Despite the pandemic, the show has gone on for young livestock exhibitors in Door and Kewaunee counties. The cancellation of events like the Door County Fair, Kewaunee County Fair, and the Wisconsin State Fair hampered the ability of local kids to show off the hard work they put into their animals over the last few years. Algoma’s Marie Prodell saw over half the shows she’s used to exhibiting in get canceled due to the pandemic. That only inspired her more for the opportunities she did have this year like last weekend’s North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville, Ky. She says showing livestock is a big part of her life and the reason why the freshman at UW-River Falls is majoring in agricultural business. Prodell knows the importance of these shows for farmers not just in Door and Kewaunee counties, but across the country.

Although her prospect steer did not bring home one of the top prizes at last weekend’s event, Savannah and Wyatt Bailey did see their fitted early ram lamb take reserve champion honors. Prodell appreciates the hard work professionals in the agriculture industry put in the extra effort to provide educational opportunities this year, ranging from in-person livestock shows to seminars and judging events online.