blessed at the Iowa State Fair Market Steer Show is truly an understatement. It started off in 2022 when my sister, Avery, brought home the Grand Champion Market Steer honors for the first time. When our family first started showing cattle, our goal was to win our county fair. When Avery first won the Iowa State Fair, it was an unreal moment for our family because we had all worked so hard for her to get to that point. In 2023, little did I know that it would become my turn to experience that same feeling. 2023 was the last year that Avery, Parker, and I would all walk into the showring as 4-H exhibitors together, so that was a special year for us already simply because of that. Going into the final drive that year was a surreal moment for all of us, and when I received the Grand Champion slap that year, I don’t think anyone was more proud of me than my sister Avery. Getting to be involved in her moment in 2022 and then having her there for me in 2023 is something I will never forget. Going into the 2024 Iowa State Fair, I was nervous but excited. My brother Parker and I brought three steers, but our family’s barn favorite all year long would have to have been Milo, my Division 2 Crossbred Market Steer. Milo was a full sibling to the steer that Avery won the state fair with in 2022, which was very special to us. We knew he was special from the time we brought him home
to the time I stepped into the ring with him for the last time. Going into the final drive at the Iowa State Fair this year, our family was thinking of how many times we had been blessed in that ring in years prior. I showed my steer, Milo, while Parker showed my Division 3 Crossbred Market Steer. As I entered the ring with Milo, I thought of another one of our family’s favorite quotes - “Expect nothing, appreciate everything.” When Milo and I received the Grand Champion slap, all I could think about was how lucky and grateful I am to have the support system that I do at home. I also owe much of my success that day to my brother, Parker, who was able to show my Division 3 Crossbred for me and bring home Fifth Overall Honors as well. Winning the Iowa State Fair Market Steer show is such a challenge, as there are so many incredible show families in our state. This year our family exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer for the third year in a row, which was such an incredible feeling and something we all are so fortunate to be able to have experienced. To make the day even sweeter, it was also my fifteenth birthday on the day of the steer show! Looking back on that day, I am extremely proud and thankful for everyone that allowed me to achieve that moment. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone that has been involved in my livestock showing journey. First of all, none of
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