My name is Laura Ann Pettit and I’m from Flemingsburg, Kentucky. My mom and I run and manage over 500 acres of land, where we have a production of 140 registered and commercial cows that calve in the spring and fall. I also run my own feeder cattle operation around the year. This year I exhibited the Grand Champion Steer and 5th Overall Steer at the 2022 Kentucky State Fair. Let me just say what a honor it is to be able to exhibit two animals in the Top 5 at my state fair, or any state fair at that. Ever since I was able to walk I was out on the farm and truly fell in love with this industry from that moment. My grandfather was the one who got me started, and pretty well taught me everything I know about livestock to this day. When he passed away in June of 2020 there was no doubt in my mind I was ready to take over the operation and make him proud, and I’m sure he is. My steers names this year are Freddy and Tyrone, and let’s just say when Freddy first made his appearance into our show barn I surely didn’t believe this one would take home Grand Champion at the Kentucky
State Fair. In August of 2019 I was first introduced to the Hess Family, and they truly have been like family ever since. Bricen and his family raised this steer who has been the biggest teddy bear from the get go. Whether they raise them or find some of the best for us, I can’t thank them and so many others of our team enough for all the help along the way this far. When we first heard Ryan Rash was coming to judge the Kentucky State Fair we were all ecstatic. I vividly remember telling everyone that the “glitter slap” was coming our way, and I would say that aged pretty well. I’ve been showing for what’s going on my 11th year (both novice and 4-H) and each year myself and my team put in countless hours, dedication, and determination on whatever goals we want to accomplish. Working with these steers all year has had it good and hard times, but I knew by the time state fair rolled around this year we had some pretty awesome ones who were gonna be hard to miss. I couldn’t think of a better year because, this one was just so memorable. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment before Ryan Rash picked my steer to
win because, he said,’’Hold on tight!’’ That is something you’ll never forget, and I definitely held on tight. In the future I plan to expand our feeder and registered cattle operation in hopes of enlarging my own brand and show cattle operation. I am currently a Junior at Fleming County High School and wish to further my education at Oklahoma State University with a degree in Agriculture, and possibly pursue the livestock judging team as well. This year sure has been one to remember, and I cannot wait to see what other successes my crew and I will have in store for future years not only in Kentucky, but all around. Again, I cannot thank my mom, Hess Family Cattle, JW Livestock, Minges Show Cattle, Puckett Show Cattle and Green Cattle Co. enough for their continued support and help through the years. Here’s to the future ahead! So, If there’s one thing to take away from this just remember the words of Ryan Rash, “If you can dream it and believe it there’s no doubt YOU CAN BECOME IT.’’ •
203
Powered by FlippingBook