Canton FFA’s show year has begun and there are a few new additions to the show team. A few of them are still getting ready for their first show, but others have already gotten a taste of the show life. Stierwalt’s Cattle Battle in Leedey, Oklahoma, was Kasidee Pope, and Jesse Cantrell’s first show. Kasidee Pope exhibited her Hereford heifer and Jesse Cantrell exhibited his prospect steer. 

“My first show was not that bad I don’t think. I did what I was supposed to and even though I didn’t do well placing wise, I did good in showmanship. I wasn’t really stressed out during showmanship but my second time showing I was a bit nervous. I survived though. I learned how to fix some mistakes and how to make my next show better,” Kasidee Pope, cattle exhibitor, said. 

They learned a lot, and with the help of their ag teacher, they were able to make it through their first show. While there they learned how to set up cattle stalls, what time they need to get themselves ready along with their calves, and how shows are set up in general. 

“The hardest part about my first show was just getting the steer to walk around the crowded arena and waiting. We waited around a lot, but I got to learn how to enter the show ring and how the judge wanted me to walk around the ring,” Jesse Cantrell, cattle exhibitor, said. 

There are also exhibitors that have not gotten the chance to show and are getting ready to hit the show ring. Aubrey Cheney is also a first time exhibitor and currently has a crossbred barrow. While other students who have been showing for a few years are working with their animals through the routine, first time exhibitors are finding their routine and learning what it takes to own a show animal. They are holding strong though and have so far had an amazing time experiencing the wonders of showing livestock. 

“The hardest part about owning a show pig is probably having to try and fit it’s care and needs into your daily life, especially if you have a lot of stuff already going on or if you have sports,” Aubrey Cheney, swine exhibitor, said.