Cows have special place at fair

The names say it all.

Slim Jim, Penny, Rosie. Caramel-colored Teddy Bear. Brown and white speckled Foxy.

Many of their owners — never far behind — have written their names on signs throughout the livestock building at the Franklin County Fair.

Some provide details — breed, weight, date of birth. Other signs use pictures, drawings, emblems for inspiration.

But each cow ­— whether it’s a heifer, a steer or a calf — has a special place at the fair. And preparing the cow for the fair is what provides valuable lessons for the participants, Howard Woodbury, Quenemo, says.

Heifers and steers

Woodbury’s son, Evan, entered a heifer in the fair and said the judges look for balance and muscle.

“They want a clean front end on them,” he said.

In order to show a cow, Woodbury said you have to learn how to lead them and take care of them.

But the judging depends on the type of cow, he said. Woodbury said the judges look for different qualities in a heifer than they do in a steer — a castrated male cow.

Dairy

Limelight, a 1-year-old dairy cow, won reserve grand champion in the dairy category.

“I like showing them,” Martin, who is from Cedar Park, Texas, said. She comes to Franklin County every year to participate in the fair.

Martin said cattle showing is big in her family ­— many of whom still live in the Franklin County area.

“A week after school, I move up here,” she said.

Martin said judges look for a straight top line in a dairy cow. They also check to make sure it has sharp bones and a healthy set of ribs.

Bucket calves

In the middle of Radcliffe’s showing, her bucket calf decided to lie down.

“I was really embarrassed,” Radcliffe said. “They can be stubborn, but you just have to love them.”

Radcliffe said a bucket calf is a type of baby cow that is fed off a bottle. Her bucket calf received a grand champion award, even though it was a little stubborn in the arena.

“I was really surprised,” she said.

Radcliffe, Pomona, said she learned a lot from her first year in the event.

“It’s been really fun,” she said. “It taught me a lot about responsibility.”

Showmanship

Woodbury said it doesn’t necessarily matter if you win or lose, it’s about the lessons you learn while participating.

Woodbury added that his son enjoys spending time with his friends during fair season.

“A big part of it is the kids you meet,” he said.

In addition, Woodbury said, his son has learned about winning and about losing.

“It teaches responsibility and sportsmanship,” he said. “It shows them how to win with grace and how to lose and be a good sport.”