For 9 year old Calvin Hays Chapman of Afton, TX, there was much anticipation for last year’s livestock show season. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in 4-H and wanted to show. My mom, my aunt, and my uncle Topher (Christopher Dalton) all showed livestock and horses. My uncle Topher has been waiting for me to get big enough to finally show.”
In spite of being young, and a beginner, Calvin Hays knew his future show career would revolve around cattle. “I have always loved cows, even when I was really little.” His uncle took him to M-Tex Cattle out of Maypearl, TX and Steve Massey helped them pick out just the right steer. Calvin Hays named him Red.
“When we first got Red I had to work on halter breaking him. My uncle helped me learn how to work with him. I wanted to make sure he got used to me, so I also washed or rinsed him nearly every day. Then I had to walk him on the halter a lot so that he would walk well.” Calvin Hays says. “I had to do that a lot, because it was sure hard to hold onto him when he got away from me!”
For their nutrition program, Uncle Topher put red on Hi-Pro Show Feed. “My uncle says we have been feeding Hi-Pro for 17 or 18 years.” Calvin Hays says “My cattle really like it! My uncle says it is a good feed. Always consistent and that it tastes good to cattle.”
When it finally came to show time, Calvin Hays was not disappointed. “It was way more exciting than I thought!” He exclaims “I was so excited and nervous. It felt great to win, especially Grand Champion at the Dickens County Junior Livestock Show.”
In addition to showing, Calvin Hays plays baseball and is on the puppet and theatre teams at his church. However, that busy schedule is not going to keep him from his cows. “I can’t wait to show again.” He says “I already have a steer and two heifers on Hi-Pro Feed!”
Hi-Pro Feeds is proud to support youth in Agriculture. For more information on our Show Feeds, click here.
