Competitors at Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo deserve high marks

Young competitors at the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo last week provided an awe-inspiring opportunity to witness the hard work they’ve put in over the months and years leading up to the fair.   

Watching the youth take charge of pigs, sheep and steers in the showring was impressive as they moved the animals around, making sure to present its best features while keeping an eye on the judge throughout. Watching them share in detail about raising their goats, chickens and ducks, while being ready to answer tough questions about the process, was remarkable.   

Their dedication shined through.   

Take Zayne Braaten, 18, who slept in until 3 a.m. on the day he was entering the showring with his steer. His 16-year-old sister Emmalynn got up an hour earlier than him. Both had to be at the Flathead County Fairgrounds by 6 a.m. to feed and prep their steer for the day.  

Showing off her pig, Katie Bicha is also no stranger to early mornings, saying it requires commitment to raise an animal.   

“I wouldn’t be waking up at 7 a.m. if I didn’t have a pig,” Bicha said with a laugh.  

For the young 4-H and FFA participants across the county, a sense of learning and leadership becomes apparent when hearing them talk about their experience.   

Madison Peters, while showing her pig, said that she likes being a part of 4-H and working with her animal, but as the oldest member and the vice president of the Flathead Boondockers 4-H Club, her enjoyment extends further.   

“I like the leadership part,” she said.   

For those heading to market with their animals, they’ve been able to put some funds into their savings account for the future.   

Showing sheep and goats, Paige Morrison marked her 10th and final year participating in a livestock project. Though she’s finished competing as a high school graduate, she plans to keep raising and selling lambs.  

“Ever since I was little, I put my money in my savings and I was able to buy my first car with that. I’m always learning new things, too. I feel like it switches up every single year,” she said.   

While the goal is usually a blue ribbon, there’s also the journey of raising their animal or putting in hours learning a new craft or time spent tending vegetables in the garden — all that adds up to experiences that will carry forward in life.   

To all the youth competitors at the fair, we give you a round of applause.