So when the 4-H and FFA portions of the 2020 fair were canceled amid concerns of COVID-19, there were questions as to whether or not the work they put in would be worth it.

“We weren’t sure if we were going to (have it),” said Spencer Suchan, 14, of Gowrie.

But he said he still prepared as if the show would go on.

Luckily for Suchan and other livestock youth, a group of livestock superintendents decided to fill the void and have a showcase at the Webster County Fairgrounds.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Jaynie Ferrari, 18, of Dayton, looks on during the Webster County Livestock Showcase beef show on Friday.

The Webster County Livestock Showcase beef show took place Friday. It was hosted by the Webster County Ag Association.

“I am glad we got a show instead of not,” said Suchan, who has been coming to the Webster County Fair for five years.

He said he washed his heifer, clipped her and fitted her tail.

After the show, Suchan said it was time to “break her down. Take adhesive off of her tail and take her home.”

Suchan said he will be showing her again at the Boone County Fair and Iowa State Fair.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Cale Van Sickle, 13, of Dayton, guides his heifer during the Webster County Livestock Showcase beef show at the Webster County Fairgrounds on Friday.

Ryan Wicklein, 13, of Gowrie, was all smiles after taking home a first place trophy for champion pure bred female.

Wicklein said he’s been washing and drying his heifer every night for months.

He also practiced showmanship every day, he said.

Cole Lundgren, 13, of Lehigh, said he worked with his animal a lot.

“Calming her down,” he said. “I comb her a bunch.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Cole Lundgren, 13, of Lehigh, shows his heifer during the Webster County Livestock Showcase beef show on Friday.

He’s learned to have at least one characteristic while preparing for the show.

“You have to have patience,” Lundgren said.

Lundgren said he was glad he got show his animal, but it wasn’t quite the same as past years.

“Not having our whole week with the cows,” Lundgren said.

Cale Van Sickle, 13, of Dayton, said he’s been going to the fair for quite a while.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Haylee Welter, 16, of Gowrie, walks with her heifer during the Webster County Livestock Showcase beef show at the Webster County Fairgrounds on Friday.

“Since I was little,” he said.

Van Sickle earned a second place ribbon for feeder calf.

His favorite part of going to the fairgrounds?

“Seeing my friends and being able to show animals,” he said.

Jaynie Ferrari, 18, of Dayton, said she spent months preparing for the show.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Spencer Suchan, 14, of Gowrie, keeps his heifer moving during the Webster County Livestock Showcase beef show Friday at the Webster County Fairgrounds.

It was her ninth and final time competing in the beef show.

“It teaches you good work ethic and how to lose graciously,” Ferrari said. “It’s taught me a lot.”

She has mixed feelings about being done.

“I am happy,” she said. “But also wishing I had another year.”