the top throughout the event. What was most memorable though was the fun Alaina and the girls had - especially on Wednesday night when Jack and Becky joined the fun for go-kart racing!
July 31-Aug. 2 - North St. Louis County Fair, Chisholm, MN
Jack and the girls brought a full trailer load to the county fair. A neighboring county, we've brought cattle here for 20 years and feels like a second home. With 4 heifers, 3 cow-calf pairs and 1 steer, it was a tight fit to get to the event. But once, hay and straw was provided for all exhibitors. Through pouring rain, the team showed quite well, sweeping nearly every competition. Champion Female was #12 and her calf; Champion Bull was #117's bull calf. The steer won it's class of 3, also. You'll note the yearling heifer class was jumbled as 0819 is coming on strong, placing: 0811, 0819, 0846 and 0806.
We've got a 2.5 week break before the Itasca County Fair - our hometown crowd and extravaganza!
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