Weston County exhibitors ready for fair

Saddle and Sirloin FFA Member Reagan Redding of Newcastle is spending her summer preparing multiple county fair projects for the Weston County Fair. 

Reagan will be competing with seven projects across four species this year – market and breeding lambs, market goats and market hogs. 

Project work and preparation 

Because Reagan has quite the barn full of FFA projects – two market lambs, two breeding lambs, one market goat and two market hogs – she spends many hours each day prepping her animals and accommodating to their needs. 

Reagan explains she completes daily chores for each individual animal including feeding them; teaching them to lead, stand and/or set up and working with their hair and/or wool. 

She notes her routine is to feed them first. Then, she picks a few animals from each pen to work with on showing skills and treadmilling. Before feeding them for the last time, she will also work with their legs and hair or wool. 

Everything to do with county fair 

Reagan states she has learned many things about showing including how to breed for certain characteristics for each species, especially for breeding characteristics in sheep. 

Reagan also notes she learned how to properly supplement her animals and what to feed each one to ensure their success.

Reagan states, “I show because of the enjoyment of doing what makes me happy. I have also learned  my showing ability has paved many pathways for possible future careers.”  

When it comes to the advice she would give to beginners, newcomers, young exhibitors or even those who are her age and have shown for many years, Reagan says it is important to be grateful and enjoy the opportunity to be a part of FFA and compete at county fair.

“Fair takes a lot of hard work, especially for the kids participating, but even for the adults. Make sure to take time to thank your support systems, because they are the reason you’re out in the ring every year. And, never forget to have fun and make great memories, because one day, the memories will be the only thing you have left,” she says. 

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