2014 Knox County Fair Results

A year's worth of work all comes down to a few moments.  Isaac was so diligent this summer in walking and washing Boo.  There were many difficult days and a lot of prodding from Mom and Dad, but it was all worth it come show time.  Boo is always a dream in the ring.  During showmanship, Boo behaved so well that Isaac was really able to concentrate on showing himself.  It paid off...Isaac won 1st place in Junior Showmanship.  This is the third year in a row that he has won showmanship.  Isaac really shines in the ring and his love of showing is very evident.  

Boo placed 2nd in his weight class.  We were also honored to have Boo chosen as one of the steers to participate in the Showman of Showman competition.  

Sale day was very difficult for all of us.  Special thanks to Advantage Ag & Equipment for purchasing Boo.  It is never easy to say goodbye, but a necessary part of the process.  Isaac is building a college fund and really wants to purchase his own Miniature Hereford heifer this year.  

Walker won 2nd place in 1st Year Showmanhip.  He is proudly displaying his very first plaque.  We had some struggles throughout the week both with Rachel and Walker's attitudes.  Everything came together on show day and we saw a cow and his boy work together beautifully.

Walker also won the skillathon for the 8 year old age group.  He spent a lot of time studying and we are very proud of his hard work.  

Walker showed Rachel in the breed class on Wednesday afternoon.  Rachel showed as a Senior Heifer in the Other Breeds class.  She was up against 2 other full sized cows.  Amazingly, she won 1st in her class.  It really isn't amazing because she is a beautifully put together cow, however, most judges do not have the guts to place little above big.    Rachel then went on to win Reserve Champion Other Breeds.  

We had a gutsy judge that day.  This year we have spent a lot of time at the bottom of the class just because we are little.  It is always hard to lose to a cow with structural issues, just because you are small.  We are in a battle in this part of the country for the Miniature Hereford breed to be recognized and respected for what they are.  In any battle you win some and you lose some.  We have had our fair share of losses, which makes the victories that much sweeter.  

I don't know if Walker was more proud of Rachel or the trophy. 

The week was long, but so many lessons were learned.  We had cool and rainy days and sweltering hot days.  We were all exhausted most of the time.  We spent many hours with family and friends in the barn.  We made many friends and deepened existing friendships.  We had laughter and we had tears.  We had victories and we had losses.  We had lots of fish sandwiches and ice cream.  We had lessons in losing graciously and congratulating those that beat us.  We shoveled lots of manure and gave lots of baths.  

Then we came home and slept!


P.S.  We came home tonight to our first calf of the season.  Another bull calf...hope this isn't an omen for the season.  We need heifers!!!!

P.S.S.  We are always thankful for a healthy baby on the ground.