and couldn't wait for my turn to show my own steer, but my parents wanted me to wait until I was older. When I got into Junior High, I finally showed my first steers which initially were the ones that were left around or wild. My freshman year in High School was the first year I finally got to show a steer at our State Fair, and while I had shown at Kansas City and Denver, it was also the first year I didn’t just show the leftovers. I had 3 steers that year, one for State Fair, Aksarben, and Kansas City. A few weeks prior to State Fair my steer got hurt and I ended up showing my Aksarben steer there instead. He went on to win the Missouri State Fair which was a dream I had since I was little. However, with him making the sale it meant I didn't end up having a steer for AKSARBEN. This year I decided I wouldn't take a steer back to Missouri State Fair and instead help my friends who purchased steers from us. This allowed me to focus on my steers for AKSARBEN and American Royal. It turned into a really fun summer helping others and then I was blessed with winning AKSARBEN with my steer, Brandon. That will always be an unforgettable day as it was my first win with a fat steer on a national level. The way the show
put together all the species in the grand drive made it even more special as my friend Wyatt, who was also showing a steer with us, won the pig show that night as well. I will never forget the moment my steer got slapped. It was incredibly rewarding knowing that everything my family and I had worked so hard for paid off. I remember looking over when it happened and seeing my parents and the whole team of my friends who were there to help me. I could not do this without the amazing support system of family and friends. They are always in my corner. They say it takes a village and that couldn’t be more true. I couldn’t do it without the help of so many and especially my parents, words truly can’t describe how thankful I am for them. My dad jokes around that I would show every weekend if I could; that’s honestly the truth. I will forever cherish all the memories we have made, people we have met, and lessons my sister and I have learned. I only hope that one day I can give half as much back to the industry that has made me who I am. I can't thank God enough for all he has done for my family and I, I couldn’t imagine growing up any other way. •
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