Youth demonstrate showmanship at Big Butler Fair
FRANKLIN TWP — More than 20 youth strutted their goats, cattle and sheep Friday, July 7, in the 4H & FFA Master Showman Contest at the Big Butler Fair.
“Each exhibitor in 4H & FFA, from 8 to 21 years old, is going to show all kinds of different species — so they’ll show a goat, a sheep, a beef cow and a dairy cow,” said Amanda Priscilla, committee leader.
Competitor Morgan Teets, 16, said Master Showmanship challenges exhibitors to show off animals they have not previously practiced with.
“It’s basically about how well you can control the animal,” Morgan said. “Which is different here, this one is Master Showmanship, you can’t bring your own animal so you have to try and work with another animal.”
A veteran of the competition, Morgan has won Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer and Grand Champion Steer at the fair — as well as various competitions around the country.
“(The judge) is looking for their feet in the right placement at the end, that the animal looks good and how you position your body,” Morgan said.