The Show Wether - Volume 1, Issue 4 - 2015 by Cowgirl Publications

volume 1 issue 4

Winter Issue

prepping for new life understanding show feeds american royal exhibitor feature

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Table of Contents

5 7 12 14 16 18 29 30

CALENDAR OF EVENTS volume 1 issue 4

PREPPING FOR NEW LIFE IN THE BARN By Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr.

Winter Issue

MANAGING WETHERS IN WINTER CONDITIONS By Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr. SELECTING A SHOW FEED FOR WETHERS By Crystal Emsoff A DRIVE FOR SUCCESS: THE LIFE OF LAYTON By Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr. SHOW RESULTS Indiana State Fair Tri-State Fair AKSARBEN Kansas Junior Livestock Show Northern International Livestock Exposition American Royal BUSINESS DIRECTORY Subscription Card to The Show Wether CHASING BANNERS

CONTACT P.O. BOX 250 • ELIZABETH, CO 80107 theshowwether@gmail.com • www.theshowwether.com PUBLISHER COWGIRL PUBLICATIONS LLC ROBYN SCHERER-CARLSON, M.AGR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR cowgirlpublications@gmail.com • www.cowgirlpublications.com

prepping for new life understanding show feeds american royal exhibitor feature

About the Cover

Congratulations to Cami Reveal, who had the Grand Champion Market Goat, and to Austin Bernicky, who had the Grand Champion Market Lamb, at the 2015 American Royal. Photos courtesy of ShowChampions.

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The Show Wether is published bi-monthly. A one year subscription costs $30.00, or $5.00 for one issue by The Show Wether. P.O. Box 250, Elizabeth, CO 80107. The Show Wether hereby expressly limits its liability resulting from any and all misprints, errors and/or all inaccuracies whatsoever in the advertisement and editorial content published by The Show Wether and its said liability is here by limited to the refund of the customer or its payment for the said advertisement, the running of a corrected advertisement, or editorial notice. Notification by the customer of any errors must be made within 30 days of distribution of the magazine. Advertising copy received after deadline will not be returned for proofing. Changes to advertising copy made after deadline date will be allowed only if time permits, and will incur the appropriate charges according to time and materials involved in the changes. The opinions or views expressed in all editorials are those of the writer or persons interviewed and not The Show Wether. The Show Wether reserves the right to edit or refuse all material which might be objectable in content. No material or part thereof, may be reproduced or used out of context, without prior, specific approval of a proper credit to The Show Wether. © 2015 Cowgirl Publications LLC The Show Wether - 3

L etter From the Editor

WELCOME TO THE WINTER ISSUE Winter is in full swing at my house, with the first snow on the ground and the frigid temperatures becoming more constant. I recently drew blood for pregnancy testing on the does and ewes, and will be expecting a full house in January and February. This issue is the Winter Issue, and will be distributed at major shows/events around the country. This issue features an in-depth article on prepping for new life in the barn, advice on what to look for in a show feed, tips on keeping wethers healthy in the winter, and a special article on an American Royal exhibitor, as well as show results from around the country. Keep sending in your events to be included for free in the full nationwide calendar of events, and send your photos from your winter jackpots and stock shows to be featured in the next issue of The Show Wether! With each issue of The Show Wether we have increased the number of magazines we are printing and sending to shows, and we couldn't do it without the help of our subscribers and those who are willing to hand out the magazine at local shows. If you are interested in handing out magazines at your events, send me an email and I'll be happy to ship you a box. I appreciate your support of The Show Wether!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr - Editor

EMAIL: THESHOWWETHER@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE: WWW.THESHOWWETHER.COM FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESHOWWETHER

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Calendar of Events DECEMBER 2015 5: CHRISTMAS BUCKLE BLOWOUT; WALLER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS HEMPSTEAD, TX (S&G) 5: PEASE RIVER CLASSIC 4TH ANNUAL JACKPOT SHOW; WILBARGER COUNTY EXHIBIT BUILDING - VERNON, TX (S&G) 5: CANYON FFA COUGAR CLASSIC; COMAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - NEW BRAUNFELS, TX (S&G) 5: KRUM$TOCK; NORTH TEXAS FAIR GROUNDS DENTON, TX (S&G) 5: MARTIN'S MILL FFA LIVESTOCK SHOW; VAN ZANDT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - CANTON, TX (S&G) 5-6: ROLLING HILLS CASINO BOERANZA; CORNING, CA (G) 6: SEAHAWK CLASSIC; JK NORTHWAY EXPO CENTER (PEN AREA) - KINGSVILLE, TX (S&G) 12: DINOSAUR VALLEY JACKPOT SHOW; SOMERVELL COUNTY EXPO CENTER - GLEN ROSE, TX (S&G) 12: 2ND ANNUAL SOUTHERN MESA LAMB AND GOAT SHOW; DAWSON COUNTY FAIR BARN - LAMESA, TX (S&G)

12: CORYELL COUNTY 4-H JACKPOT SHOW & SHOWMANSHIP; GATESVILLE CIVIC CENTER GATESVILLE, TX (S&G) 12: HUFFMAN FFA WINTER PROSPECT SHOW; HARGRAVE HIGH SCHOOL AG BARN - HUFFMAN, TX (S&G) 12: STOCK SHOW SUPPORTER'S DASH FOR CASH WINTER CLASSIC; HENDERSON COUNTY FAIRPARK COMPLEX ATHENS, TX (S&G) 12: BANDERA FFA BOOSTER CLUB FALL CLASSIC; MANSFEILD PARK, BANDERA, TX (S&G) 12-13: CROWLEY FFA BACKERS 5TH ANNUAL WINTER BLAST BUCKLE SHOW; CHARLES & JENNY SEWELL AGRICULTURAL CENTER - CROWLEY, TX (S&G) 19: CALLISBURG FFA PARENTS CLUB 2ND INVITATIONAL SHOW; CALLISBURG FFA SHOW BARN - CALLISBURG, TX (G) 19: ROXTON FFA SHOWIN' FOR SOLDIERS; RED RIVER VALLEY FAIRGROUNDS PARIS, TX (S&G) 28: ARIZONA NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW JUNIOR MARKET GOAT SHOWMANSHIP; ARIZONA STATE FAIRGROUNDS PHOENIX, AZ (G)

29: ARIZONA NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW JUNIOR MARKET GOAT SHOW & JUNIOR MARKET LAMB SHOW; ARIZONA STATE FAIRGROUNDS - PHOENIX, AZ (S&G) 30: ARIZONA NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW JUNIOR MARKET SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP; ARIZONA STATE FAIRGROUNDS PHOENIX, AZ (S)

JANUARY 2016 2: 43RD ANNUAL HARDIN COUNTY YOUTH FAIR; JOHN BLAIR PAVILION KOUNTZE, TX (S&G) 2: WILLIS 4-H PROSPECT SHOW; MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS CONROE, TX (S&G) 2: COLMESNEIL AG BACKERS WINTER BASH; TYLER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS WOODVILLE, TX (S&G) 9: H-F FFA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RUBAN STRINGER MEMORIAL LIVESTOCK SHOW; WHITE'S PARK ARENA ANAHUAC, TX (S&G) 9: PORTER FFA INVITATIONAL PROGRESS SHOW; MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS CONROE, TX (S&G)

10: NEW CANEY FFA WINTER BLOWOUT PROGRESS SHOW; MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS CONROE, TX (S&G) 12: NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW MARKET GOAT SHOW; NWSS COMPLEX - DENVER, CO (G) 17: NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW MARKET LAMB SHOW; NWSS COMPLEX - DENVER, CO (S) 23: SPLENDORA FFA WINTER SHOWDOWN; MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - CONROE, TX (S&G) 23: BAY AREA PROSPECT SHOW; BAYTON YOUTH

FAIRGROUNDS - BAYTON, TX (S&G) 30: FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW MARKET GOAT AND MARKET LAMB SHOWS; FWSS - FORT WORTH, TX (S&G) 30: MONTGOMERY DOBBIN 4-H PROGRESS SHOW; MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - CONROE, TX (S&G) S: SHEEP G: GOATS

List Your Events! Please visit www.theshowwether.com/events for a full yearly calendar of events. You can list your show in The Show Wether and online for free! Send details to theshowwether@gmail.com The Show Wether - 5

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Prepping for new life in the barn

Story & photos by Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr.

Goat kids keep themselves warm under a heat lamp on an early January morrning. 7 - The Show Wether

Feature Story

PREPARATION INCREASES SURVIVABILITY For many wether producers, December and January are when the kids and lambs will start coming, and this usually continues through the late spring to early summer. The weather may not be warm, so preparation and planning will be vital to newborn’s health.

Clostridium perfringens C and D, and tetanus toxoid, 30 days before they are due.

Pre-kidding/lambing

Does should have their feet trimmed and the area around their tail head clipped before they are due to kid. This allows the doe to walk comfortably, and helps the doe stay cleaner when she has her babies.

Producers should start preparing their does and ewes to kid several weeks before the actual event. It is helpful to know when females are due, but the steps are the same no matter when the kids/ lambs are due to arrive.

Ewes can be partially clipped if they have a lot of wool, especially around the udder area. Since ewes generally don’t have tails, they tend to stay pretty clean. Ewes may or may not need their feet trimmed.

The females should be dewormed prior to their birthing date, and given a vaccination for

All females, regardless of age, should be monitored for signs of pregnancy toxemia and ketosis. These two diseases are a result of the high energy demand of fetuses in last gestation. Kids/lambs require more carbohydrates in the last trimester than either of the first two. When the doe or ewe is unable to meet the needs of the growing babies, she metabolizes her fat into glucose, which causes ketosis. Females that are overweight and receive little exercise are at the greatest risk. It’s important to keep does and ewes in good condition, but not overly conditioned throughout gestation to help prevent this. As females progress through gestation, the kids/lambs grow larger, and the rumen will have less room to expand to accompany feed. These females may need to be fed more frequently in smaller amounts, especially if they are in pens with open animals who will eat more. Does and ewes generally kid around 150 days after breeding, but that can range from 145155 days. If a producer knows the due date, the kidding/lambing pen can be set up a few days before the doe/ewe hits 145 days.

A ewe bonds with her newborn lamb. This is a critical time.

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The pen can be indoors or out, and should depend on the producer's location. The doe or ewe should have access to a clean, preferably straw bedded area, and fresh water and feed. Some producers do not mind having their females

give birth with the herd, and others prefer to have their birthing animals separate. That decision is a personal preference. An advantage to leaving females in the herd is that they will not get lonely. One disadvantage is that other does or ewes may attempt to steal the newborn babies. Having a doe or ewe birth by herself can allowed a producer to give the dam more attention, and relieve stress on her because she is not worried about the other does or ewes. However, animals that are separated still need a companion in an adjacent pen. If the due date is unknown, a producer should check the doe or ewe at least once a day to see if she is getting close. Signs of getting close include fleshy tail head, enlarged sides and udder development. Does and ewes may start to fill their udders weeks to just a few days before birth. A dam may have milk, or a milk-like substance, for several weeks before she gives birth, so milk is not always the best indicator of impending birth. Once these signs are noticed, a doe/ewe should be moved to a birthing pen if a producer chooses to have the babies in a pen.

filled sac will appear. As the dam continues to push, feet can usually been seen in the sac, followed by the nose. Pushing the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head and shoulders will be the widest and hardest part for the female, and it may take her a little time. However, if it seems to be taking abnormally long, there may be something wrong. The correct presentation for a kid/lamb is front feet first, one slightly ahead of the other, with the head tucked down near them. Kids and lambs can be born backwards (breach), but if this is noted it is best to help pull the baby. If the dam takes too long on a breach baby, the baby could suffocate and die. Kids/lambs can also have one or more front limbs bent back, and a producer will likely need to help the dam deliver babies that are presented this way. Every situation is different. Seasoned does and ewes generally know what they are doing, and have fewer problems during the birthing process. If possible, a producer

A "kidding/lambing kit" should also be prepared, that will include all the necessary supplies for kidding. This includes, but is not limited to examination gloves (hand and shoulder length), lube, iodine, towels, scissors, a rope or chain, milk replacer and electrolytes. Those are the basic necessities, although many producers may include more. Puppy pads are great to use for birthing as well, as it allows a producer to quickly dry the kid/ lamb and clean up the fluids, and can be thrown away instead of washed. Kidding/Lambing Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finally time for the dam to give birth. Although not every dam will be the same, most does/ewes will display some or all of the signs of immanent birth: fleshy tail head, repeatedly getting up and down, vocalization, and vaginal discharge. Once the doe or ewe has discharge, she will usually give birth within the hour. Does and ewes may stand up, or lay down to give birth. When the dam is just about to give birth, a fluid

Individual pens can make it easier to give attention to females that are due to kid or lamb.

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should try to be on hand for every birth, just in case she runs into trouble. Birth can be a scary time, especially for a maiden, as she does not really understand what or why something is happening. She knows she is in pain. Instinct should take over, but sometimes a dam needs a little help. If a producer can be on hand for the birth, he or she can assist the doe or ewe as needed. The pelvis on a maiden may not be as wide as that of a mature animal, because she is not yet finished growing. This could cause the babies to get stuck, and at that point the dam may need assistance. Once the dam passes the head and shoulders, the rest of the baby usually slides out. If you are there for the birth, clean off the face and nose of the baby, and make sure it is breathing. The dam will usually get up and start cleaning off the kid or lamb at this point. If it is cold and the birthing is happening outside, make sure to wipe down the baby with a towel, and get it under shelter. It may need to be wrapped in a blanket to keep it warm.

It is best to stay with the dam and babies until all the kids or lambs are up and nursing. Kids and lambs should be monitored the first few days after birth to make sure they are up and moving (most will be within a few hours), nursing from their mothers, and are in good health. Any animal that is weak or shows signs of disease should be looked at by a veterinarian, and treated as needed. Does and ewes may continue to have discharge for a few days after birthing, but should clean up shortly. If you had to go into the doe or ewe to pull a baby, you may need to give her antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also need to give her electrolytes if she seems lethargic and isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drinking water. Kidding goats and lambing ewes is a fairly easy process, if you take the correct preparations. Does and ewes usually do a good job of raising their babies, and hopefully your participation in the birthing process will be minimal.

If the weather permits it, the dam should be allowed to clean the kids/lambs. This helps them both to bond, which is vitally important to her acceptance of the babies. The doe or ewe will pass extra fluids, and may try to lick that instead of the baby in her attempt to clean up. If you can, clear these fluids away so the dam focuses solely on the babies. The doe or ewe may stop and lay down to have her other babies, and the procedure is the same for each kid or lamb. After the dam has passed all the babies, she will then pass the placenta. The doe or ewe will likely try to lick/eat the placenta, so it is best to pick it up and throw it away, because it may attract predators. Post-kidding/lambing After the doe or ewe has finished kidding, there are still a couple of items that need to be attended to. The kids/lambs needs to have their umbilical cords cut if they are really long, (should be a couple of inches) and dipped in iodine to ward off any possible infection.

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Does and ewes giving birth should have clean straw for the kids and lambs to be born in.

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Article

MANAGING WETHERS IN WINTER CONDITIONS

By Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr.

Winter is in full swing, and cold, wet days and freezing nights can make life challenging for wethers. However, if cared for correctly, they can maintain their health and growth during the winter months. Shelter and Wind Protection Providing shelter or some type of wind protection is one of the most important things in managing wethers in the winter. A cold, wet animal with no wind is much better than one in the wind, because the wind chill can make a huge difference in body temperature, and in potentially causing illness. At a minimum, three sided shelters that open away from the wind should be provided, as it gives the animal an area to get out of the

weather and the wind. An enclosed barn is ideal, but not all exhibitors have access to this. If outside, wethers should be given shelter with shorter roofs and an enclosed area where they can lay, as they generally do not prefer to sit outside during the weather. Plenty of area should be provided, and wethers should not be overcrowded. All pens should be cleared of as much snow as possible, to help pens dry out and allow animals room to bed. Ice can accumulate around troughs, and may need to be picked to keep the area from becoming slick. Bedding Clean, dry bedding is important especially for small ruminants, as it gives them an area to chew their cud and sleep in a dry area. Bedding must be changed on a regular basis because soiled bedding will produce ammonia close to the ground where wethers sleep, and lead to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

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Shavings usually offer little protection or warmth, and soil much faster than straw. Wethers may eat straw, but in general they will leave it alone if they are offered other roughage. Water Water is critically important in the winter, as it can quickly freeze and wethers cannot eat enough snow to meet their needs in a day. If possible, water should be provided free choice at all times, and a trough heater should be used to keep the water open and available.

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Water that is broken each day can quickly refreeze before an animal even has a chance to drink. Also, very cold water discourages water consumption, and animals may be reluctant to drink the amount of water the need each day. If water heaters are not an option, water should be offered several times each day to wethers,

preferably before eating. Decreased water intake can lead to urinary calculi, especially with wethers that are on a high grain ration. Animals should be watched for signs of these issues when they don’t have access to water at all times. Overall Health Winter can be hard on wethers, especially those that are underweight or have compromised immune systems. These animals may need extra feed, extra shelter or blanketing to help them cope with the cold weather. Wethers that have been show clipped will also need blanketing, as they will have little hair to keep them warm. Blankets should be waterproof if wethers are kept outdoors, and all blankets should be changed if they become soiled or wet. The health of animals should also be monitored, and special attention should be paid to lice, as species specific lice tend to flourish during the winter months. Dusts and oral dewormers can be used to rid animals of these parasites. An animal that is fighting a heavy lice infection will have a hard time maintaining weight, and may also become anemic. Feed Energy requirements for livestock are generally higher in the winter months, because livestock are trying to generate heat to stay warm and grow. In general, livestock can deal with temperatures of 20-32 degrees Fahrenheit without additional energy needed, if they are dry. If animals are wet, that threshold is much higher, and if there is wind, it’s even greater. Time of feeding can help animals stay warmer. Even though it is more convenient to feed night feedings earlier in the day, it has been shown that feeding animals later, such as between 5-10 pm, will help animals to produce body heat through the process of digestion throughout the night. If possible, wethers should be sorted and grouped according to nutritional needs, so that bossy animals will not consume more than needed, and weaker animals will not get shut out of the trough.

Salt and minerals are also important to provide during the winter. Loose salt is better for wethers than a block, and free choice minerals specifically made for goats should also be provided. Feeding the wrong mineral can results in copper deficiency. Hoof Care Hoof care is extremely important in the winter months, as wet ground can cause thrush and foot rot. It’s easy to overlook hoof care, but regular trimmings should be performed to keep feet in tip-top condition. Exercise Exercise is important for wethers, and in the winter months, exhibitors may be reluctant to exercise as they should. Keeping up with the proper exercise routine is crucial to preparing a wether for a show. Many of the major stock shows take place in the winter months, so knowing how to care for wethers in cold weather is vital to these exhibitors.

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Article

SELECTING A SHOW FEED FOR WETHERS

Story by Crystal Emsoff; Photos by Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr.

Ask a dozen successful showman which feed is their favorite and you will likely get a dozen different answers. If you ask about supplements, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get even more answers. Some will swear by them, other will swear at them. So how does a showman go about selecting the right feed for his or her project wether? First and foremost, there is no substitute for a good show feed. Feeders who attempt to save money by feeding an â&#x20AC;&#x153;all-stockâ&#x20AC;? feed or C.O.B. will short change the animal nutritionally and it will fail to develop to its genetic potential. A show feed designed specifically for show lambs or goats should be considered essential. The nationally available brands of show feed are formulated by professional animal nutritionists to provide optimum levels of each nutrient for growth and muscle development. They are carefully balanced for protein, energy, fat and minerals. A coccidiostat is included to help prevent coccidiosis and ammonium chloride is added to prevent urinary calculi. Additional ingredients may be added to promote rumen health for consistent appetite and feed efficiency.

benefits. The most important consideration, then, when selecting which brand you will feed, is availability and freshness. Visit your local feed store(s) and ask which brands they carry. Texturized feed should ideally be fed within a month, and pelleted feed within two months, of manufacture to ensure freshness and palatability. Some feed stores do not keep all brands in stock at all times. There is often a wide price range between brands, but keep in mind that depending on how many animals you are feeding, and how long you will have them, the total price differences may be negligible. It would be better to spend an additional $40-50 over the course of your project to ensure that the feed you select readily available, rather than going with a cheaper feed of which the store cannot ensure a fresh supply.

All the show feed brands will provide the above

Once you have selected a brand, you will need to select the specific product. For some brands, this will be easy. Some companies only make one or two different formulations. Others have multiple. If given the option, you may need to choose between pelleted feed and texturized feed. A pelleted feed has all the ingredients finely ground and then processed into small pellets. The advantage of

A pelleted feed contains all of the ingredients ground up, and then they are made into different sized pellets.

A textured feed contains pellets, along with fiber sources and either rolled or cracked grains.

14 - The Show Wether

pelleted feeds is that lamb and goats cannot sort out and pick through the feed. Texturized feeds, on the other hand, will have rolled or cracked grains mixed with fiber sources and pellets that contain the added minerals, vitamins and other additives, and then the entire feed is coated in molasses. Most wethers find texturized feeds to be more palatable and these provide additional fiber benefits compared to pelleted feeds. They can also be fed wet without turning to mush like a pelleted feed will. However, care must be taken to ensure that the lamb or goat is not picking through the feed and leaving the pellets behind. Usually reducing the total volume of feed fed will resolve this problem. When selecting a show feed for your project wether, don’t be dazzled by the bright, pretty bag. Instead look at the feed tag attached to the bottom of the bag. The feed tag will provide you with much valuable information about the feed, including its ingredients and how much of each major nutrient the feed provides. Most show feeds will be in the range of 15-18% protein, 2.5-6% fat and 6-15% fiber. With such a wide range of values, selecting the correct one for your feeding situation can be confusing.

clean water should also be available at all times. Finally, a word on supplements. While a good show feed should have all the nutrients needed for growth and development of a show wether, supplements, when used properly, can help enhance a feeding program. Some supplements are designed to promote general health, including digestion, disease resistance and skin and hair quality. High protein supplements can be useful for burning off excess fat and supporting maximum muscle development. High fat supplements will help finish a lamb or goat. Some supplements are even designed to add “fill” to lambs or goats bellies to make it appear more balanced. Ultimately, do not expect a fairy dust to turn a light muscled lamb or goat into a heavy muscled one, or to correct structural defects. However, supplements can assist with fine tuning the condition of the wether and provided some additional nutritional support to, along with proper exercise and management, help a wether maximize his genetic potential.

While it is impossible to recommend a single feed and feeding regimen, as a rule of thumb, higher protein will contribute to leaner muscle growth, while lower protein, coupled with increased energy, will increase condition (fat) on the animal. Most feeders will begin with a higher protein feed (around 18%) during the initial phases of their project. Some will then switch a lower protein feed during the finishing stage to promote the laying on of finish. If you are newer to feeding lambs or goats, it is recommended that you enlist the guidance of a more experienced feeder to determine if or when any feeding changes should be made. Always remember that in addition to a high quality show feed, at least one or two handfuls (1/4 lb.) of alfalfa hay should be provided each day to promote rumen health. Even lambs or goats fed so called “complete” rations will benefit from this handful of hay as the fiber length provided in the feed itself is too short to provide the “scratch factor” necessary for keeping a rumen functioning properly. Fresh,

15 - The Show Wether

Exhibitor Feature

A DRIVE FOR SUCCESS: "THE LIFE OF LAYTON" AMERICAN ROYAL MARKET LAMB EXHIBITOR

Story by Robyn Scherer-Carlson, M.Agr. ; Photos courtesy of "The Life of Layton"

Every young exhibitor faces fears when starting a livestock project. The first time they go into the ring with their animals, they must overcome their fears and exhibit to the best of their ability, even though it can be hard. For Layton Stonger, and his mother Jenna Wynne, conquering this fear was even more challenging, due to Stonger’s medical condition. He has cerebral palsy, and spends most of his time in his wheelchair. He was born at just 29 weeks and 1 day, and spent just over seven weeks in the Neonatal

Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 14 months, and received his first wheelchair when he was around 3 1/2 years old. Stonger’s disability does not stop him from exhibiting his sheep with every other kid. The 9-year-old Galt, Missouri 4-H member began showing sheep for the first time with the aid of a custom made bracket made by his grandfather. Wynne had wanted her son to show a bucket calf this year, but after coming across a photo of Shelby Frost, another exhibitor who shows from her wheelchair, they settled on showing lambs. He exhibited at jackpots, his local fair, the Missouri State Fair and the American Royal this year. He showed a wether named Wooly and a ewe named Roo this year, and was even able to add a couple of ribbons to his wall. Stonger works with his lambs and helps to feed and exercise them. His bracket is built so that it can lead the lamb, and helps the lamb to brace. “He walks the lamb around, and then to set it, he backs up and taps the lamb, and the lamb braces itself. We train the sheep to brace when he touches them. He does it all himself,” said Wynne. The hardest part is setting up the feet, and next year, Wynne would like to have someone help Stonger to set the feet.

Layton Stonger drives out of the ring after winning his class at the Missouri State Fair with Wooly.

16 - The Show Wether

His last show, at the American Royal, he showed a wether named Turbo to a second place finish in the class. The American Royal started out as a challenging show for them. “To begin with, when it started, people weren’t

sure about us. We did not have anyone to help carry anything, and it was me and my dad, and one other little girl who was with us. We had a huge ramp to get up, and we were trying to carry everything,” Wynne explained. She continued, “People didn’t know who we were, or who he was, and had never seen a kid show in a wheelchair. They didn’t have handicap parking, and so that was challenging. The first show, he got hung up on the gate. The gates were barely wide enough for him to fit through.” However, things quickly got better. “He had a great time. Once people realized what was going on, they were super nice. The judge at the American Royal was one of the nicest men I have ever met. No one gave him special treatment, but the judge at the American Royal helped me as he could. That meant a lot to us,” Wynne stated. The best part of the experience was the people they were able to meet. “He made so many friends. When we go to shows, we bring the cattle sitting mats, and at one point there were 10 little kids over there. He went to a fitting clinic and made new friends. Everyone was rooting for him,” she said. Showing livestock from a wheelchair certainly is not easy, and Wynne was very nervous for the first couple of shows, including the Missouri State Fair. “Layton said me to, Mom, it’s just a

Jenna Wynne and Layton Stonger work his Amerian Royal lamb, named Turbo.

fair. It’s not a big deal,” she explained. The biggest reward that Stonger has received has not been ribbons, according to Wynne. “Showing sheep has really helped him. He is super comfortable with who he is, and I think this has made him that way. I love to see how he grows. It takes a lot of people a long time to get comfortable with themselves, and he’s already there,” she said. She continued, “I was super excited after the second show, as it has been such a growing experience for him.” The whole experience has helped the whole family as well. “I never thought about one of my kids showing animals at a national level. A year ago I never thought this would happen. He loves the lambs, and it has made our whole family closer,” said Wynne. She added, “He is very inspirational. He is the most humble kid, and I love watching him show.” He is already looking forward to showing lambs again next year, and may even add a goat to show.

To follow Layton Stonger, check out "The Life of Layton" on Facebook. He has nearly 6,000 followers.

Stonger is all smiles after showing Turbo to a second place finish in his class at the American Royal in Kansas City, MO.

17 - The Show Wether

In This Issue: Indiana state fair Tri-state fair northern Int. livestock expo Kansas Junior Livestock Show aksarben stock show american royal

18 - The Show Wether

August 8-10, 2015

Indiana State Fair

Indianapolis, IN

Market Lamb & Market Goat Shows

LAMB JUDGE: LARRY SHELL; GOAT JUDGE: CRAIG BECKMEIR PHOTOS BY: INDIANA STATE FAIR

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b Tay l o r B u s e n bu rg

Grand C ham p io n M ar ket G o at S am m i B rewsaugh

R e se r ve G ra n d C h a m p i o n M a r k e t L a m b Tay l o r B u s e n bu rg

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket G oat J acely nn Whit m er

The Show Wether - 19

Sept. 19-21, 2015

Tri-State Fair and Rodeo

Amarillo, TX

Market Lamb & Market Goat Shows

LAMB JUDGE: JOEL LANIER; GOAT JUDGE: RONNIE NIX PHOTOS BY: TRI-STATE FAIR & RODEO

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b Hanna Morris

Grand C ham p io n M ar ket G o at Sunny Cowley

R e se r ve G ra n d C h a m p i o n M a r k e t L a m b Emma Kleman

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket G oat Si er ra Shar p

20 - The Show Wether

AK SAR BE N Stock Show & Rodeo

Sept. 25, 2015

Omaha, NE

Market Goat & Commercial Doe Shows JUDGE: EVAN SNYDER PHOTOS BY: AKSARBEN

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t G o at C h l o e G o re ts k a

Grand Cham p i o n D o e Ella J ahner

R e se r ve G ra n d C h a m p i o n M a r k e t G o at N i ck D e pp e

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n D o e J aso n Pai ne

The Show Wether - 21

AK SAR BE N Stock Show & Rodeo

Sept. 26, 2015

Omaha, NE

Market Lamb & Commercial Ewe Shows JUDGE: EVAN SNYDER PHOTOS BY: AKSARBEN

Grand C ha mp i on M a r k e t L a m b ; C h a m p i o n B l a ckf ace Lex i e B e r r y

Reser ve Grand Champion M arket Lamb; Reser ve Blackface N ico le Zub er

C ha mp i on Sp e ck l e Fa ce d M a r k e t L a m b M ck e n z i e N e i m e ye r

R eser ve White Faced M ar ket L amb S am D avi s

Not pictured: R e se r ve Spe ck l e Fa ce d M a r k e t L a m b - Em m et t Edler ; C ham p io n White Faced M ar ket L am b - M adis on Fair ley 22 - The Show Wether

G ra nd C ha mp i on Ewe, C h a m pi o n B l a ck fa ce Ewe Co l by Wi l l i a m s

R eser ve Grand C ham p io n Ewe, R eser ve B la ckface Ewe Shelby K ar r

C ha m pi o n Sp e ck l e Fa ce d Ewe Wh i tn e y Te n n a p e l

R eser ve Sp ec k le Faced Ewe J i llian K eller

C ha m pi o n Wh i te Fa ce d Ewe E m m a Zwa r t

R eser ve Whi te Faced Ewe K endra Lo seke

The Show Wether - 23

October 2, 2015

Kansas unior L ivestock Show

Hutchinson, KS

Market Lamb & Market Ewe Shows JUDGE: TODD WISE

PHOTOS BY: LEGACY LIVESTOCK IMAGING

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b K a ci Fo ra k e r

Grand C ham p io n Ewe Neal Ehler

R e se r ve G ra n d C h a m p i o n M a r k e t L a m b Sh i l o S ch a a k e

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n Ewe L ak in Per r y

24 - The Show Wether

October 2-3, 2015

Kansas unior L ivestock Show

Hutchinson, KS

Market Goat & Commercial Doe Shows JUDGE: BRANDON MORGAN

PHOTOS BY: LEGACY LIVESTOCK IMAGING

G ra nd C h a m pi o n M a r k e t G o at K a ci e Fo ra k e r

Grand Cham p i o n D o e J uli anna Sp rague

R e se r ve G ra n d C h a m p i o n M a r k e t G o at Ju l i a n n a Spra g u e

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n D o e J aso n Pai ne

The Show Wether - 25

Northern International L ivestock Exhibition

October 12, 2015

Billings, MT

Market Lamb & Market Goat Shows JUDGE: BRANDON ANDERSON

PHOTOS BY: LEGACY LIVESTOCK IMAGING

G ra n d C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L a m b D av i d Ve tte r

Grand C ham p io n M ar ket G o at J ako b J uul

R e se r ve G ra n d C h a m pi o n M a r k e t L am b Riley Meisner

R eser ve Grand C ham p io n M ar ket G o at J er ic a D eLo ng

26 - The Show Wether

American Royal

October 23, 2015

Kansas City, MO

Market Goat Show JUDGE: JOSH TAYLOR

PHOTOS BY: SHOWCHAMPIONS

Gran d C ha mp i on M a r k e t G o at; D i v. II Ca mi R e ve a l

R e s e r ve C ham p io n M ar ket G o at ; D i v. I Lex i Vander wo r k

Divi si o n 1 R eser ve Champion J et t Sm i th

Div i si on I I R e se r ve C h a m p i o n Pa i ge Pe n ce

Divi si o n III C ham p io n Co o p er B o unds

Divi si o n III R eser ve Champion Er i n J o hnson The Show Wether - 27

October 24, 2015

American Royal

Kansas City, MO

Market Lamb Show JUDGE: SHAWN VARNER

PHOTOS BY: SHOWCHAMPIONS

Gra nd C ha mp i on M a r k e t L a m b ; D i v. III C h a m p io n Au s ti n B e r n i ck y

D i v i si on I C h a m p i o n K a md e n U r b a n 28 - The Show Wether

R eser ve Grand Cham p i o n M ar ket L am b ; Div. I I Champion Ky ra S c hi nb ec k ler

D i v i si o n I R eser ve C ham p io n Ty M i tc hell

Divi si o n II R eser ve Cha mpion Lo ui s ( Ty ) M alechek I V

No t p i c t ured: D i vi si o n III R eser ve C ham p io n - K a r lyn Snider