Kathryn Fancher
Hometown: Marble, Ark.
Age: 13
Parents: Shannon and Melissa Fancher
4-H Club: Clifty Clovers
Club Leader: Chana Usrey
What is your 4-H project and what do you like about it?
“I used to live in Kentucky and love horses, so I named my show heifer Maybelle from a name out of a book. My project includes record-keeping and I send records to the 4-H club about feeding my heifer 22 pounds a day in order to make sure I am feeding her properly. I also send pictures to the rancher we bought my heifer from, so he can see that she is gaining enough weight.”
How did you get started with 4-H?
“I’ve been in 4-H since the fourth grade, showing heifers at the Madison County Fair. I had a friend in church who was involved and said it was super fun. My parents and I went to the meeting and I loved it. I learned a lot about judging.”
Favorite 4-H moment or award
“When I was 11 in 2015, I won junior showmanship at the Madison County Fair. I’ve also had some interesting moments such as last year when I walked into the ring with my show stick bent because my heifer had just stepped on it. Embarrassed, I straightened it out and tried to continue as if nothing happened.”
What do you like about showing, competing?
“I love showmanship the best because you have to show your skills rather than the judging being totally about your animal. I really enjoy the competitiveness and testing myself against others while I strive to reach the top. I went to a seminar and learned how to clip and better care for my heifer, as well as being coached on my showmanship skills. I learned the most about the stance and how to hold my heifer’s head properly.”
What do you do to help out on the farm?
“In the mornings my sisters Halle and Lauren and I feed and water our show heifers together. We are homeschooled until around 2 p.m. At 5:30, p.m., I feed again, as well as work and brush the heifers. We also wash them twice a week. In addition, I help work our 200-head herd of momma cows.”
What are your future plans?
“I would like to be a veterinarian and perhaps work in horse judging as well as cattle judging at the fairs while I’m going to school.”
