Katie Morrison

When I was around the age of 12, the idea of showing market lambs in the local 4-H sparked my interest.

Around that time, my sister decided she was going to show market hogs. Of course, I wasn’t going to be like my sister, so obviously I had to choose something different. I was set on showing market lambs.

So, like a great Junie B. Jones, I did my research. I read books, articles, and blogs — just to prove to my mom that I could do it. Then eventually, I got my first market lambs.

When I look back on my first year of showing lambs, it is painful to remember. I was, to be honest, not the greatest showman, but was great at pretending like I was. I had my two lambs named Jasper, and Otis, and I had so much fun learning the ropes.

It wasn’t until the next year that I was connected with a very knowledgeable friend, and mentor. He helped me get better quality livestock the next year, and taught me how to be a more successful showman.

It has now been four years since I have been connected with this very influential person. I have grown, learned many lessons, and become quite good at showing market lambs. I get my lambs each March, and work hard from the beginning to get them halter broke, and calm enough to work with. Then I take them to jackpot shows, and spend my evenings grooming their leg hair, treadmilling them for muscle, and other various things. Because of this hard work I have become successful.

I just recently had a very good week at the Park County Fair. I finished in the top of several of my competitions. I have won several buckles, banners, and cash prizes throughout the years. But at the end of each day, I have put in the work to earn my place.

So often in life, we find ourselves questioning others on their performance. Whether you question how much they paid to get where they are, or what connections their family has or if their mom or dad is their sports coach. It is so easy to become consumed by your jealousy or arrogance, rather than take a step back and be happy for others.

Being a part of the livestock community, I have seen the good, bad, and ugly. I myself have been jealous of what others have earned. But at the end of the day, it’s only hard work, and drive that can make it better.

Tomorrow I urge you to find a successful person in your life, and be proud of them. Notice how far they have come to get where they are. Instead of being the rotten apple of the bunch, I urge you to recognize their effort.

In life things aren’t handed to you, so go that extra mile, give credit where it is due. Walk another lap, pick up that garbage off the floor and no matter what, continue to work harder.