2016 Fair

Page 12

2016 LOGAN COUNTY FAIR

LINCOLN DAILY NEWS July 29 - August 6, 2016

be those who earn a lesser color ribbon. Those are

the kids who still have something to learn. The notes

from the judge will lead them to make better decisions

next year, with the hopes that a red ribbon will turn

blue with a new animal in tow.

Then the stage two judging begins, picking the best

of the best in each department. In Logan County,

to earn that title for a steer, is a highly sought after

recognition. It is also a difficult competition. In each

breed class, the judge will determine the best of the

breed, and a reserve or second best. This is the point

in time when the judging seamlessly shifts from kids

competing against themselves, to animals competing

against each other. Those top two animals are led off

to the side to await the final judging.

To choose the grand champion steer, the top winners

of each breed are brought back into the arena for the

judge to consider. This can be a very lengthy process

because it is a very important decision. Judges have

in the past, spent as much as a half hour studying

those top animals. The kids are instructed to walk the

animals in a circle in front of the judge. They are told

to stand the animal in profile so the judge can look at

the length of each animal. They are instructed to stand

the animals in a row, with tails facing the judge. The

judge then looks at the width of the hips, the shoulder,

the strength and straightness of the legs, and what they

call standability. The judges also look at the condition

of the feet, the condition of the hide, and much more.

And sometimes, they appear to be starting over, more

circles, more profiles, feeling of the coat, looking at

the legs. It’s tough. Often, that will be the first words

out of a judge’s mouth when it’s time to announce the

winner. It was a tough decision, looking at a lot of top

quality animals, with kids who are doing very well in

showmanship. But in the end, there can only be one

grand champion. When that winner is announced,

seeing the elation on the kid’s face is priceless.

Showmanship is also an important part of the life

lessons the kids learn through 4-H. It teaches kids the

importance of respect, of holding themselves high and

straight, making eye contact with other people, and

having confidence in what they are doing. All of these

will weigh heavily in their future endeavors as adults

in careers.

Some of the rules of showmanship include always

facing your judge. When marching an animal in a

circle, kids’ should always be turned to face the judge.

When standing in profile, if the judge is on the left

of the animal, the kids face left as well. If the judge

walks around to the right, the kid instantly turns to

face him or her again.

Attitude is important. Show respect for the judge, be

serious about the work at hand, and try not to become

too frustrated with a contrary animal. Make sure the

feet are in the right place on the animal, so it stands

well for the judge. Keep the animal in the lineup in

the proper fashion, and respect the space occupied by

the competitors.

All through the competitive opportunities are lessons

that can be learned and applied to life - be respectful,

be courteous, and be mindful of those around you.

The 4-H logo is a four-leaf clover with an “H”

embedded in each leaf. The “H” stands for Head,

Heart, Hands, and Health, but there are two more that

could easily be added, “Humility” and “Humanity.”

At the fair, you see this on a daily basis. Kids who

have shown and done well, don’t throw it in the faces

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