Herding cattle at the fair

MOSES LAKE — More than 80 head of cattle filled the barns at the Grant County Fairgrounds Tuesday and several 4-H youth tended to them hoping to win ribbons.

Justin DeHoog, 11, Ephrata, entered four Holstein cows at the fair. He’s shown cows for three years through 4-H.

“I work on a farm and I really like cows,” he said. “It’s fun to show. One year I hope to get all Grand Champion (awards).”

DeHoog said he usually receives reserve ribbons.

He said there is a lot to do when caring and taming a cow before bringing it to the barns.

“You have to work with your cow a lot and wash it a lot,” he said.

At home DeHoog ties his cows up and brushes them to get them used to people.

One of his cows, Zoe, is 22 months old.

“I think she’s a pretty good cow,” he said.

He said eventually he will show her by leading her around an arena before a crowd of people interested in buying her. DeHoog said he guesses he will get a large sum of money for her.

Louie Carvalho is a judge in the cow barns for 4-H.

He’s been judging cattle for seven years and was involved in 4-H for 10 years.

“I like always coming out and seeing all the Holsteins,” Carvalho said. “I grew up on a farm. It’s something I can’t leave.”

He said he judges 4-H cattle on the cleanliness of the stalls and the animal, makes sure they are fed and watered and judges them on their calmness.

Outside of the barns, three boys were blow drying a heifer after cleaning it to prepare for show.

Cade Walace, 11, Tanner Walace, 9, and Paden Walace, 6, came to the fair from Quincy to show several cattle.

“It’s just real fun and everybody gets to come see your project,” Cade said. “People compliment you on how well you’re doing.”

He said it doesn’t take too much work to prepare cattle for show, just time and a lot of feed.

Tanner said it’s important to get the cattle trained, lead them and catch them. He said their technique to calm the cattle involves catching them and feeding them to help them get used to their halters.

Tanner said his favorite part about the fair is showing off what he’s learned about cattle and earning money.