Hard work pays off at showmanship contests

Months of dedication and hard work came to fruition last week for young 4-H and FFA participants from across the county as they showcased animals at the prestigious Northwest Montana Fair. 

First-time competitor Taylor Ekern estimates she spent hundreds — if not thousands — of hours preparing for Wednesday’s beef cattle showmanship competition. Despite being more of a horse enthusiast, Ekern earned reserve grand champion for her outstanding efforts. 

“I’m just thankful for this opportunity,” she said humbly after receiving her award. 

For the youth who take part in these competitions, it’s less about the potential for a blue ribbon and more about the journey of raising their steer, pig, goat or sheep. 

As one 4-H parent put it, showmanship teaches empathy, camaraderie, perseverance — and patience. 

It’s a trait Kayla McConkey has embraced after raising her spunky lamb, Clyde, who has a penchant for chewing. 

“It’s like leaving a toddler,” she said, as Clyde attempted to eat a paper tag off a folding chair at the Trade Center. 

Seventeen-year-old grand champion Brynn Mason, who has been attending competitions since elementary school, appreciates the lessons learned over the months. She reflected on the beginning of her journey, when her winning goat, Jazzy, was born. 

“It was a hard labor — a really traumatic night for me and for the doe,” Mason recalled during Thursday’s showmanship event. “But I got a really special goat out of it.” 

The more than 1,000 youth participants in fair competitions deserve a hearty round of applause. The professionalism and dedication shown by these young competitors over the past week was nothing short of inspiring. 

The lessons they’ve learned — about empathy, perseverance and patience — will serve them well in whatever challenges lie ahead.