COUNTY — The Franklin County 4-H Beef Club spent nearly two years fundraising for their trip last fall to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend NAILE (North American International Livestock Exposition).
Thirteen 4-H members and nine others took part in the trip. Members who were eight years of age or older and Jr. Members of the Belted Galloway Society were able to show while there.
During the trip members enjoyed go-carting, swimming and site seeing at Churchill downs and Big Four bridge, a six-span former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River. They watched different breeds of beef cattle and sheep showing and did some shopping. Some got to help fit and prepare cattle for the shows.
Members of the Franklin County 4-H Beef Club attended the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Members Amber Smith, Sadie Olmsted and Elizabeth Grondin are seen in no order while participating in the Junior Belted Galloway Showmanship Class. Submitted photo
Amber Smith, Jade Fitch, John Strout, Alexis Comeau, Sadie Olmsted, Elizabeth Grondin, Lorne Grondin and Jack Sullivan showed in the Junior Belted Galloway showmanship classes. These members all did a great job showing in their showmanship classes. Amber Smith won the over all Jr Belted Galloway showmanship class.
The members’ thoughts on the trip are shared below.
Sadie said, “Going to the North America was an experience I will never forget. I met people from across the country and it made me realize that the beef industry is very diverse. However, there are some things that are always the same, the passion to breed better cattle and drive that has been passed down through the generations to promote agriculture.”
MJ Smith said, “Seeing some of the exotic breeds that you don’t normally see in Maine. Helping get animals ready for show and I also got to help with the champion bull.”
Highlights Amber noted, “Showing on the green shavings, seeing a couple of judges that came to Maine, winning the overall junior showmanship class.
Kelsie Butterfield said, “Great experience with some great people.”
Jade added, “Getting to see friends and meeting new friends.”
Caleb Fitch said, “Getting to see old friends.”
Alexis said, “Good food, good friends, good shows, not many Belties but good times.”
John said, “I had a great learning experience with my 4-H group.
Elizabeth added, “Green shavings, excited, nervous, joy! Churchill Downs – WOW!”
Lorne said,” Fitted the national champion bull, what an experience.”
Cameran Fitch said, “Hanging with friends and watching my friends get champion bull.
Jack added, “Green shavings, great shows, new clothes, hanging with my bro’s.”
Beef club member Alexis Meisner also attended NAILE. Others on the trip were Tyler Jenness, Carrie Jenness, Melissa Fitch, Kristen Grondin, Jamie Sullivan, Stephanie Smith, Berta Meisner and Amanda Comeau.
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