Stock Show U draws nearly 200 to weekend beef fitting clinic

WORTHINGTON - Nearly 200 youths and adults from at least five states gathered in Worthington last weekend for Sullivan Supply Company’s Stock Show University.

The Worthington session was the only Minnesota stop on the 2018 tour. Professors -  professional groomers and fitters - offered training in fitting and showing beef cattle to youth who exhibit livestock.

A local committee comprised of 4-H parents and volunteers organized the weekend clinic, with events taking place inside Olson Arena and the cattle barn on the Nobles County Fairgrounds.

Committee member Vicky Ross said she was pleasantly surprised by attendance at the free clinic. Hoping for 100, the event had nearly 200 attendees, some coming from as far away as northern Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska.

Nobles County 4-H Extension Educator Katie Klosterbuer said it was a phenomenal weekend of learning for everyone who attended.

“I thought it was really interesting and exciting to see a lot of the … youths and the adults working together to learn those aspects of showmanship,” Klosterbuer said, adding that Stock Show University professors did several lecture-type talks with attendees, followed by demonstrations. Then, the youths and adults grouped together for hands-on learning on the beef animals they brought.

“We heard a lot of positive comments,” Ross shared, adding that people asked if it could be hosted in Worthington again.

Several awards were presented during a ceremony Sunday, with some local youths receiving accolades. In the 8-13 age division, Charlie Hieronimus of Nobles County earned Best Showman, while his older sister, Mia Hieronimus, earned the Best Clipper award. Caleb Vancura of Jackson County was presented the Future Professor award.

In the ages 14-21 division, Justin Mente of Rock County was named Best Fitter, while Kendra Folkerts of Pipestone County was named Best Showman.

1/5: Sullivan Supply's Stock Show University master professor and public relations manager Wess Richey (middle right) addresses a group of advanced students on cattle grooming. (Tim Middagh / The Globe)

2/5: Sullivan Supply's Stock Show University master professor and public relations manager Wess Richey addresses a group of advanced students on cattle grooming. (Tim Middagh / The Globe)

3/5: Sullivan Supply Co. professors give a lecture on grooming and clipping cattle during Stock Show University inside Olson Arena on the Nobles County Fairgrounds in Worthington. (Tim Middagh / The Globe)

4/5: Stock Show University master professor Wess Richey demonstrates clipping techniques to Jens (left) and Hans Lind from Rushford Saturday afternoon. (Tim Middagh / The Globe)

5/5: Stock Show University master professor Wess Richey demonstrates clipping techniques to Jens (left) and Hans Lind from Rushford Saturday afternoon. (Tim Middagh / The Globe)