LAKEPORT— There is a lot of preparation that goes into the Junior Livestock Showman Exhibition and early arrivals got down to business on Wednesday.
Since the first County Fair in the fall of 1922 in Upper Lake, students and parents have worked diligently to execute a professional livestock show to the delight of Lake County residents.
The early hours were taken up getting their animal charges ready for judging in the arena as exhibitors billeted livestock in their pens and enclosures. For some, despite tender years, were already veteran hands getting their animals ready for exhibit. But others, it was a new experience but one they relished since the work helped them mature.
Raising a boer meat goat was a first for Aubreyana Suzor, a sophomore at Upper Lake High School. She got her goat, "Meadow" in May weighing just 45 pounds yet is already up to 85 pounds. She said, "I'm hoping for $10,000 or the highest somebody will bid," she challenged. Although that purse may prove elusive, like many exhibitors Aubreyana plans to use her auction fees toward higher education.
"I have a complete list of careers," she said. "Veterinarian is one of the things I want to be. Or maybe an EMT or an ultrasound tech. One thing the auctioneer looks for in a quality animal is good musculature explained. Aubreyana. That is why she takes Meadow out walking a couple of times a day. But even a barn animal can have a mind of its own and although Aubreyana admits their walks can be a challenge despite her comparing Meadow to a "puppy dog." "Sometimes she likes to drop down on the ground and play dead and I'll have to tug her along," she said. "Sometimes she obeys commands and other times she ignores it. Next year I'll do another goat and maybe try a steer."
Brandy Mitchell, a senior at Upper Lake High School is raising two meat goats, Spot and Billy weighing in at 95 and 90 pounds respectively. Brandy is hoping to get accepted at Sonoma State University to study psychology with a backup in accounting. Although not having extensive history with animals, Brandy does enjoy their companionship. "I thought raising an animal would be a fun side thing," she said.
Although just having finished Upper Lake Middle School, Paige Martini is raising Suffolk Cross Sheep, Carl and Frank, who weigh 107 and 120 pounds respectively. "I keep them at the house (in Witter Springs), where my uncle raises horses, and walk my sheep with them whenever I can. It's my third year raising sheep and I raise cows too."
It was her older brother, now working as a carpenter, who encouraged her to try raising livestock. Paige too enjoys the camaraderie of animals. She would recommend the Junior Livestock Show to classmates yet cautions it is a lot of work involved. But despite her love of animals Paige does not see it as a career path. She is considering becoming a hair stylist or perhaps even a pediatric nurse.
Although raising chickens since she was 6 years old, Desarae Chiffoleau, a junior at Middletown High School is at her first livestock show as an exhibitor.
And she has her hands full raising two broad breasted white turkeys (females), a slightly rambunctious Mercury and a much mellower pen mate Blue.
Although Desarae acquired them at the same time, when both were two pounds each, they now tip the scales at 25 pounds for Mercury and 28 pounds for Blue.
Despite being raised together, Mercury and Blue could not be more unalike. Blue is a giant Teddy Bear while Mercury will nip at her hands if she tries to hold her. "She let me touch her neck but not her face," she said. "But Blue is supper affectionate and calm. The whole showmanship is different from raising chickens. I like it because you get to see their different personalities."
Desarae leaves a bucket of food out for Mercury and Blue so they can free-feed. But she also enjoys providing them with treats and they have cultivated a taste for melon, particularly Mercury who jealousy chases off rivals for slices of watermelon. While Blue will stand sedately aside. Desarae will exercise her birds in a scale model practice arena chasing after them. She also walks them regularly by wild grape fields near her home, yet they are sometimes easily distracted by grape vines and flowing grasses blooming across fence posts. Desarea is hoping to auction the birds for a $1,000. "I want to put some money away for college," she said. "But also, I want to start a poultry co-op at school. We'll raise chickens, sell baby chicks and eggs and teach everyone how to hatch them."
Chris Decker is an FFA Adviser and teaches ag classes, welding and fabrication. "I'm in charge of steer, swine and ag mechanics at the Fair," he said. "For me what I really enjoy are overseeing the student projects. I like teaching the kids to learn the value of hard work and how to benefit from it."
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