It was a familiar face taking home the Junior Supreme Showmanship Championship at the Manitowoc County Fair.
For the third consecutive year, 17-year-old Laney Neuser took home the crown, beating out numerous other worthy competitors.
Neuser, who was showing her calf named Dahlia, spoke with SeehaferNews.com and said she’s been showing cows for nearly her entire life.
“Ever since I was a little girl, like 4 years old, I would exhibit my little kiddy showmanship calf, and I always wanted to be able to show in the junior dairy show,” Neuser told us.
Now, as a three-peat champion, she says she takes great pride in that distinction.
Neuser explained, “Being able to have not only my first time being Supreme Champion, but my third time is really an honor, and I’m very excited for the youth that look up to me as well.”
Meanwhile, this year’s judge Mikayla Krause told us why it’s important for kids, like Laney, to participate in junior showmanship.
“It always gets them involved in learning about livestock and agriculture in general, that that would be one of the main things,” Krause noted. “And then there’s a responsibility side of it. Like when they come out in the ring, there’s presentation, they have to have them clipped up and clean and then learn how to show them, and there’s a huge responsibility side of it.”
Neuser, who is a part of the Maribel Mighty Kids 4-H Club, also shared just how much junior showmanship has taught her throughout the years.
“There are so many skills, not only in the show ring that I learned, but also in just real life. Learning how to communicate with the judge or one of your peers,” she explained. “How to help improve yourself and take constructive criticism and being able to be a leader and show other kids on how to do showmanship.”
Those looking to see the champion calf and the Supreme Championship banner can do so by visiting the Manitowoc County Fair cattle barn.
The County Fair will come to a close on Sunday (August 30th) at 6:00 p.m.
