Hard Work Pays Off For Cole At Daniels County Fair
One couldn’t blame Scobey FFA member Shelby Cole for not being overly confident heading into the market beef judging at this year’s Daniels County Fair. After all, she received only a red ribbon in her steer category a year before.
But this time around, Cole and her steer, Flippy, came away with grand champion honors.
“Coming from the literally bottom last year in my class to the top is an honor,” said Cole, who is entering her senior year at Scobey High School.
Flippy was purchase from Chance and Reagann Wilson of Scobey. The black angus’ first weight was 890 pounds and final weight was 1,550 pounds.
Cole explained the name Flippy came after her previous two steers were named Frank and Floyd. “It’s like a tradition to have ‘F’ names,” she laughed.
“There are really good steers here, but he did great,” Cole said. “Everybody had a shot.”
Alyson Arlian earned the reserve champion honor.
Cole noted that her biggest goal wasn’t winning the grand champion award. “I don’t care if I win grands, I just want to bring a good finished steer,” she said. “And that’s something that I’ve accomplished.’
Market beef wasn’t the only area where Cole enjoyed success during this year’s fair. She earned the titles for grand senior showmanship and high points for the horse show. She has won the showmanship honor for three straight years.
Cole, who competes in the horse events through the Flaxville Clovers 4-H Club, has been riding horses for the past five years.
“She’s my emotional support animal,” Cole said of her horse. “She has always showed up for me.”
The agricultural field is very important for Cole. This marks the third year that she has been chapter president for Scobey High School’s FFA organization. She has also served as her 4-H Club’s president and vice president.
“I’ve learned a lot in 4-H and FFA,” Cole said. “FFA is a new beginning for kids who don’t have things handed to them.”
She provides advice to other younger students who are interested in competing at the Daniels County Fair. “Don’t be afraid to keep trying and to work hard,” Cole said. “It pays off. Start from the bottom and work your way to the top.”
