There are three kinds of cattle competition at our county fair: steers, commercial heifers and the beef heifer division. The beef heifer division is a haltered cattle class that showcases individual beef cattle breeds. Angus will compete against Angus and Brahman heifers against other Brahman heifers. Chloe and Mason Stafford, the children of Shane and Karen Stafford, will be competing again this year in the beef heifer division.
Their mom Karen Stafford shares, “Shane and I both grew up in 4-H showing animals, and we understand the values it taught us; integrity, leadership, dedication, ethics, and the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself through community service. We knew we wanted our kids to have the same experiences and opportunities. So, both Chloe and Mason joined 4-H as soon as they were old enough.”
“In Chloe’s first 4-H year, her first project was a market hog named Lilly. Lilly was a wonderful learning experience for her as she learned the importance of raising her animal, and that animal was 100% reliant in her for everything. Chloe competed at the Angelina County Fair with Lilly and placed somewhere in the middle of her class, but made the sale which is always the ultimate goal. But that sale night was something none of us were prepared for. I’ll never forget the exact moment it struck Chloe, about 10 minutes before she walked in the sale ring, and she realized what it all meant and that Lilly truly would not be coming back home with us. The emotions hit everyone, but we have always focused the fact that these are market animals in the end. We are here to give them the best life we can while we have them, but ultimately, they have a destination in life. That first year is always the hardest. From there, Chloe and Mason have gone in to enter projects in photography, arts & crafts, fine arts, welding, as well as raising market lambs and breeding beef heifers while still raising her pigs.
“The hardest part is always saying goodbye to the market animals,” Karen asserts. “They are truly the kids’ projects, but it’s also a family commitment often placing us all out in the barn working side by side with parents, kids and animals. And even after all these years, there are still those special animals that strike something inside you and makes that final sale night bittersweet and emotional.”
In addition to some market animal projects, Chloe and Mason are showing heifers that were born just hours apart on family’s own place in 2023. Both are students at Lufkin High where Chloe is a graduating senior this year and Mason is a junior.
The Angelina County Fair allows exhibitors to show heifers that are 30 months of age, or younger, on the day of the show. The beef heifer division is sponsored by Ray & Carl Ray Polk Land and Cattle. Unlike most other divisions in the county fair, there is no limit to the number of heifers that may be entered by the exhibitor.
Breed divisions are in three major groups: English, Exotic or American divisions. English (or sometimes called British) breeds include Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn. Registered breeds will show in their own breed division and any unregistered animal will show in the “All Other Breeds” class. Classes for the beef breeding show will be broken down into three age divisions: under one year old, one two years, and over two years of age. Heifers in a class will be lined up according to age, youngest to oldest as they enter the arena.
The judge will evaluate the heifer’s growth and development based upon their age as well as their ability to raise a calf when they are old enough.
“The most rewarding part has been watching our kids grow up in such a strong and inspiring program as 4-H, being surrounded by friends and families that treat my kids as their own,” observed Karen, “Watching all the kids support and cheer for each other…and ultimately watching how our kids have grown and evolved into successful young people. I feel confident in knowing they will be ready for their next steps in life after high school.”
Chloe states, “The most rewarding part of this beef heifer project has been watching all of my winnings and successes pay off due to hard work and dedication throughout the past five years. I’ve learned how to take care of animals before a show, and I’ve learned about the responsibilities it takes at home in order to be successful in the show ring.”
Both Mason and Chloe agree that the hardest part is “learning how to take the constructive criticism from what the judge says, in each show ring I step into with my heifer, Lady, and improving before the next show. Both Chloe and Mason will be competing in the heifer show at the Expo Center on Friday, March 28 at 2pm.
At the end of it all, parents Shane and Karen agree, “We hope our kids will gain confidence in themselves, a greater understanding of agriculture and how it supports our daily lives, as well as becoming good stewards, exhibiting good sportsmanship, helping those who might need an extra hand, and the importance of giving back to their community.
Chloe wants others to participate, saying “I would encourage others to get involved by explaining how I’ve learned a lot about raising different kinds of animals. I would explain how I’ve gained a lot of skills by raising livestock. Such as, the hard work and dedication toward your animal in order to be successful and all of the benefits it gives you for further life skills.”
This year’s Angelina County Fair presented by Brookshire Brothers is set for March 24-29 at the George H Henderson, Jr Expo Center north of Lufkin on Loop 287.
