Jesse Rader
Parents: Lisa and Chris Rader
Hometown: Oologah, Okla.
School: Oologah Middle School
4-H Club: Rogers County 4-H Club
What is your 4-H project?
“I am showing two dairy heifers, one is a September calf from 2012 and one from March 2013. Both are Milking Shorthorns. I especially liked picking out my calves and enjoy looking at them. When I pick my calves, I check the depth of the ribs, the length of the neck and body, and look for good, straight legs. 4-H is fun and you get to meet new people. I especially like taking care of the animals and bonding with them.”
How did you get started with 4-H?
“My mom and her brother showed dairy cattle and were raised on a dairy farm. Mom wanted us to become more country. I showed Berkshire pigs before I showed dairy cows but changed because the feed cost was too high and the hot summer was hard on them. Calves are easier because you don’t have to check them as often and they handle the summer better because they know to get under the shade while the pigs just sort of lay there.”
Favorite 4-H moment and awards: “My favorite moment was probably when I won Overall Reserve Grand Champion with my oldest heifer, Patches. I got fourth at Tulsa with one of my pigs even though she had had pneumonia three times.”
What do you do to help out on the farm?
“I’m really busy on the farm. I feed hay, rake hay, and help vaccinate and doctor the animals. I also help gather them up for sale or when they need to be worked on. We have to watch some of them when we gather them up because a couple are real independent and you never know what they’re going to do.”
What is your long-term goal?
“Right now I would like to be a professional bass fisherman or maybe a wildlife biologist.”
