County fairs continue throughout the state

Sam Yount and Katelynn Englehart may live 360 miles from each other in complete opposite parts of the state, but they still have one goal – to take quality animals to their respective county fairs.

Park County Fair

            Sam Yount, a 15-year-old from the Powell-Shoshone FFA Chapter, is exhibiting his first black face market lamb this year. Sam’s family has been farming for over 50 years, and his mom and uncle grew up showing in FFA while living in California.

            Sam bought his market lamb from a local producer and shared he is excited to show the wether at county fair. 

            “I have spent hours out with my lamb, playing with him and training,” Sam said. 

            Sam also been fortunate to have friends that have lent him a hand in learning about his project.

            “My friends who show sheep have given me advice on showing,” Sam explained. 

            Sam also mentioned he has worked to save up money to purchase all the equipment for his lamb so they can work better together. 

            “I bought a trailer, clippers and all the other supplies needed,” said Sam. 

            Sam is most excited about fair to see how his lamb does and how it reacts to its surroundings. 

             “I think the best thing is making relationships in FFA and getting to know people, which can help you in the future,” Sam shared.

Carbon County Fair

            Katelynn Englehart, a southern Wyoming native showing at the Carbon County Fair, grew up in Wamsutter and moved to Baggs around the third grade. This year, Katelynn has two steers to get ready for fair. 

            “After showing pigs for many years, I decided to change it up a bit,” Katelynn said. “I spent some time in the steer barn at fair and then asked my parents about showing cattle, and I’ve now been showing calves for the last three years.”

            As Katelynn looks towards fair, she is excited about new rules implemented to keep the county fair focused on kids. This year, Katelynn shared, all exhibitors are required to do their own work.

            “This new rule has made me realize I needed to work harder,” she said. “I have gone to many jackpots and learned so many new tools and tricks.”

            Katelynn explained that Garrett Barton of Classic Cattle Company has been a lot of help. She noted he has helped her learn how to clip her calves and get ready for fair.

            “Garrett was at one jackpot I was attending, and he really helped me understand clipping my calf,” said Katelynn.

            After catching the bug from showing steers, Katelynn started raising her own calves to show. 

            “My heifer from last year just had a huge bull calf, and he will be my show steer next year,” Katelynn shared excitedly. “I am excited to start raising my own cattle.” 

She continued, “My plan for next year is to breed my cow to a show bull to get a show calf from her.”

            As an upcoming senior, Katelynn is serving as the Little Snake River FFA president and is excited to lead her chapter forward. 

            “I cannot wait to grow and move forward. I feel like I can really help my chapter, ” she said. 

            Katelynn expressed her gratefulness to everyone who has helped her, noting, “You always hear that it takes a village to raise kids, and the older I get, I couldn’t be more thankful for my village, especially for my parents and friends that have helped me along the way.”

            Cameron Magee is an intern for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.