2020 4-H Livestock Show

Despite having to add social distancing measures because of COVID-19, Phillips County 4-H held successful Beef and Swine shows during the 2020 Phillips County Fair.

The events were judged by 4-H Livestock Judge Collin Gibbs of Miles City, who has become a familiar face in the past few years at the PC Fair. Gibbs has been judging fairs for over 17 years.

"It is definitely different," Gibbs said. "I don't have near the hustle and bustle that I would normally see, especially at this fair. Everyone has altered their behavior a little bit for these current times."

He stressed the importance of having a 4-H Show and was happy to see the number of entries present.

For the second time in three years Malta's Kailee Crowder won the Senior Showmanship at the Phillips County 4-H Beef Show, showing off her 1,250 pound steer named AJ.

"My cousin Toas named him for me," Crowder said.

Crowder was asked what the rail percentage of AJ was, but she wasn't sure.

"I just said five percent and the judge said he hoped it was more than that," Crowder said with a laugh.

Though things were different this year due to COVID-19, Crowder knew the benefit of living close to the fairgrounds.

"It's nice because we live two miles away from the fair," Crowder said. "It's probably harder for people that live further away."

Crowder shared the most important points in showing a steer at the fair.

"You definitely have to keep his head up high," Crowder said. "When the judge comes around, you have to make sure he can see the steer and make sure that the steer's feet are always set up."

She said that is it important to keep scratching the steer's belly when it is set up and it is important to keep a proper distance from the steer so the judge can get a good look at the animal.

During Crowder's first showing, her steer was approached by another steer that had broken free, but Crowder knew what to do during the showing.

"It was important to stay calm," Crowder said. "I knew my steer wouldn't get anxious."

Carson Ottinger was this year's Reserve Champion and third place went to Kooper Oxarart.

The beef show featured several beeves that gave the senior and junior showmen and showwomen hard times. Steer broke away throughout the day, as the heat and unfamiliarity with the fairgrounds played a part.

"There was probably a little less enthusiasm for working them as hard as they normally would because they didn't know if they were going to have a show," Gibbs said.

Given the beef industry's struggles with COVID-19 as prices fluctuated, Gibbs stressed the importance of producing quality beef to the showmen.

"I've been saying that for as long as I have been doing this," Gibbs said. "But it's getting some light shed on it in these current times; that it's more important than ever that people know their product and have confidence to market it effectively."

Tova Anderson was named Grand Champion in the Advanced Junior Showmanship. Darden Anderson was named Reserve Champion and Haden Hellie took third place.

Arena Neibur won the Market Beef Grand Champion title and Macey Blunt was the Reserve Champion.

On Friday morning, Saco's Marshall Caves was named the Grand Champion in the Swine Senior Showmanship.

"It feels really good and I am proud of my pig for cooperating this year and doing the best that she could," Caves said.

Caves' 272-pound pig was named "Big Booty Judy" because of her attitude.

"She has and attitude and a big butt," Caves said.

Caves has had success showing pigs at past 4-H Swine Shows and won the Advanced Junior Showmanship in 2019. He shared what goes into showing a pig.

"It's a lot of work," he said. "You have got to work with them every day, take care of them, let them gain your respect, and make sure they trust you."

Malta's Kennedy Koss was named Swine Reserve Champion, and Sidney Meeks, also of Malta, took third place.

Malta's Kendall Clausen was named the Grand Champion in the Advanced Junior Showmanship. Saco's Jessa Erickson was Reserve Champion and Malta's Kayden Green took third place. Steeler Blunt was named Grand Champion in the Beginning Junior Showmanship. Ellis Carnahan was the Reserve Champion and third went to Kazner Oxarart.

Koss produced the Market Swine Grand Champion and Emree Stuart had the Reserve Champion.