 Breeders' World will be spotlighting people in the cattle industry that
work hard to stand out above everyone else. If you know someone
that Breeders' World should spotlight please
email us at cattle@breedersworld.com
Spotlight October 13, 2009
NAME- Kysa Downing
HOME STATE- Iowa
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHOW AND WHY?
My favorite show would have to be State Fair. It is so fun to go and hang out with all of my friends in the state for a week. I even met another girl named Kysa that also shows calves. It was fun to go and show my calf ,Magnum.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOW ACCOMPLISHMENT?
My biggest show accomplishment was when I won AK-SAR-BEN this year. It was so cool to win a major show. I was shocked when the judge came over and shook my hand. It was a great feeling and experience.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My dad is my biggest inspiration. He has a lot of experience in cattle and I was happy to see our hard work pay off.
WHAT IS A NORMAL DAILY ROUTINE FOR YOU? (SCHOOL, WORKING WITH ANIMALS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES)
We started working really hard with our calves a week before school was out. My two brothers and I take turns getting up at 5:30 each morning to feed calves. Then we went inside for breakfast and came back out at 6:30 to walk and rinse calves.
WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST WITH YOUR PROJECTS?
It is a family project working with the calves at our house. The project also involves Grandpa and Grandma and other cattle friends I have met through our cattle sale and showing cattle.
WHAT IS THE ONE SHOW YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO WIN AND WHY?
I have always wanted to win the Iowa state fair. I would consider winning the state fair as a huge honor.
WHAT IS YOR FAVORITE ANIMAL OF ALL TIME AND WHY?
My favorite steer of all time was Rusty, my shorthorn steer. He was so much fun to work with. He won reserve champion shorthorn at Iowa state fair.
IF YOU COULD HANG OUT WITH ONE PERSON AT A SHOW FOR A DAY WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would hang out with my cousin, Ashley.We are very good friends because we both like our cattle. I enjoy having her help me with showmanship.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE JUDGE AND WHY?
My Dad is my favorite judge because he helps us pick out our calves for the year. He has a very good eye for cattle and explains to us what he is looking for and why. After we have our calf sale, it is fun to go with him to find a nice calf for my brothers and I.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
I am a freshman in high school and plan to keep showing my calves. I also plan to play basketball and work on other projects for our county fair. This year I got elected president of our 4-H club. This will be fun and a new responsibility for me.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO OHER EXHIBITORS?
It takes a lot of hard work and patience for your market beef project. It is important to learn how to manage your time. Working with your calf everyday is very important.
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