More From the Fair

The first day of showing Brooke's lamb was the market class. As it was explained to me, she was showing off her lamb and the animal was what they judged. The judge only gave her a red ribbon and we were a little deflated but she shook it off well. It gave her an idea of the showing process and reacting to the judge.

Friday morning was showmanship. Brooke stood by the fence with her lamb getting advise from many people. Sheryden, and other FFA alumni, Andy, all gave her pep talks. Grandpa and I sat in the stands. As she led her lamb into the ring she smiled brightly. She then commenced to handle her animal like a pro! She never let up on the smile! She was judged against other FFA novice lamb showers. She walked her lamb, changed positions and then even switched lambs with other participants. It was 15-17 hardcore minutes of judging and she smiled the entire time. She also braced her lamb which is standing in a certain way so the lamb would be still and displayed to an advantage. As the round drew to a close, the judge lined them up in winning order. Brooke stood at the very head of the line, the Grand Champion. I immediately began to cry! I was so happy! As the grand champion of the novice group she got to go back into the ring for the judging of all the sheep kids who had won their divisions, novice and experienced. Out of these 4 kids, she again worked her lamb for another 15 or so minutes and smiled again the entire time. She looked completely at ease and out of this group won reserve champion!

It was such a special day!

Saturday was the sale of the animals. The kids presented their animals to the crowd of buyers while the auctioneer talked in the background. At the auction, we learned that Brooke's lamb had ultrasounded as the best carcass! So we felt better about market showing! This was a blue ribbon lamb for sure.

Brooke's lamb was sold at the auction and she was very relieved. After the sale the kids went to the stall to say goodbye to the lambs. Brooke was a little sad, but Shaylee cried and cried.


What an awesome experience this was. We are so lucky to have FFA in our town and feel grateful that FFA has been something that Brooke enjoys so much.

We have wonderful friends (Andy and Jana) that have helped us and mostly helped Brooke learn about raising lambs, feeding them and providing a place for her lamb to live and run. These friends are so generous and giving. They are true supporters of FFA and also of kids. They support so many things in the community and buy and donate animals at the auction.

Sheryden was there every minute... giving her all to the FFA kids. She organized the float, watched the showings, mentored the kids through everything all while tending her 3 young kids. She is amazing!

Sayge and Shaylee helped Brooke feed, wash the lambs, and understand the process. It was fun to watch them show their lambs too!