All in the family

All in the family

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
At the North Idaho State fair in Coeur d’Alene, it’s showtime in the beef barn and for the Wimpner family, it’s a family affair. Grandpa Verland, a lifelong cattle rancher, is attending to watch his two grandchildren show their prize steers at the fair. “I am here to watch my grandkids with their steers. They are in the ring right now.” Has 4-H been a part of your family for a long time? “Ever since my kids were in 4-H we have been connected with 4-H ever since.” 16-year-old grandson Tavis who has been in 4-H for years says showing beef cattle is a year-round commitment that he enjoys. “I got him last year and in about a month I’m going to get another one. I have to put in every day each week to wash him and comb him out, train their hair. You just have to do a bunch of stuff to get them to walk on their lead ropes and stuff. It’s a long process to do.” Little sister Bailey says it is a family competition to see who does best, Showtime. “so I was put into the first class to market steers because my steer weighed 1114 and I placed third in my class.” Is there any brother sister competition? “Yes there is a lot of competition. We always see who can do better than the other one.” So who is winning? “Me”. Grandpa Verland who raises Hereford cattle says involvement in 4-H is a good learning experience for kids and adults.
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