Lasting lessons: Don't give up; become a beef industry advocate

Bailee Springer, right, and Cara Oltmer compete in the senior beef showmanship division at the 2018 Red Willow County Fair Friday afternoon.

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Livestock judge Kenzie Freeman handed senior beef showmen the microphone Friday afternoon and put them on the spot with one question: What is the one lesson you’ve learned showing cattle?

G O’Dea said he’s learned to “Stick with it … don’t give up.” Allison Rippe said, “You’re gonna have bad days, but you can’t quit. Have patience.” Jake O’Dea said, “Always try to get better. Big strides, little strides … always try to get better.”

Poor Emily Kircher came last, and a little sheepishly, admitted to the judge and the crowd, “Everything they said, I was thinking in my head. Really.” She tipped her head, took a breath, smiled, and concluded, “These will be some of my best memories ever.”

Fellow showman Emily Kircher took the microphone and told judge Kenzie Freeman and the crowd that showing cattle “will be some of my best memories ever.”

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

Freeman told the showmen, “These are some awesome lessons you’ve learned, and lessons you can pass on to the younger showmen.” She encouraged each showman to “be an advocate for the beef industry.”

Freeman selected Allison as the champion and G as the reserve champion senior beef showmen. Allison is the daughter of Janet and Gail Rippe. Emily is the daughter of Tina and Jerry Kircher. Jake and G are the sons of John and Michelle O’Dea.