Dear daughter,
I watched through the camera lens as you led your Oxford yearling ewe out of the ring. I missed the shot because tears blurred my line of sight. It was the final championship drive for you as a junior exhibitor. I am so sorry that there is an age limit at the Missouri State Fair Junior Livestock Show. But in the show arena, as in life, there is a time to move forward.
For the past 13 years, I have enjoyed watching you in the sheep show ring at the Missouri State Fairgrounds every August. I witnessed you exhibiting despite fevers, vomiting between classes and even mononucleosis. I could have made you sit one out, well, probably not. Showing livestock is your passion. And stubbornness is your heritage.

Now, all that changes. While you can still return to the ring in an open show, you will not be eligible for a junior show. And I know that hurts. There is nothing like the comradery found as a junior showman. However, I wanted to share a few thoughts as you look back on your show career and move forward in life.
First, showing livestock is about family– by birth, by barn. Without question, you would not have had such a long, successful run without your uncle. Back then, he was just a 22-year-old, who still thought hanging with his little niece was cool. He taught you how to break lambs, lead by halter and hand, hold the head, set feet, wash, card, and hand trim. You spent more time singing songs in his truck traveling to fairs than with me. His love for you enabled you to pursue your passion. So, wherever life takes you remember there are still five kids at his house ready to show at the state fair. Be available. More importantly, be ready to sing.
Then there is your family by barn. We often refer to those in the Sheep Pavilion as our “sheep family.” I will never forget during one of your first state fairs Mr. and Mrs. Busdieker stopped you because you were walking with someone they never met nor seen around the barn. You didn’t realize what they were doing, but your dad and I did. They wanted to make sure you were okay and safe. That is what family does. They care about you inside and outside of the ring.
It brings me great joy when you have one kid in your arms and two or three trailing you down the state fair barn aisle. You fully grasp that there is more to the fair than showing, there is a real need to care about family–your sheep family. Continue making time for all family.
Second, foster those fair friendships. I giggle when I recall the time one of the Schmidt twins, Marc or Mitch I couldn’t tell the difference when they were 9, left the show ring because he was showing with a girl–you. With your sheep penned right next to theirs every year that followed, they grew to become more like brothers. While they may give you grief, they no longer leave you in the show ring.
I cannot begin to recount all of the friends you have made showing livestock. There are stories of late night card playing, holes in walls, a sign, and Schmekerns. Some stories, I will never know fully understand and that is okay. While your time together in the show ring ended, the friendships will not. Take the time for your friendships.
Third, continue to give back by mentoring others. Going to fairs, you often feared who would help show your yearling ewes. Those ewes had you beat by 50 pounds and you were barely tall enough to rest its head on your shoulder. However, the Eckler family blessed you. While Gina (Eckler) Pollard and Kyle Eckler showed in the FFA in the afternoon, they woke early to be at your side. I am grateful for them as they modeled how a good showman gives back.
This year I watched, as again you got up early to help 4-H’ers. You even paid a little back to the family that helped you so much, by assisting the fourth generation of Ecklers in the show ring. Never lose that caring spirit.
These lessons were only possible by spending time exhibiting livestock. Remember them. Value them. Pass them on to future showman.
Your father and I have thoroughly enjoyed this ride with you. Thank you letting us tag along. You have made us so very proud.
Love,
Mom
 
Shared from Dakota Farmer and Farm Progress by: Mindy Ward