It is almost ring time. Three generations of Mitchell men work on a steer to get him looking his best.  Mr. Mitchell is gluing the leg hair to make it stand out while sons Michael and Brandon work with the comb, clippers, and dryer.  Grandson Baron is right in there too, holding the tail while his dad Brandon clips the hair. The littlest Mitchell man, Merrick, watches them work in the arms of his mother.  No doubt he will have his days of helping fit the cattle ahead.

Showing animals is in the Mitchell DNA.  Canton students are helped by not only their ag teacher Mr. Mitchell, but his whole family who pitch in, teaching the students the correct techniques to help their animals look their very best. One steer down, seven heifers to go. It is an assembly line of kids, Mitchells, and parents.  As one student heads to the ring with the help of Mr. Mitchell, the next FFA student brings his/her calf to the chute and gets it ready with the help of Brandon, Michael, and Baron until eventually, all eight have been fitted and shown.

 The day is coming to an end.  The animals are fed and watered and the humans get to finally go get themselves some dinner.  It’s been a long day, but everyone laughs and enjoys each other’s company and a good meal together.  Then off for a few hours of sleep before waking up early to do it all over again. Showing animals requires many hours of work.  It is not easy. It costs a good chunk of money and time. However, memories are being made that are priceless. Mothers and fathers are helping sons and daughters. Brothers and sisters are helping each other and  friends are helping friends. It is truly a family event. Very few other school activities have families spend as much time together, time that at the end of the day is priceless. Mr. Mitchell and his wife raised their sons to love showing in 4-H and FFA, and their grandsons are being raised the same way.  

It is a family tradition that will continue for generations.