Brooks prevails in junior showmanship
SYRACUSE – Kole Brooks, 10, of Bennet was among 53 showmanship competitors at the Otoe County Fair’s 4-H beef show Friday, but none were more on his mind than last year’s winners.
The show judge related to the junior showmen noting that the calves are 20 times bigger than they are.
Judge: “Perseverance is important when your dealing with a 1,000-pound calf.”
Brooks said his perseverance is paying off.
Brooks: “It was amazing. Last year I got reserve behind a girl that had won two years in a row and this year I finally beat her.”

Brooks also showed sheep and chickens, cooked and entered exhibits for fairy garden and taxidermy.
This year’s senior showmanship champion was Kadyn Sisco, who also showed the champion breeding heifer. Kyle Cavanaugh was reserve.
There were 13 4-Hers in the junior showmanship class and 17 in Clover Kid showmanship.
Brooks offered this advice for showmanship.
Brooks: “To me it’s getting your animals set up and watching the judge, making sure your head is always up. The legs are always set.”
Aliyah Beach, who showed the champion shorthorn, was the reserve junior showman.
Annalynn Beach was the intermediate showman.