(Posted March 8, 2018)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
On March 24, experts in showing animals will congregate at the Madison County Fairgrounds to impart their wisdom to 4-H and FFA members preparing for their first or their next show season.
This marks the 10th anniversary of Heritage Cooperative’s Show Ring Success Seminar. Originally, the event took place in Clark County. It moved to Madison County a few years ago.
“We have 500 to 600 people attend. They come from counties all around,” said Dave Monnin of Heritage.
The seminar is free, open to anyone, and includes lunch. Registration is required and open up until the day of the event.
Participants will learn about livestock selection, nutrition, daily care, showmanship, show day preparations, and fitting. The goal is to set youths up for success at county fairs and other livestock shows.
“If you’ve never shown an animal before, this is probably perfect for you because we talk about everything,” Monnin said.
Breakout sessions feature experts by species. Madison County’s own Marina Sweet returns to the line-up as the poultry and rabbits expert. Sweet is a two-time Madison County Fair grand showman of showmen and is pursuing education and a career in veterinary medicine.
Other experts include: Logan Svonavec, sheep; Brian Vaughn, swine; Chase and Collin Watson, show steers; Kelsey Pfeiffer, goats; and Melissa Downerd, dairy and dairy feeders. Dr. Kevin Burgoon, a nutritionist with Purina, will visit each breakout session to talk about general nutrition and supplements. With live animals on site, participants get to see exactly what the experts are talking about.
Kirsten Holt, Madison County 4-H Extension educator, will offer regular and pork-specific quality assurance education after the breakout sessions conclude.
The schedule for March 24 is as follows:
9 a.m.–Welcome and introductions
9:15 a.m.-3 p.m.–Breakout sessions (rabbit and poultry from 9 a.m.-noon only)
Noon–Lunch
3 p.m.–Closing
3:30-4:30 p.m.–Quality assurance
Door prizes include a Brechbuhler digital scale, Weaver hanging showbox, Purina High Octane supplements, and Purina Honor Show Chow. Participants must be present to win.
For details, contact Stef Lewis at slewis@heritagecooperative.com or (800) 424-2584, ext. 639.
