(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Kuboushek)
Lessons from the showring
June 30, 2025 | Bethany Baratta
County fair season is upon us. Soon, youngsters will sit in the 'hot seat' as they answer questions about the projects they've prepared for exhibition. Some will also take to the showring with their pet and/or livestock projects, hoping the animal they've worked hard to train cooperates. I was there once.
My parents ushered five kids in and out of the showring and exhibit building. Naturally I tagged along until it was my turn.
I exhibited a plethora of photography, art and food projects. I also exhibited produce from our garden in the horticulture division; finding three uniformly shaped onions to complete our display basket was often tricky.
In the dusty showring, you'd find me guiding (or chasing) a pig with other 4-H members through the ring before the judge and spectators. Finding three pigs to show that were also uniform was sometimes trickier; we didn't raise 'show' pigs, we picked three pigs out of the herd and did our best.
The rabbit shows were a little tamer as each animal was judged individually, and uniformity was less of a factor.
I didn't think about it much then, but those county fair experiences were lessons for life. Here are just three of those lessons:
Goal setting: Whether it's a project that demonstrates your skills in photography or working with an animal to prepare it for the showring, 4-Hers are always working toward a goal. Learning to plan, measure progress and adjusting along the way are skills that translate to everyday life.
Responsibility: Before an animal even makes it to the showring, months of preparation on the farm takes place. Feeding animals, pitching manure, walking or holding the animals and health checks were part of the daily routine, teaching us consistency, discipline and ownership.
Sportsmanship: You can dedicate several months to caring for your animals only to end up with a low ribbon rating (red) in the showring. Losing with grace, winning with humility and always respecting your animals, the judge and your fellow 4-Hers reflect your character.
To the 4-Hers soon entering the showring: good luck. Remember that the result in the showring might not accurately depict the work you've put into preparing for the show. Thank your parents, your leaders, your mentors, and the judges (even if you disagree). They're all providing the lessons you'll take with you long after your years as a 4-H member are complete.
Written by Bethany Baratta.
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