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Winning Grand Champion Market Steer and Grand Champion Market Beef has been a lifelong dream of mine and it finally came true at the West Virginia State Fair this year. Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of feeling that judge’s handshake, the one that means all the hours, hard work, and heart you’ve put in have finally paid off. This year, it finally happened. The crazy part is, I picked my steer out all by myself, and I didn’t even see him in person first. I just clicked “bid” on the online sale and trusted my gut. When he got home, no one liked him. I was told he was too skinny, and that
a Shorthorn Plus would never win the State Fair, but I believed in him. And now, looking back, Rocco turned out to be the best steer I’ve ever had. He’s the one that finally made my dream come true, a moment I’ll never forget. Funny enough, in July I grabbed takeout Chinese. My fortune cookie read: “Your dreams will come true in August.” Well… I guess that cookie knew exactly what it was talking about. This season was far from easy. It was early mornings when the rest of the world was still asleep. It was late
nights when my friends were out, but I was in the barn. It was blistered hands, sweat, and more than a few tears along the way. But every single bit of it was worth it when I finally stood at that backdrop. These banners aren’t just awards; they’re proof that dreams really do come true when you refuse to quit. Of course, this win wasn’t mine alone. I owe so much to the people who stood beside me every step of the way. To Martin Watson, for keeping my steer in top shape with his incredible hoof trimming skills. To Eric King, my Umbarger feed specialist, for
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