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Wisconsin teen gains valuable lessons through exhibiting livestock

A Southwest Wisconsin teen says she’s excited to exhibit at her first Wisconsin State Fair.  

Cassidy Crooks says she’s watched her siblings show for years, but now it’s her turn. “On Tuesday, I’ll be showing my crossbred breeding ewe lamb,” she says.  “She’s about six months old. Her name is Margo. And then Wednesday, I will be showing two steers, one shorthorn and one crossbred.” 

She tells Brownfield showing at the state fair is fun, but there are lessons learned, too. “If you forget to take out the trash, then it’ll smell a little bit,” she says. “But if you forget to feed your animal, then they’re going to be very mad at you. You learn how to be patient with your animal if they’re not behaving the best and you learn nutrition for the animals.” 

In addition to showing her livestock, Crooks will be helping with the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction. “The State Fair put a grant out and a lot of people won it, and I was one of those people,” she says. “One of the requirements for the grant is that you have to help with the auction. And I’m a little nervous about that.” 

The Wisconsin State Fair runs through Sunday, August 16th.  The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is Wednesday, August 12th.  

AUDIO: Cassidy Crooks, Wisconsin State Fair exhibitor