The bright lights, smell of animals and the sight of victory is usually all one can think about in the months leading up to Stock Show. Contestants put many hours of their personal time doing various chores to take care of their animals to accomplish this goal.
“For months before stock show I feed, water and work my animals at least twice a day,” sophomore Clark Toalson said. “My parents and I put about five hours a day and 30,000 dollars into my heifers and steers.”
There are a great number of things that can go wrong before the animal even steps foot (or hoof) in the arena. Things such as unforeseen illness, weight or coloring are just a few of the many things that could go wrong.
“I always make sure to check my animals for any abnormalities,” Clark said. “If possible I like to have a veterinarian look at them before stock show.”
There are thousands of dollars in scholarships and cash for each event. Because of this, there is most often a lot of pressure on the contestant as well as the stock show animal; however senior Kelly Kaminski says otherwise.
“I do not worry about time, energy or money because I enjoy it so much,” Kelly said.
Kelly has been showing lambs for nine years, and over the years, she has really developed a passion for what she has been doing. Being a senior, this is the last year Kelly will be showing animals at the stock show.
“I am full of mixed emotions,” Kelly said. “I am sad because it is my last year, I am nervous because I don’t think I’m going to do good and I am happy because I like showing.”
Showing at a stock show is full of mixed emotions, but a contestant must contain his or her composure if they want to come out on top.
“I’m always nervous right before the stock show and right before the results are announced,” Clark said, “I would like to wish all of the stock show contestants good luck and have fun.”