Herds R Us 4H Club

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 100th Middlesex & New Haven County 4-H Fair this past weekend! Celebrating 100 years is an incredible milestone, and it was amazing to see so much hard work, dedication, and community spirit on display.

With so many events happening throughout the weekend, we forgot to recognize a few of our outstanding members.

A huge congratulations to our Emily for Supreme Champion and Emma on Reserve Supreme Champion Dairy Cows—what an incredible accomplishment!

We also want to give a big shout-out to Russell for doing a great job in the tractor pulls. Your hard work and determination were great to watch!

Finally, congratulations to Delaney, Lexi, and Emily on your officer positions. Your leadership and countless hours of work played a major role in making this historic fair such a success.

We're so proud of all of you and everything you accomplished.

Chin UP. Losing sucks, but being a poor loser sucks worse.

You have every right to be disappointed. If you poured months of early mornings, late nights, money, sacrifice, and hope into something, it should sting when it doesn’t end the way you imagined. But disappointment and entitlement are not the same thing.

The judge didn’t take something that belonged to you.
Another exhibitor didn’t steal your placing.
One set of results doesn’t invalidate the work you put in.

One of the most overlooked skills in this industry is learning how to lose without making everyone else carry your frustration.

Congratulate the people who had a great day. Thank the people who invested their time in judging you. Load your trailer, go home, and ask better questions than, “Why wasn’t it me?”

Ask, “What did today’s winners do that I can learn from?”

Study this industry long enough and you’ll see that the exhibitors who improve the fastest aren’t always the most naturally talented, they’re the ones who can separate their ego from the outcome long enough to let the outcome teach them.

Someday you’ll have a great day in the ring, too. When that happens, the respect you earned after your losses will mean far more than the banner you’re holding ever will.

If you want to find the biggest bullies at a county fair, don't look in the show ring.

Look in the stands.

I'm not talking about the kids. I'm talking about the adults.

Today I texted my friend to congratulate her on her family's success at their county fair. Her son earned Supreme Champion Heifer. She told me that immediately after his win, a woman walked up to him, looked him in the eye, and told him he didn't deserve it.

Think about that for a minute.

An adult. Speaking to a child. Trying to take away one of the biggest moments of his young life.

That makes my blood boil.

Let's be honest. Livestock judging has always been subjective. There isn't a single judge who has ever pleased everyone standing around the ring. That's part of showing livestock.

Telling a child they didn't deserve to win is not.

If you have a problem with the results, have that conversation with your spouse on the drive home. Talk to your friends over a hamburger after the show.

But leave the kids out of it.

One of the things I love most about 4-H is its pledge: “…My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, and My Health to better living….”

Choosing to tear down a young exhibitor doesn't demonstrate clearer thinking. It doesn't show greater loyalty to our youth. It isn't service. And it certainly doesn't help create the kind of positive environment 4-H works so hard to build.

So here's my challenge.

If you're an adult at a livestock show, act like one. The kids are watching every conversation, every Facebook post, every eye roll, and every comment you make under your breath. Whether we realize it or not, we're teaching them what sportsmanship looks like.

And if you feel the need to bully someone, at least pick on somebody your own age.

Actually, here's an even better idea.

Don't pick on anyone at all.

County fairs should be where kids build confidence, friendships, and memories they'll carry for the rest of their lives. Let's make sure the adults aren't the reason those memories are ruined.

Hey young showpeople!

Remember, every animal deserves respect and gentle handling, whether they're going home with you or moving to their next chapter. Treat your animal with patience - they're nervous too! Remember, they're your partner in this journey.

Come out today, June 14th, for another Calf Selfie day! 📸 🐮 Come out to Greenbacker's Brookfield Farm, between 11 and 3 to take adorable pics with the Beautiful Bovine Babies!! Say “CHEESE” 🧀 with our adorable calves! We may have a couple tractors to check out also. Proceeds of this selfie fundraiser will benefit our 4-H club, based out of Durham, CT. Snacks and drinks will also be for sale. Cash or Venmo accepted! If you can’t make it, you can still donate on Venmo, -Groves-6
(Bring a phone or camera to capture your adorable selfies!)

On Sunday we are 1 week away from hosting another Calf Selfie day! 📸 🐮 Come out to Greenbacker's Brookfield Farm on June 14th between 11 and 3 to take adorable pics with the Beautiful Bovine Babies!! Say “CHEESE” 🧀 with our adorable calves! We may have a couple tractors to check out also. Proceeds of this selfie fundraiser will benefit our 4-H club, based out of Durham, CT. Snacks and drinks will also be for sale. Cash or Venmo accepted!
(Bring a phone or camera to capture your adorable selfies!)

Hope to see you all there!!