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Showing animals helps fair participants learn and grow
Showing animals at the fair is a lot of work, but the rewards can be great.
Exhibitors are showing a wide variety of animals at the state fair. One exhibitor is Cora Brandau from Wilton who is at the Wisconsin State Fair for the fourth time showing a heifer. Brandau has been showing dairy cattle since she was only four years old and says she likes the bond that develops between her and her calf. “I just like figuring out my project and seeing them grow, and just the bond that comes between you and your heifer.”
(AUDIO: Cora Brandau)
Isabelle Doherty from Johnson Creek shows pigs, and won the Grand Champion Showman award for her fifth time Thursday at the state fair. Doherty also teaches others how to show pigs, and some of her students don’t have farming backgrounds. “We actually have one girl that shows out of our barn and she doesn’t have a farm herself, but she gets help through there.”
Doherty’s advice for people thinking about showing or getting their children involved in animal showing? “My advice is do it. Find a team around you. It’s all about the people. It’s all about the team that follows you. You can’t do it by yourself. You need some help and there’s so many people around every corner that are wanting to help you and that would be so excited to help you and help the next generation because that’s what we’re all trying to do.”
(Audio: Isabelle Doherty)
One of Doherty’s showmanship students learned well, as he was also in the top five with Doherty. Her next goal is to get one more and beat her brother’s family record. She also wants to get her degree in elementary education and bring agricultural experiences to school children.
Great job Izzy