Tough Lessons Learned in the Show Ring: Exhibitors Speak Out

Although there’s nothing like getting the grand champion slap in front of a huge crowd in the coliseum, these youth livestock exhibitors are quick to point out that a lot of hard work and tough lessons were learned behind the scenes first. This is the second in a two-part Q&A series from my time spent with some of the exhibitors who showed the top-placing livestock in the Illinois State Fair junior show. 

Here are some of the toughest lessons they’ve learned showing livestock.

“I've learned a lot from showing over the years. But the one thing that has always been put in my brain from a young age, is that no matter how many times you get knocked down or beat, there will always be a time to rise to the occasion and hit the high note.”
– Kashen Ellerbrock, 16-year-old son of Jeff and Kelly Ellerbrock of Atkinson, Ill. Ellerbrock exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer Overall

“I’ve learned the hard way that if you only do things halfway and don’t put all the effort in – even in the little things – it makes a difference. If you don’t do everything you can possibly be doing, you won’t reach your goals.”
– Harper Hess, 14-year-old son of Marcus and Shanna Hess of Bushnell, Ill. Hess exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat Overall 

"Anything can happen to your animal. All you can do is keep putting the time and work into them every day."
– Hunter Shike, 15-year-old son of Dan and Jennifer Shike of Sadorus, Ill. Shike exhibited the Grand Champion Market Barrow Overall

“The toughest lesson I have learned while showing livestock is that change is always going to happen. It takes me awhile to adjust to a different program – whether it's how we feed, clean or pack. In the end, we always get to the end goal so adjusting to change was definitely the hardest lesson but probably one of the best lessons.”
– Taylor Rhoads, 18-year-old daughter of Matt and Jennifer Rhoads of Genoa, Ill. Rhoads exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow Overall

“Not every show is going to go well. There will be days when you want to question everything. You just need to keep at it. Everything will eventually work out.”
– Lilian Unger, 16-year-old daughter of Shawn and Nora Unger of Chebanse, Ill. Unger exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb Overall

“Things may not always go your way or the way you have planned, but everything works out as it should in time.”
– Maddox Reedy, 11-year-old son of Kyle and Sarah Reedy of Tuscola, Ill. Reedy exhibited the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer 

“Animals get sick sometimes. You need to pay close attention to your animals so if they do get sick, you can treat them quickly.”
– Logan Campbell, 9-year-old son of Scott and Lisa Campbell of Little York, Ill. Campbell exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow 

“You won’t win all the time, so when you do, win with humility. Cherish your win and don’t be cocky. When you get beat, don’t be a sore loser.”
– Nolan Hoge, 15-year-old son of Mark and Katie Hoge of Good Hope, Ill. Hoge exhibited the Grand Champion Market Goat Overall 

Read the first story in the series here: 
Around the Ring: What’s the Best Piece of Advice You’ve Heard Lately?