Growing up showing cattle at open shows, county fairs, and state fairs you never truly realize how much the show ring has taught you until its to late and you have graduated to better things. From the friendships I made within the show ring to the respect I learned how to give my 1,800 pend steer; I have truly gained some incredible knowledge from the show ring in each show. Looking back now, I wouldn't change any of the losses at the shows or the things that got broke that shouldn't have or even the cute guy you had a crush on every summer at the county fair for one whole week.
Friendships don't have to be a 365 day friendship in the livestock industry, there are friends I only see at shows and we are totally fine with that because then the times we do see each other is more special than ever. The people you make friends with at the shows will always understand your steer being stubborn, or the pig not eating, or even your lamb coughing; and during the time at shows neither of you have to worry about school or the friends there.
Respect is a two way street, weather the first year kid sprays you with the hose by accident in the wash rack or the old man looking at your pride heifer too long for your comfort; respect is always needed. I learned respect the most when a younger showmen would ask me questions about the ring and in return they would help me with the 12 head I thought I had to bring to the county fair one year. If its in the ring or in the mall respect is always needed and i have the show ring to thank me for teaching it.
Patience is a key role in anything you do, dealing with your younger brother not listening to how the blow your heifer the correct way or a gilt cutting you off in the show ring right in front of the judge. I never truly had patience until I showed cattle and was put in the show ring with people who walk really show, but that show helped teach me to be patience and breath.
I know there is so much more the show ring has taught me in and around it but the undeniable friendships made, the respect given and gave, and finally the key role of patience in any situation. Thank you to the agriculture industry for teaching me life lessons that the class room would never do.
