Hopkins County 4-H Report

 

by: Juli Hutchins
Hopkins County 4-H Agent

 

 

Kadee Melton shown with her Grand Champion Steer and the buyers, Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau.

 

Kadee Melton Top Exhibitor at Junior Market Show

 

The Hopkins County Junior Market Show was held February 26-28, 2009 at the Regional Civic Center.  Over the last few weeks I have been introducing you to some of our top 4-H exhibitors who excelled at this year’s show.  This week I would like you to meet Kadee Melton, Grand Champion Steer & Heifer winner and Senior Steer & Heifer Showmanship winner.  Kadee is eighteen years old and in her eleveth year of 4-H.  She is a member of the Stars of Texas 4-H Club which meets in Sulphur Springs.  I asked Kadee during an interview the following questions and here are her answers.

 

What were the names of your steer and heifer?  My steer’s name was Ace and my heifer’s name is New Mexico Lady, but I call her Chula, which means pretty girl.

What did you learn from participating in the beef project this year?  I learned so much!  I raised 3 heifers and 3 steers this year and that is a huge undertaking for just one person in addition to volleyball and working on college applications and keeping my grades up, while still showing every weekend.  I really had to manage my time and balance it between each of my activities.

How did you learn to show your steer so well?  I went to Be A Champ Camp in Warner, OK the past two summers and that helped some, but mostly it was just trial and error!  I would watch the older kids and then try to mimic them.  All I do is go in the ring with confidence, hopefully if I look like I know what I am doing then the judge will think so too!

What was your favorite part of your project this year?  My favorite part was being able to show cattle I raised myself and have success with them.  The steer I showed at Houston was out of a retired show heifer of mine, and I have done really well at small show with a heifer that I got from flushing that same cow.  It is very rewarding, knowing I put so much work into these heifers and they can produce calves that are successful at the major shows in Texas.

What will you do with the money you received from selling your steer?  The money from selling my steer usually goes towards buying my project for the next year, but since this is my last year to show, the money will be going toward my college fund.  It was so exciting to win Grand Champion my senior year.  I received a great price for my steer and it’s going to help a lot when I get to College Station.

 

 

Kadee has also participated in the 4-H dairy heifer, lamb, poultry, and photography projects.  She has as well competed in livestock judging and been a 4-H Club and County Council Officer, and a District 4-H Delegate.  This year she competed at the Ft. Worth Stock Show in the Superintendent’s Beef Challenge Contest and won a scholarship.  She also received a scholarship from the 4-H County Council for her 4-H efforts over the years.  In addition, she placed 1st at the Ft. Worth and Houston Stock Shows with her heifer.  She also made the sale at Houston with one of her steers.

 

Kadee is a senior at North Hopkins School.  She is very active with the yearbook staff, academic UIL team, BETA National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Baptist Church Youth Group, and Texas Jr. Hereford and Polled Hereford Associations.  Kadee will be attending Texas A&M in the Fall pursuing a degree in Animal Science.  Hopkins County wishes you the best! Congratulations!  

 

AgriLife Extension Programs (4-H) are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.  The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.  Contact the local AgriLife Extension Office at (903)885-3443 for enrollment information.