Stephen Pate
Age: 14
Parents: Kenny and Melissa Pate
Brother: Logan Pate
Hometown: Damascus, Ark.
4-H Chapter: Mayflower Arkansas Show Team
4-H Leader: Scott Sewell
4-H Experience: Stephen Pate showed his first goat when he was 2 years old. Not just kidding around, he has progressed along the way, competing in Skillathon, Boer Breed Stock, Market Wethers and Dairy Breed Stock shows.
He is very successful in all events, and he has the awards to show it. “The competition is my favorite aspect, I love going into the drive,” he said. His latest winnings include the Purple Circle Junior Show Award (won with Simply) and the Purple Circle Junior Show (won with Bazinga, a recorded grade) at the Arkansas State Fair, Fair’s Best of Junior Show and Wether Market Division II 9th place at the Faulkner County Fair.
How did you get started?
“When I was 2, I wanted a goat to show. My grandmother got me two goats, and I took off with it.” Stephen, his brother Logan and his grandparents now have over 120 goats. Stephen and Logan are the primary caregivers to them all.
What are you most proud of?
“My livestock. You have to start with your livestock. You can’t just go out in the ring, look pretty and win.”
Advice to Younger Students: Stephen said that if you have an interest give 4-H a try. “It is fun and there are other events besides livestock.” He said it is a good way for kids to stay out of trouble while developing skills and having fun. “It also teaches you how to work and take care of animals.”
The Future: “FFA. I’m looking forward to being an FFA officer.”
