H ello, I am Cara Cummins from Hollis, Oklahoma. I am 16 years old and currently a junior at Hollis High School. This past month I exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer at the Tulsa State Fair. I have two brothers, Cooper and Crew Cummins, and as the middle child, my life has been nothing short of lots of entertainment and great memories with both of them. My show career started when I was 6 years old when I first exhibited at local jackpots showing pigs. Aside from showing I have been involved in both cheerleading and basketball throughout my entire life, but nothing compares to the passion I have when it comes to the barn, or the memories I have made with both my family and friends. I can confidently say growing up in the livestock industry, it has given me what no other industry has
to offer. I have been given immense opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the agriculture industry which has allowed me to form connections with industry professionals and leaders that are second to none. I have loved everything about the competition, the people, and the lessons I have learned throughout the years and as my final years approach, I continue to be more grateful than ever before. Every year my family and I put a great deal of time into the barn. In 2022, a core memory was created for us. I was the Grand Champion Market goat, and my brother Cooper, was the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer at the American Royal. This night in particular made me realize how important it was to always lend a helping hand to those you love the most because in the end, your family is always
going to be your biggest supporters and the best team you could ask for. Without the help of both the Bounds Show Goats Crew and the Lucky Strike Crew, that night would not have been possible. Most recently, there was a new memory made that meant just as much to me as the Royal. The Tulsa State Fair 2023 is one I will not forget. Although I have a true passion for showing goats, I wanted to focus on cattle for Tulsa, and put my heart and soul into a set of steers. As the day approached the adrenaline was rushing, I thought I had a shot at the purple banner but I was too nervous to think about it. As the showman for both champion Crossbred and Maine Anjou steer, I was extra excited going into the grand drive. That night was a roller coaster of emotions, my family had never been grand at a steer show of this magnitude before and
we wanted nothing more than to secure that. As I got the champion slap, I was more than excited! I could not give enough thanks to my family, especially my parents BJ and Destiny Cummins and my brothers, Cooper and Crew, for all of the help getting these calves ready. Thank you to Jared Arthur and the entire Lucky Strike crew for your constant support of myself and my entire family. The Longacre family for being the second best family a girl could ever ask for, and to everyone else who played a role along the way. I am looking forward to the rest of my show career making memories with my family and friends. Words will never express the gratitude I have for this industry and everyone who continues to put on events for the youth in the livestock and agriculture industries. ■
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