Description |
Seller: Ava Thompson
Group Affiliation: Palermo Grange
Species: Steer
Animal Weight: 1,290 lbs
Place: 4-H/Grange Res. Champ.
Well, it’s that time of year again, Yep, it’s the Butte County Fair! Which is my favorite Fair. I love the Atmosphere, It’s smaller with less people. Boy, it always seems so far away when you first start your project. I bought my steer “Toby” and brought him home 9 months ago.
Hi, If you don’t know me already, my name is Ava! I’m a sophomore at Core Butte High School. I’m 15 years old and this is my third year raising a Market Steer. This year I’ll also be showing my heifer named “Royal” (because she is a royal pain in my butt)! I have been showing livestock since I was 9, where I have raised Lambs and Cattle. I started out in 4H, now I’m with Palermo Grange where I’ve been a part of for the past 4 years. I love to raise and show livestock. What I enjoy doing in my spare time is crafting, selling my crafts at the farmers market and homesteady group, hanging out with my family, fishing, hunting with my dad, camping, swimming, livestock judging and going to shows. I’m taking Ag classes along with being a part of the Core Buttes FFA program.
This year has been an exciting one for me. My little herd is growing! My ranch heifer Dumplin, she had a bull calf on July 2nd (which we will make a Steer) so now my herd is at 2. Royal is also pregnant and due February/March of 2025. I’m excited because I will take that calf and raise it for the fair for 2026, if it’s a Bull Calf. If it’s a heifer, I’ll show her till I’m able to breed her. My goal is to raise my own quality market animals and grow my cattle herd to around 10 head by the time I graduate High School. The Money I get form selling my market animals goes towards the feed for my next project and purchasing the next steer if needed. Then save as much as I can, so I can eventually purchase some property to put my cattle on. My dad and I work with my animals every day. If it’s too hot, we don’t work them but I wash/rinse and high tie when it’s at a comfortable temperature. When we wash that’s when we can clean pens. It’s a lot of work but its very rewarding watching them get older and see how they grow.
My favorite part about the fair is being able to show others and tell them about my project and answering questions they have. I love to meet new people, make memories and take it all in. Every year I learn something new. Always looking forward to what’s next. I invite you to come and support the Youth Livestock Program. But I’d love for you to come and be a part of my story!
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