• Jul. 23, 2009
Over for another year
The fair finished up this past Monday. The FFA shows and the 4-H auction take place that day, then it's time to help clean up and haul everything home. I think this was one of our busiest fairs ever, and we were really tired by the end of the week, but everything was a little easier because of the AMAZING weather we had - never have I worn jeans or a jacket at the fair!
We brought all the little goats that were born this winter and they did great. Most of the older gals got to stay home and I don't think they'd have done as well - something to work on for next year.
As for the sheep, middle boy got champion lightweight wether with one of his but none of the others did very well - again, something to work on for next year. None of the lambs showed as well as their moms had in the past, which makes me think we need to borrow a different ram this year for breeding.
We're always proud of the boys and all their hard work though, and it's been neat to see them taking on more as they get older.
This year oldest boy won Senior Showman in the sheep barn, which entitled him to go on to compete in the Master Showman contest. The winning senior showman from each barn (sheep, goats, dairy, beef, swine, and horses) all show each animal other than their own. This meant that before the competition on Sunday, oldest boy had to go around to each barn and line up an animal to borrow for the show, plus practice how to show it.
It was a great experience for him and he really enjoyed working with all the different species - I think he was the most nervous about the radio interview!
Of course, the icing on the cake was that he won reserve champion!! All the competitors did a great job and I hope they are all proud of themselves. Some of the kids won't even try to compete at this level with all the different species so I say good job to all of them!
he was much happier than he looks, believe me!
So that's one more year of county fair under our belts.......I hope the boys will have fond memories of these days when they are older, hopefully the early mornings and hard work won't be the main things they recall.
Comments
• Jul. 23, 2009
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Posted by Anonymous
I bet you guys are all tired! All the animals looked really good and I am sure the boys will have fond memories of these days in the 4H. I remember living on a dairy farm when I was a senior in high school. That time is one of my most fond memories. I think that's why I can't wait to retire to the rural parts. How are the doxies?
• Jul. 24, 2009
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Posted by Oiyi
Beautiful photos! Your boys will surely have wonderful memories when they are adults.
www.oiyi.blogspot.com
• Jul. 26, 2009
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Posted by Anonymous
Congratulations to your oldest...outstanding job :)
The boys I'm sure will always have fond memories of their fair days!
Glad you had nice weather. It's been unseasonably cool and rainy here, but today I must say they turned the heat way up.
Enjoy the rest of your summer :)
hakucho
• Jul. 27, 2009
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Posted by woolwinder
Congratulations to everyone!
• Jul. 28, 2009
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Posted by Anonymous
Congrats to everyone - I know that lots of hard work goes on before as well as during this. Your guys will have lots of great memories about it. I love the pics especially the last one - so sweet.
Hugs - Mrs. Farmhouse :)
• Jul. 28, 2009
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Posted by Thimbleanna
Wow -- Congratulations to you and your guys. Looks like another great year. I've been told I missed the best two weather weeks of the year by being on vacation -- boohoo. That one picture is pretty funny 0 -- it looks like the goat is begging for mercy from a boy who loves him too much!
• Jul. 29, 2009
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Posted by Junie Moon
It's so nice to hear about the awards, all that hard work paid off plus they gain confidence as well as skills as time goes on.
• Jul. 30, 2009
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Posted by Emily
Oh, those pictures are so awesome! So sweet.
