Teens take lamb showmanship awards

 

ROME TOWNSHIP — It was a happy birthday for Levi Cade, who took top honors in two categories Tuesday at the Lawrence County Fair.

Cade, who turned 17 on Tuesday, won the senior showmanship award for his knowledge and handling of lambs.

The junior showmanship winner was 14-year-old Morgan Klaiber.

According to the judge, Bob Hare, both Cade and Klaiber excelled at the three most important aspects of showing lambs — walking the animal, setting the animal in place and bracing the animal.

“You have to do all these things and do them well,” Hare said. “You also have to utilize the whole show ring; keep the lamb in front of the judge as along as you can.”

Klaiber, who got to hear the judge’s comments of the senior classes before she entered the arena, said she used that information to rein in the win.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “I felt confident but I wasn’t for sure.”

This was her second year showing lambs and she said she learned from last year’s experience.

“I worked harder,” she said.

Cade, who has been in the winner’s circle before, said he was pleased with his performance.

“I’m happy with how I showed and that I won,” he said.

Cade said he practiced a couple of hours a day to prepare.

“It’s all hands-on,” he said, adding that lamb showmen can’t use halters or other instruments to guide their animals in the ring.

Cade also took home the grand champion award in the breeding category. He was the only entrant, showing a Baby Doll Southdown ewe.

Cade said he showed the same ewe last year. This year, the ewe came in tow with its 7-week-old baby.