50 & Fabulous at ODAC for the first time

The Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show has been at many locations across Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states, but for the first time, ODAC put this event on. It was also the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Mikayla St. Clair is the junior chair, and she explained why ODAC was chosen to host this event.

“We moved it to Chatham because the facility was nicer and it could hold more people. In previous years, it was held in Harrisonburg. It was a central location, but with the growth of the Chatham facility, it was a better option. It was a nicer facility for hulking up electricity. Plus, the chair, Tim Clark is from Gretna. He likes the closeness of the facility because it took a week plus of prep to get ready.”

Over the weekend event, there were 144 exhibitioners and over 50 heifer classes, according to St. Clair.

St. Clair said attendance was also good.

“I don’t know the exact number, but I do know 75% showed up from how many were registered, normal is around 60%,” she said.

Show people get judged on a wide array of items including how the person and their cow keep calm, never being in between the cow and judge, etc.

“You can win showmanship as long as you make your heifer look the best, how she moves around the ring. No matter what stage you’re in, it matters how it looks,” St. Clair said.

St Clair also said winners of these shows earn something for their efforts.

“They get a ribbon and first place gets a little prize as well. The Angus Association gives you premium money, and the higher you go, the more premiums you earn and the prizes get bigger. Some give out trailers, clippers, a bag, etc. It’s to show the hard work you put in has paid off.”

St. Clair described what one can learn by attending or entering.

“By entering, you can gain so much experience. The more times you’re in the ring, the more comfortable you and your cow is, practice makes perfect. As well as connecting with people, the memories I made will last a lifetime. Watching is like attending a football game. You’re watching the hard work and dedication these kids have put in. You can tell everyone is supporting everyone. You can talk to people on the sidelines and get pointed in the right direction if you’re interested in entering but don’t know where to begin. It’s an amazing opportunity. Some are not raised on a 120-acre, fifth generation farm, but that doesn’t mean they can’t feature animals.

“For me, I was never into sports. Showing cattle is where I spent after school time. You build a bond with this livestock, and it relies on you. It teaches these kids responsibility. These cows rely on you for everything. I met so many great people in this industry; they are always there for you. They are so welcoming and the opportunities, scholarships and jobs you get through these shows is indescribable. You do get the awards but the connections you make and the opportunities is something you can’t describe.”

Exhibitioners from Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Alabama, Michigan, Florida, Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana, South Carolina and Georgia were all represented in the weekend event.