University of Findlay’s Cattle Team Wins Big at National Livestock Expositions

University of Findlay’s Cattle Team competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, KY, one of the largest and most prestigious livestock shows in the United States. Team members had an excellent showing in the American Aberdeen show, where they were awarded Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Heifer, and Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Bull that went on to win Supreme Champion Aberdeen.

“I think winning gives a sense of pride to those involved in the success. The students on the show team really put in a great deal of time and effort into getting the cattle ready for the shows. They spend weeks working with the cattle to help prepare them for the show,” said Farabee McCarthy, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Studies. McCarthy was able to take 35 students to NAILE to help with the competition. From there, he took six students to Denver, CO for the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), where the team was awarded yet again.

Caroline Winters is a junior at the University of Findlay, and is studying animal science with an emphasis on pre-veterinary medicine. During each of the competitions, Winters had the opportunity to show Legend, the team’s bull that took home the title of “Supreme Champion Aberdeen” at both shows. Winters grew up showing cattle, and is aware of all the hard work that goes into caring for the animals, training them, and preparing for the shows. While she loves to show cattle, she is also excited for the hands-on learning she’s receiving at the college level. “Findlay provides us with the hands-on learning not only to prepare us for vet school, but any career. Learning how to take care of animals teaches you so many life lessons that you can use in any aspect of your life. It helps put us ahead for job interviews, grad school, vet school, or wherever your life takes you after graduation,” said Winters.

Paige Lucic is a sophomore at UF, studying exercise science for physical therapy. While she doesn’t plan to attend veterinary school like her fellow teammates, she is thankful for the opportunity to branch out while in college. “The University of Findlay sets itself apart from other colleges by providing ample opportunities to their students to join clubs of interest and presenting a chance to expand their relationships with their peers and professors,” said Lucic. “The show cattle team here at Findlay is not just for animal science or pre-vet majors, anyone can join, and I encourage all to do so. You can learn so much by becoming a part of this team, not only about agriculture, but about hard work, determination, and time management.”

Junior, Kaden Morton, is an animal science/pre-vet major, and hopes to one day run her own veterinary practice. Morton talked about the countless hours of work she spent with the cattle, from teaching the cattle to walk with a halter on, consistent grooming, and helping the cattle to gain and maintain the proper weight. After taking second and receiving Reserve Grand Champion senior showman at NAILE, and watching the University’s bull get crowned Grand Champion, Morton was relieved. “It felt really good to know that all of our hard work paid off during these trips. We are very blessed to have the opportunity to compete at this level with our cattle, doing something we enjoy,” she said. “Hands-on learning like Findlay offers is very difficult to find. The experiences we have at Findlay are unmatched by other schools and I am grateful to be able to call myself an Oiler.”

Since adding the Aberdeen cattle to the Animal Science Program in 2008, the goal has been to produce cattle and exhibit them in a way that represents the University of Findlay and the Animal Science Program in the best possible light. “I think the results from that approach is now manifesting in the showing. We are positioned to continue to see good things with the help of our students and staff,” said McCarthy.

For more information on the animal science program at the University of Findlay, including a list of student groups and show teams, visit their webpage.

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