The greatest gift my parents every gave me was placing a show halter in my hand. To the industry that shaped me, here are the 11 things that my show heifer taught me.

1. Hard Work

Between the 6:00 a.m. mornings and 10:00 p.m. nights the work is never done in the show barn.

2. Responsibility

What better way to teach a kid responsibility than giving them a 1,200 lb animal to take care of. From daily routines to the work that goes into these cattle at shows kids are given a huge task in caring for a another living thing.

3. Win Humbly

Champion days are hard to come by and not everybody gets to experience though. With every win there was 50 fails, remember this next time you find yourself in the winners seat.

4. Lose Graciously

If you look at my show stick it is a little different. I have wooden show stick with knife marks in the side. Each mark represents a good day I had in the show ring. This is a reminder for during bad days of how blessed I am to be a part of this industry and get to do what I love.

5. Attitude is Everything

Heifers act up all the time. Whether it be at home or in the show ring a heifer can change their attitude just like that. When this happens a showmen has two options. Get a bad attitude and fight with the heifer, or take a deep breath, keep a good attitude and continue to show their heifer the best they can.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

All of us has heard the saying, “Shows are won at home.” I could not agree more with this statement. The practice at home is what makes heifers and exhibitors into champions.

7. Perseverance

We have all had bad days in the barn where we wanted to quit or give up. It is those days when passion and determination comes through.

8. You won't get along with everyone

Each heifer has a unique personality that you may love or hate. I admit, there are a few heifers I couldn’t wait to turn out to the pasture. Just like heifers, people are all different. No matter if you like someone or not you have to get along for the sake of a common goal.

9. Respect

As young exhibitors we are given the task of caring for a living thing. These heifers depend on us for everything.

10. Value your friendships

I have met some of my very best friends showing cattle. Although we only get to see each other a few times a years, we always make the best out of the time we have together.

11. In everything you do, have fun

If your not having fun in the show ring your not doing it right. On show days, the pressure is always high to do your best and make sure everything is perfect. Before I go in the ring my mom would always tell me to remember to have fun. I could not think of anything more exciting than being able to travel the nation, exhibiting my cattle, and fulfilling my passion.