Age: 10
Parents: Ryan and Jennifer Emerson
Hometown: Prairie Grove, Ark.
4-H Club: Goin’ Showin’
Club leader: Amy Horn
What is your 4-H project?
“Most of us in this group have projects about showing and taking care of show animals. For me that includes feeding, washing and conditioning hair, brushing and moving the animals in and out of the cooler so the hair grows well.”
How did you get started with 4-H?
“My mom made me go when I was 5, even though I started showing at 3 and already knew how to show the animal who was boss. In my first meetings I was kind of scared because I didn’t know anybody. Now I know everyone and most go to school with me. Some are my best friends.”
A fun memory: “Two years ago, my steer Radish was pulling up in line when he stepped on my foot, crushed my toes and took off three toenails. We kept on going and won first in class.”
Awards: “I won Grand Champion Hereford Heifer at the 2017 Arkansas State Fair Junior Show and Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer in the open show, as well as winning Champion Hereford Heifer and Champion Sim Solution Heifer at the 2017 Fort Smith Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair. Best of all I got sixth at the 2017 Junior National Hereford Expo in showmanship out of 120 competitors.”
What is your favorite part about living in the country?
“My favorite part of the country is the animals. I like turning out the show animals after the sun goes down during show season and also driving around on the Ranger to check cows with mom. I really like driving a truck to check cows and haul hay by myself.”
What is the most important thing you have learned in 4-H?
“I have learned responsibility, especially the importance of show prep so that the animals look good. I really appreciate the crew that helps me get ready and make the cattle look their best.”
