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Sam and Brittney Schmillen are definitely no strangers to the Sheep Arena! Sam himself has been on one of the best runs ever put together at the Iowa State Fair. In 6 years of showing there, he has stuck a lamb in the Sale of Champions 6 times! Care to guess his goal? Yep…. He has 2 more years left so he will be trying his hardest to stick 2 more lambs into the sale to cap off an amazing career. Being hidden in the Northwest Corner of Iowa in the small town of Marcus, the Schmillen’s have instilled the same small-town values they themselves grew up with. Their parents, Kyle and Jill, have always preached to “stay humble” because if you’re not, life has a way of doing that for you. As Sam gets ready to tackle his last few years, his younger sister Brittney is just entering the show ring. 2023 marked her first year being eligible to show at the Iowa State Fair and she definitely entered with a bang!
“Britt” only exhibited 2 animals her first year…..one Breeding Ewe and one Market Goat. When the dust settled, she came home from the ISF with 2 banners! One for the Supreme Breeding Ewe and another for her Reserve Overall Market Goat. She has continued into the Fall with her successes…. both at Aksarben and the American Royal, where the same ewe garnered both Supreme and Reserve Supreme female honors! The family has enjoyed watching her find the backdrop, it reminds them of the run Sam went on in his early years. Getting the handshakes at Louisville and Arizona Nationals are experiences that he will never forget and Sam credits that for helping establish the confidence it takes to go out on the big stage and put your best foot forward. “Showing livestock has helped instill so many things that everyday life should incorporate. A strong work ethic and the ability to communicate are some things that
us kids have been able to establish because of this project.” Both kids credit their parents for pushing them to be their best. Sam says “Our barn is like every other show barn, you have to adjust to whatever circumstances are thrown your way. All you can do is surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and are willing to help you get there…. and this game we play becomes so much more fun!” The Iowa State Fair has been a focal point for this family which has led to many other Banners around the show world. Next year not only will they have Sam and Brittney showing, but the youngest, Archer, will finally be old enough to show there as well. Looks like they might need to add some more pen space to the show barn! ■
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