Bring on the Change...

It sure has been awhile since I’ve posted a blog...two months almost, and a lot has happened. Bad and Good. 

Shortly after graduation and  attending the World Pork Expo in June ,  my grandma Sharon J.  (Rose) Poe passed away on June 19th from a short battle with lung cancer. She was a fighter, and dealt with a lot of pain..more pain than she would ever let on she was in. It was sad to see her suffering, but now she is no longer suffering and with my grandpa again who passed away in November of 2008. Cancer has over-stayed its welcome in our family..we lost my great-gram Betty Fender to cancer in the similar sudden situation before I was born. I am proud to say that my mother too, battled and beat cancer in 2001. We are thankful it was caught in time and treatable. She has been in successful remission for over ten years now. 

In July, I was elected the 2011-2013 National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) Junior Board of Directors to represent the Eastern Region. I am very excited and very blessed to have this amazing opportunity to give back to the organization that I have grown up in. This has been a long time goal of mine, and it really is a dream come true. 

Now, the end of July is here and the Ohio State Fair is just around the corner. The very last one I will ever attend as a junior fair exhibitor. It is VERY sad to me that I am done after this. It has been an awesome nine years, blessed with success, joy, laughter and tears. I wouldn’t change it for the world. There is a time and place to grow up, and I suppose this is one of them. It will be hard on the entire family since we always do this together...but I know that I will be back supporting the rest of the OSF junior swine exhibitors and someday as a parent. 

Shortly after I get home from the state fair, I will be moving out for college. Another big step for me and the family. Somedays I can’t wait, and somedays I am dreading leaving home. 

Time brings change, and change as they say is inevitable.

       I’m Finally DONE with High School! 

...well sort of, I do still have to walk across stage to get that one piece of paper that signifies so much. It has took thirteen  L O N G years to get to this day. And after four years of extreme stress, a little panic, a lot of studying (well, until senioritis kicked in), and some much need prayers...I did it. I conquered the goal I had set for myself when I was in the fifth grade...on Sunday, May 29th at 2 p.m. I will be graduating the valedictorian of the Lynchburg-Clay Senior Class of 2011.  I am so very excited! 

It has been a goal of mine since I was ten..to be just like my grandparents who are my role models, see my grandpa Jack was valedictorian too, and grandma Kay salutatorian. (that’s where  the brains are from) . I had a lot of expectations to live up to if you could imagine that, and I didn’t always like that pressure. I would much rather be at a hog show, at home on the farm or working (aka talking or writing, what I do best) on something that I can do within the agriculture industry. Now that high school is over, I can get a somewhat start on that. I can begin my college life with meeting new people that share the same passion for agriculture as I do. I am looking forward to that without a doubt. As this chapter closes, I am ready to start the next one. I will never forget Allensburg Church of Christ where I attended pre-school, “the greatest days” or Buford days where I attend kindergarten and first grade, and the final transition to the Lynchburg-Clay School District, where I finished from second grade to twelfth grade. I went back to LCHS the day after seniors got out...it already doesn’t feel the same. I am no longer sheltered in high school..I will be starting big girl school (aka COLLEGE) on August 22nd and making the move to Illinois ( 5 hours from home) on the 15th. It is right after I get home from the state fair and right before my county fair, where I will be showing for the last time as a junior swine exhibitor. So, as I look at it...August is the month of major change for me and things around  Fender Farms-- first time for someone to move out of Ohio, leave the home farm, attend college and pursue a college degree. But as I remind them...I am only a short car ride away from home, it will be okay. After all, I am chasing my dreams. 

The education, support and memories made over the past 13 years will never be forgotten... and as we step out into the world outside of high school..may all our dreams and goals come true.

The FFA Chapter at State Convention

The Senior girls in DC

The Senior Ag. Trip to Chicago

Retiring Speech as Madam President

Daisy!! Daisy!! 

Wake up!!

....we leave in 15  and you’re still not awake yet!! That has been a common occurrence over the past four years of my Lynchburg-Clay FFA career...it never fails she is the last one up...every time we leave for a contest, trip or convention. After all she was voted the most likely to sleep in class..but we all know she never sleeps during Ag. class. 

The past four years of my life in FFA have been a blast, and serving as your 2010-2011 Chapter President has been an honor, I am sad to see the days coming to an end. It would not have been the same without Hannah, Lillian and Jake singing to us almost everyday in class. You can always count 

on Ag. Class being interesting everyday that’s for sure. When spring time rolls around, most are anxious to work in the shop. While Zach enjoys building his project on his own, Scott is always there to tell him that it will never work. In the classroom is where I first learned about Career Development Events and Supervised Agriculture Experiences. I didn’t know looking back on freshman year that I would be going to Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois this fall so that I can further pursue my livestock judging career.  It has been my involvement in the general livestock CDE that sparked my interest in judging, something that will carry on with me though out the rest of my life. The most challenging CDE we participate in, is the Parliamentary Procedure Contest, in which practices are held at 6:30a.m in the Ag. room....I am proud to say I have survived three solid years of it. As much as I don’t want to admit it, it has improved my public speaking abilities. 

My Supervised Agriculture Experience, also known as my swine operation, know how to test my patience.  Don’t get me wrong, I do love working on the farm with my pigs...however those FFA books that go along with them, not so much, right Andy? You can always count on seeing Andy’s truck pulling out of the parking lot two minuets after the last bell rings instead of staying after to work on his books.  But we have learned to deal with the frustration of completing our books and proficiency applications and have been fortunate to receive recognition for our work.  

 The benefits of being an FFA member outweigh the the time and effort spent in the classroom, shop and the behind scenes work of all of our activities. National Convention, State Convention, Ag. Reality Day, and the senior trip to Chicago, just to name a few, have made their mark on all of our FFA careers. We leave the meal planning up to Steven and the social networking to Brandon. They seem to always come through for us every time. 

The Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter would not be the same without our advisor, Mrs. McKee. She has spent countless hours preparing for all of our events, without her devotion we would not have near the success as what we do. Even if you procrastinate on things sometimes, they always turn out the way they should. After all, all of us have a little procrastination in us. I want to personally thank you for pushing me to fill out my books and applications and giving me pep talks before every contest...it all truly has been worth it.  

I want to sincerely thank my family for always being  relentless supporters of everything I do. Aunt Diane, thank you for being a huge part of my 4-H career over the past 9 years. Aunt Pam and Uncle Bushy, I can’t count the number of times I have called or came over when I need something, and I can count on you being there for me.  Great-Grandma Roush, you have always given me advice and encouragement as I have grown up, which I will never forget. Grandpa and Grandma Fender, the rock of our little family. You have been my inspiration and I look up to you with the most respect. You’ll never know how much you both mean to me. Mom and Daddy-- I have always been daddy’s little girl and that will never change, but Mom you are my #1 Fan..and I know that I will have you both backing me up in whatever path life takes me.  

Daisy, Hannah, Lillian, Jake, Zach, Scott, Andy, Steven and Brandon, my fellow four year FFA members... thank you for all of the memories that will last a lifetime. As we continue on our separate paths, may our lives be all we hope for. 

To all of the Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter that I have proudly served this past year as President, never forget to chase your dreams, and remember each and every one you have infinite potential, you can’t let your fears prevent you from fulfilling your passion. 

And it is....

Lake Land College 

I will be attending Lake Land College in Matton, Illinois this coming fall!! It is a two-year junior college where I plan to be a general agriculture major. I will be a part of the livestock judging team. I then plan to transfer to a senior college to pursue my degree in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Communications. 

The Choices...

They never said making a choice about college was easy, and well they weren’t lying about that. When I started thinking about college I had no idea where I wanted to go...junior college or senior college, stay close or go a distance. In the Fall of 2010 I applied to The Ohio State University, Wilmington College, Morehead State University, University of Kentucky, Purdue University, Black Hawk East, Illinois Central College, Lake Land College, Allen County Community College, Butler Community College and finally Connor’s State College. Undecided right? I 

think so. When it came to narrowing the field down I had to look and what was best for me personally, academically and financially. Did I want to livestock judge? Did I want to save a few bucks on college? Did I want to experience life out of Ohio? I came to the conclusion, YES I did. That quickly narrowed it down to a junior college- Black Hawk East, Illinois Central College, Lake Land College, Allen County Community College, Butler Community College and Connor’s State College. I looked into each one of these schools, visited a few and wrote down the pro’s and con’s of each. Now, it’s time to make the big decision, that is best for me. And when picking a college to go to, it must be where YOU want to go. So it’s my time to decide...guess y’all will know by May 1 what it is. :)

I call her mine..

Passionate.

         Dedicated.

These words define my mom. 

    My mom is a full-time wife, mother and employee of Fender Farms, where the family farrows 90 show pig oriented sows and farm 600 acres of corn and soybeans. The family depends on her to fix every meal, wash our clothes, clean the house, wash the dishes, keep up on the farm records, and pay the bills... a full time job in itself around here. Her job however, doesn't stop there. She is out the door early in the morning to help dad with the daily chores on the farm and stays with him until the day is done. When it is planting and harvest season, she is in the field right beside dad..helping him with anything he needs. 

    Aside from her loyalty to helping my dad, she supports me in everything I do. She is a 4-H advisor in my club, and helps with my FFA Chapter whenever it is needed. I can always count on her to helps me in the barn with my show pigs and chauffeurs baby pigs to local events for kids to see. When I compete in any school, 4-H or FFA event, she is my number one fan.

    Her mothering skills don't stop there. She is in charge of our farrowing unit. She stays by the sows side while farrowing and spends countless hours making sure every baby pig has a healthy start. Some days she is up all night, but never shows how tired she is when she puts my breakfast on the table. 

    Sometimes we don't appreciate what my mother does for this family, operation, and community enough. That all changed when she was diagnosed with cancer in May 2001. When she was too sick and too weak to perform the daily tasks we could always count on, it proved she was a backbone to our lives. We are blessed to have a wife and mother like her and that she is still here with us today, putting her heart into everything she does.

Another year down...

The 2011 Buckeye Show Circuit Winter Edition has came and went, another year down in the books. This year the numbers have increased from previous years. The family atmosphere, the friendly faces, the laid back running of the shows keeps bringing back more and more of Ohio's swine exhibitors, along with a few out of state friends. I am glad to see this program continually growing strong because it will always hold a special place in my showing career. This success is owed to all of the Buckeye Show Circuit Sponsors, the work behind the scenes from Sherri Kile, Roger & Bev Bentley, Holly Wagner, and Christi Bachman and the show sponsors-- Silver Dollar Jackpot, Champion Drive Jackpot, the Jackpot Market Hog Show, and the Real McCoy Jackpot Show. I did not show this year, however it was fun to go up and lend a helping hand to the program that has done so much for me over the years. I highly recommend getting involved in a jackpot series within your state, because it really does make all the difference.

Congratulations to this years top exhibitors:

PeeWee- Libby Johnson
Junior- Madelyn Fearon
Intermediate- Micah Smock
Senior- Gus Mitchem

Your hard work payed off...: )

What's it to you?

As I listen to one of my favorite songs by Clay Walker, it makes me think "what is it to you?" For some it's playing sports. Getting a much needed passing grade on a test. Or being in the great outdoors. For me, it's being in the show ring. It is the one place I feel alive. But it's not always easy to get there. Just like every endeavor in life, in order to succeed you must put time and effort into it. Sometimes it gets frustrating, monotonous, and down right draining but you must keep on going even if it seems like a one step forward, two steps back kind of deal. The lessons I have learned growing up in a showing atmosphere apply to anything I may be faced with.  But I find it all worth while. When I am in the show ring, it's just me and my animal that I have worked with producing a rhythm of two hearts beating pounding out a message steady and true. When I was four my first love was pigs, and they always will be an important part of who I am today and who I will be in the future. So no matter what your passion is in life, go after it with all of your heart. It will be worth it in the end.

It's really over...

First Off, this is not a sappy emotional blog from me. I held it together surprisingly well since this was really the last time I will ever be showing junior market hogs at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. It was definitely a week to put down in the records as amazing. I owe that to my family and friends. I am truly blessed to have a father that knows exactly what to say to keep my tears away and a smile on my face. The week started of rolling with getting to catch up with all of my "show" friends I don't get to see nearly enough and a fourth place overall in senior showmanship. The pigs finished out third and sixth in class. Even though I did not make the Premium Sale and get a second chance at Premier Exhibitor, I have nothing to complain about. (A little history on my P.E. experience.... I was second in 2008 by .85 points, missing out on the trailer lease and scholarship. That is a story that will for sure be passed long to my kids. ) My favorite part on show day is sitting in the stands and watching a judge with years of experience in the industry I love so much just "talk hogs". I commend Jim McCoy for working with  great set of kids in showmanship and coming back to evaluate a good, solid set of market hogs. I hope that one day that will be me standing in the ring judging. Aside from the hustle and bustle of showing I got to meet some pretty amazing people through my new opportunity with the Junior DRIVE Team. I am looking forward to the year ahead working with Shawn Zeringue and Marissa Tankersley and the rest of the Junior Team at DRIVE. I wish everyone on the team could have came or been in Denver at the same time to meet each other, but hopefully down the road that soon will get to happen. This team has brought youth together from all across the country that share a strong love for the show rings and their respective industry. I had no reason to cry that it was my last year because I know that there are youngsters out there who have the same desire and passion to show pigs like I do, and that puts a smile on my face. My last day in Denver was spent eating lunch at one of my old favorite's-- The Stockyards Bar and Grill and eating supper at one of my new favorite places-- Texas de Brazil...my mouth is watering now over the amazing meat these places serve. If your ever in Denver, these  are a must on the list of places to eat. 

NWSS, I will never get step across that show ring with a hog again, but thats okay...it's been a good run. But I know I will be seeing you in the future-- judging livestock during my college career, taking my kids to show, and hopefully one day to be the judge.

One Last Rodeo...

As I come inside on a cold, windy snow-drifting day in January, my toes are throbbing and my nose is numb. I wonder what in the world I am doing outside on a day like this. Well, of course it's National Western Stock Show time, the pigs must be taken care of, after all this is the last time I will cross that ring as a junior exhibitor in Denver. I know I do sound like a broken record now and then, but the preparation for Denver has to be very well thought out and planned ahead to be a success. When we are having at least on litter of pigs a day, and part of us is leaving for a week and part of us is staying....it takes crazy planning skills for it to work out. Some days I don't feel like working in the barn when it is so bitter outside, but I know I must push that thought to the side and keep on keeping on. This being my "last rodeo" in Denver my emotions are on edge just a bit. Everyday is one less day I have with my one last set of Denver pigs. This year I had to make some sacrifices for Denver, that being not going to my senior year homecoming. I know that I will be missing out on some awesome times at home, but it's what I have to do. The chapter to an awesome part of my life is starting to slowly come to a close. It's never easy to be told you are to old to do what you love to do so much in life, but that's just another part of life and growing up. As this chapter closes, another one will begin, another chapter full of endless possibilities waiting for me to write in the book of life. 

P.S.- see you in Denver... 

Where I got my start...

When I was four year's old my daddy told me it was time to learn how to show pigs. My attention span wasn't the longest, as most youngsters aren't and daddy felt like he wasn't making any progress. But he was relentless, day in and day out he would take me to the barn and make me practice. I will have to admit nowadays, practice does make all the difference when it comes to showing livestock. The first time I stepped into the ring all by myself was at the Scarlet & Gray Market Hog Spectacular in Washington Court House, Ohio. I had a hampshire gilt with a black front foot (dad's plan for me not loosing her), as I recall. My show attire was like most, wrangler jeans, button up shirt and cowboy boots. However, my cowboy boots were different...they were pink. The pink boots were my "signature" for much of my young career until I grew out of them. Dad was a little nervous as how I would do showing for the first time without him, since he didn't feel like a payed a bit of attention to him. I proved him wrong. I showed just like daddy had told me, and at the age of four won my first peewee showmanship under Mr. Steve Nichols. I have never seen a look of shock as I did on dad's face when I came out of the ring. His encouragement to show, along with my family's huge support is what gives me the drive to continue to show. The greatest thing to do as a young shower is to begin at a jackpot show. It gives you the opportunity to step in the ring with others that are behind you all the way. My memories reflect back to Mr. & Mrs. Roger and Bev Bentley and their daughters Sherri Kile, Christi Bachman and Holly Wagner. I owe them a huge "thank you" for all of their support of Ohio's youth. They are the ones behind the scenes of the Buckeye Show Circuit that is held during the winter. The Buckeye Show Circuit has helped me tremendously become the showman I am today. If anyone wants a start in showing hogs, I encourage you to become a part of your state's jackpot show circuit. The winter edition of the Buckeye Show Circuit is kicking off January 15th in Xenia, I wish all participants the best of luck!  Always know, you will have the love and support from the Bentley family!