After sharing my thoughts reflection on the Washington Post article, written about the cost of showing livestock, I was overwhelmed and extremely excited about the positive feedback I received from people who read my blog. I received emails, messages, texts, and phone calls from friends, family, and people I had never met before. My post was shared on Facebook over 90 times; it was tweeted, and even shared with the Washington Post. I once again realized how amazing the livestock industry is. With all the comments and positive feedback, I really enjoyed reading what everyone thought of the article and how showing lifestock has impacting them. My favorite two stories are shown below:
From Kelly Pancake Bontrager, West Virginia
Austin and Lexi, that is my niece that won that show. We raise cattle and goats that we show often. But buy lambs and hogs to show at our state fair. Thank you Lexi for articulating that so well. She and her brother are making Ag their life. She is a freshman at Lincoln Land and he at Oklahoma State University, both livestock judging there. She also had champion market heifer that she raised. I appreciate your kind words. Thanks again!
From Bruce Maloch, Arkansas
Thanks, Lexi, for your response to the Washington Post article. We are an FFA family. Our kids showed cattle and my grandkids are now showing pigs – for all the reasons you mentioned. We won a 266 head market show at the 4 States Fair in Texarkana last year with a pig we bought for $125. We may not do as well this year, but that is part of the learning process. Here is a pic – and, little sis has to get in on the action. She has a “runt” she walks everyday and does Pee Wee Showmanship. Best wishes to you.
Austin and Lexi, that is my niece that won that show. We raise cattle and goats that we show often. But buy lambs and hogs to show at our state fair. Thank you Lexi for articulating that so well. She and her brother are making Ag their life. She is a freshman at Lincoln Land and he at Oklahoma State University, both livestock judging there. She also had champion market heifer that she raised. I appreciate your kind words. Thanks again!
From Bruce Maloch, Arkansas
Thanks, Lexi, for your response to the Washington Post article. We are an FFA family. Our kids showed cattle and my grandkids are now showing pigs – for all the reasons you mentioned. We won a 266 head market show at the 4 States Fair in Texarkana last year with a pig we bought for $125. We may not do as well this year, but that is part of the learning process. Here is a pic – and, little sis has to get in on the action. She has a “runt” she walks everyday and does Pee Wee Showmanship. Best wishes to you.
I had never spoken to Kelly or Bruce before, but their story is like many of ours. It truly highlights how important showing livestock is to so many people around the nation. In my opinion, people need to focus on the kids and what they get out of showing livestock.
Here’s my final message: keep sharing your story! I truly believe the livestock industry is the best industry in the world. The statement that livestock is cheaper than rehab still stands true. As we work in the barn, remember that we are raising good animals as well as good kids. I wish every person reading this luck in, and out of the show ring. May God bless you and every adventure you choose to take. Thank you very much for the support and always do what you love and love what you do!
Here’s my final message: keep sharing your story! I truly believe the livestock industry is the best industry in the world. The statement that livestock is cheaper than rehab still stands true. As we work in the barn, remember that we are raising good animals as well as good kids. I wish every person reading this luck in, and out of the show ring. May God bless you and every adventure you choose to take. Thank you very much for the support and always do what you love and love what you do!