While the task of raising and showing an animal is a huge commitment that requires time management, patience, and skill; the year 2020 made the work that much more difficult in many ways. However, rural communities and families still came together to make the experience as memorable as possible. For sisters Savannah and Madison Whitt …
Savannah and Madison Whitt – Perseverance Through Adversity Read More »
Livestock showing is often a family affair, with former showers passing down their experience to their children and grandchildren for generations. For Kristen Massingill, however, she and her sister are the first generation to show. “I was so little when I started showing calves, my dad helped me halter break. My sister wasn’t quite as …
Kristen Massingill – From Raw Beginner to Experienced Breeder Read More »
When 17-year-old Riley Greiten says she got started showing early, she means early. At the young age of 6 years, Riley was out in the show barn with her big brother, then 8, learning the nuts and bolts of raising a show animal. “I loved being in the barn with him.” She says “He let …
Riley Greiten – Big Brother Mentors Little Sister Read More »
At 9 years old, Zeb Murphree of Hamilton, TX is a very busy young man. He plays Little League, football and basketball, all while volunteering as the Hamilton County 4-H Treasurer and his Student Council Treasurer. In spite of an already full plate, Zeb decided to raise and show a heifer for his second year …
While most youth who show are supported by family and community, Cameron Choate from Hubbard, TX is the first to credit that support at the top of reasons for her success. “I’ve been showing since I was 8, so around 10 years. Throughout the process, every year, there was someone helping me. I’m really grateful …
Cameron Choate – It Takes a Village…to Raise a Steer Read More »
Although Tripp Phillips of Mount Pleasant, TX is one of the youngest Livestock Show winners to be spotlighted on this blog, don’t be fooled by his age. After six years of showing, veteran 13-year-old Tripp decided he was ready to challenge himself and switched from showing pigs to showing heifers. “I wanted to step up …
Tripp Phillips and Livestock Shows – Friendship, Community, and Fun Read More »
Kevin Bloomquist of Bloomquist Lambs, has a very different back story from most successful agriculture entrepreneurs. “I think the thing I’m most proud of is that I was a city kid who always wanted to be in production agriculture, and now I sell lambs all over the country.” Kevin grew up on a one-acre piece …
Kevin Bloomquist – From Producer to Scientist and Back Again Read More »
“That Rapid Start is really a good feed if you’re going to be weaning some calves.” says Bill Stovell. “I wasn’t sure the cattle would go to it and eat it. But when we got it in the bin, I tell you those calves went right to it. They cleaned that feed up like crazy!” …
Bill Stovell and Hi-Pro Feeds: From Valued Employee to Loyal Customer Read More »
When Walden Farm and Ranch Supply decided to open a new location in Weatherford, TX, there was one man they knew they could trust with it: Cody McCleary. It was a new adventure and challenge, and Cody was excited about the opportunity. “Larry Walden and I share some of the same business philosophies, so I …
When Heather Thompson was growing up in Idaho, showing horses in 4-H, she didn’t know horses would become her life. “I didn’t dream of being a horse trainer when I was a kid, because I didn’t know there was such a thing!” She laughs. “Horses were a passion. I moved to Texas for horses. I …
Heather Thompson – Turning a Passion Into a Profession Read More »
