Zachary and Garrett Ebel of Verdigre were born beyond ready for 4‑H. We have heard many stories of our mom, aunts and uncles showing livestock over the years. We also have got to stand ring side to watch our cousins show their cattle, pigs and sheep in Sheridan County. The past few years we have been able to participate in showing pigs and sheep as clover kids.
This year was just a little more special for us because we got to take a couple stocker feeder calves and a bucket calf to the Knox County Fair. Zachary showed his steer, Salt and his breeding heifer, Pepper, while Garrett showed his bucket calf, Ellie. We learned a new set of showing skills. In working with our calves, we learned how to wash, lead and to set them up using a chain halter and show stick. Being around our calves we also had to take a slow and steady approach working with them since they are a bit bigger than our pigs and sheep.
Next year Garrett will join Zachary in the ring showing competing against each other in the Novice division. They both look forward to a new year in the showring, making more friendships with other 4‑H’ers, and forming new bonds with the next set of calves, pigs and sheep. We are blessed to have the opportunity to show so many animals and to carry on with the family tradition.