By Stephen Smoot
Overhead, the unforgiving summer sun beat down. Though shaded under the main show building with fans running furiously, all could agree that the heat of the sumer had come to the Tri County Fair in Petersburg last week.
Still hotter were the fires of competition as a number of 4H, Future Farmers of America, and others showed the results of months or even years of hard work.
Katie Cumberland of Fisher placed third as she showed her sheep last Tuesday. Accompanied by her mother Kellen, she explained that her task lay in “showing the animal to the best of its ability.” Since the contest emphasizes the ability to show more than the animal shown, they may have to swap animals to show they can perform the same across the board.
This is a competition just as, perhaps in some ways even more competitive than varsity high school sports. In both cases, the youth puts in significant amounts of time and effort to develop the animal, as well as their own skills. Parents often must provide funds, at least at first, to start them out, but also wake up early, bring them to the show, then all come home late and exhausted just to do it again the next day during fair week.
And many will also compete in state and other fair competitions.
Cumberland has wins under her belt, such as reserve champion showman in 2023, but the 11 year old is only in her third year.
When one peers at the names emblazoned on the stalls, names familiar to regional varsity sports fans recur. Gracie Heishman, who starred for multiple sports at East Hardy last year, competed last week.
So did Ty and Tia Heavner of Pendleton County. Tia starred on an undefeated middle school girls basketball team and her brother Ty is also a relentless cager.
They compete against others – and each other – in fair competition.
Tia last week, among other accolades, earned the Tri County Fair grand champion senior in the sheep show, winning in the bred and owned category. Her brother took reserve bred and owned.
To perform well, Tia urges “dedication, patience and practice.” She has worked since the age of two to develop those skillsets in agricultural competition. Tia started off her career in “jackpotting,” an event that helps young people develop skills and confidence.
She states that some of her favorite parts of competition are in “creating a bond with my animals” and “hanging out with my friends.” Competitors care for their animals’ needs daily for months while preparing them for events. Separation when it comes time to sell can be very emotional and many work, when they must sell their animals, to ensure that their animals go to new facilities where they can thrive.
“It really is like a sport,” noted Ty, who added “the number one thing is time management. You really have to know how to manage your time.” He emphasized that taking care of a farm animal often is not much different than a pet. “You have to be consistent” and provide the animal what it needs every day.
“You cannot forget to feed your animals.” Ty stated.
Competitors develop other skills as well. Ty shared that “you spend a lot of money having good animals, not just buying.” He explained that “I personally own seven animals” and he spends money earned through agriculture to take care of them.
The squad of siblings during competition weeks rise every morning at 6 a.m. and don’t go to bed until after midnight. Yet they must come back the next day to perform at the highest level to earn titles and show skills.
