Photos by Ethan Charles | Greene County News
David (left) and Daniel Barron (right) look at the judge as he makes his decision.
Sydnee Hawkins regains control of her calf and manages to take secnd place.
Hawkins maintains her cool as her calf tries to break free from its harness.
XENIA — The senior level feeder calf show and showmanship proved to bring out an intense sibling-rivalry, as David and Daniel Barron finished fourth and fifth overall.
The Barron’s, nearly identical in skill and appearance, said they often compete with one another as they are in the same age bracket and share the same interests in cattle showing.
“We usually end up in the same class,” said Daniel, who finished fifth out of 15 competitors.
“I don’t like it,” added David, who finished just ahead in fourth.
The twins said these hair-splitting matches are common for them.
“It just depends on who’s having a better day,” Daniel said.
Daniel and David are 17 entering their senior year in their 4-H group, Barnyard Kids. The Barrons said next year they hope to return with the same calves and show them as cattle.
“Most of our cattle is born on our farm,”said Daniel. “We pick them out when they’re babies, next year we’ll show them as steers.”
Though they go back and forth in placement, David said he thinks he might be the more skilled showman of the pair.
“I don’t know,” he said about who is the better showman. “But I’d say me.”
Second place in the same competition was also a unique event. Sydnee Hawkins, former champion, showed off a new calf with a mind of its own and still took home second place.
Right off the bat, Hawkins had trouble wrangling the calf as it threw her around and into the railing several times. What may have shaken the nerves of a less experienced showman, Hawkins took in stride and managed to get under control after a time.
Hawkins is 17 and entering her senior year as part of the T-Birds 4-H group.
“She’s never been out before, this is her first show” she said about her calf. “I was hoping she would calm down.”
Hawkins said her calf is “a big ole puppy dog” most of the time, but the loud noises and intense competition made her more than a little jumpy.
“I’m taking her to a couple shows next week, then I’ll bring her back when she’s a big heifer and I’ll show her here again.”
Hopefully by then the calf will have a handle on its nerves.
Hawkins said that compared to larger cattle, calves are much easier to show “if they’re cooperating.”
“When they’re not cooperating,” she said. “They can be very stubborn.”
Hawkins won first prize in this competition two years ago, and first in cattle showing last year.
Contact Ethan Charles at 937-502-4532.
