Showing livestock at the county fair takes more preparation than some might think
The county fair season is just underway with one of the biggest attractions being the livestock shows.
By News Channel NebraskaJEFFERSON COUNTY, Neb. -- The county fair season is just underway with one of the biggest attractions being the livestock shows.
“We like going to the cattle show. We like to watch that,” said Randy Drees, fairgoer. “That the kids are so involved in it and they all do such a good job. It’s just good to see that.”
Kids, beginning from very young ages, taking care of cattle and showing a lot of responsibility.
“I enjoy seeing all of the different animals and exhibits,” said Adam Umland, fairgoer. “To see what the kids have done, what they’ve worked for and the pride that they show.”
And the kids work hard to prepare their animals for the county fairs.
Take Kellan Schlichtman, who has been showing animals since he was six years old.
He emphasizes that it’s not just a one day thing, but months of preparation beforehand.
“It’s more than what you see at the fairs,” said Schlichtman, livestock presenter. “It's a month ahead of time where you get to practice and wash down animals so that their hair looks right.”
Life can feel pretty busy for Schlichtman when preparing to show cattle.
But he appreciates the help he gets from his family leading up to the big weekend.
“A lot of help from family members and parents that have done this before,” said Schlichtman. “Not all people who are starting out first have parents who have done that. I’m thankful for mine.”
In addition to the Jefferson County Fair, Schlichtman will show livestock at the Gage County Fair as well.