Stock show kids are the kids that wake up and before eating breakfast, they go feed their livestock. Champions aren’t made by sitting on the couch. Stock show kids know that in order to win that Grand Champion, in not only the show ring but life, they must first put in their hard work and determination. Tom Hanks once said, “If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.”

Hard work shows

Stock show kids aren't afraid to go out in public with a hoodie full of a hay, and cow manure on their boots. The dirt to them just shows everyone that they aren’t afraid of a little dirt. They know just how important that dirt is. Stock show kids see dirt as life. Without it there would be no grass, no trees, and no way for survival. For all of the crop farmers, I know dirt is misplaced soil. Soil is what grows things.

Stock show kids never forget what they learned from working with an animal. Show animals are a lot like people. Each has a different attitude and personality. Stock show kids develop a better understanding on how to deal with someone or something. You learn from working with animals, that getting mad doesn’t change anything.

Stock show kids are the people that are wearing a green and white or blue and gold corduroy jacket. It says their name on the front, and where they are from in the back. These kids wear these uniforms and travel the world showing off their prized animal. Those jackets help others see who these kids are representing, their self, hometown, and state. The only thing that jacket doesn’t represent, is where they will be when they leave that show ring.

traditions are born & kept alive

Stock show kids leave and new stock show kids emerge. Some will start a family and get their children involved in something that they fell in love with when they were their age. A family tradition normally begins at a stock show. It’s not uncommon to see a third generation stock show kid in the show ring.

Stock show kids have a strong support system. In school or at home there are always fellow classmates, agriculture education instructors, or family that is behind them 100% of the way. Their support system gives them a shoulder to cry on when things don’t go their way, and a high five, hug, or handshake when deserved or needed.

The future is our stock show kids

Stock show kids are your future farmers, doctors, politicians, and inventors. These kids set a goal and aren’t afraid to get dirty or put in some extra work to accomplish their dreams. These kids are our future in the agriculture industry, and the nation as well. Not all of the 4H and FFA kids are going to graduate and pursue and agriculture career, but they will leave with a deep connection with agriculture.

Stock show kids are just great kids. They are raised differently, and it really shows. Their character is what their 4H leaders and agriculture teachers make them focus on. At the end of the day stock show kids do great with animals, but animals don’t define them. “Stock show” kids might be what they are called, but there is so much more to these kids.

They have potential.

Potential to make a real difference in the world. Some will invent life changing technology for farmers, some will give farmers a much needed voice in a court room, and others will be a farmer’s doctor. Stock show kids might not pursue an agriculture career, but I guarantee you one thing. If a farmer is asking for help, these past and present stock show kids will be the first to answer the call.

About Breanna Viles is a current college student who is combining her passion for agriculture and love for writing together, which created Raised in a Barn on Facebook. On WordPress her blog is called Raised Right in a Barn is an informational and educational blog that is helping give agriculture a much needed voice. When she isn't blogging she is spending time with her family, boyfriend, or enjoying life on the farm.