WORDS: Sheri Roca
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
Hunter McGrath has always had a love for cows (all animals, really), and when she saw some of her friends showing animals through the 4-H club, she knew that it was something she just had to do. Armed with a cattle halter, a show stick, and determination, Hunter took first place with her steer, Big Mac, in the 2023 Manatee County Fair. For Hunter, there was no turning back; she knew that this was what she wanted to do.
The first thing that Hunter would tell you is that raising and showing livestock is a huge commitment. It takes an immense amount of time, money, and responsibility to bring an animal from purchase to show. Luckily, Hunter has had a lot of love and support from her family, friends, and even the principal at her school.
Hunter is incredibly grateful for all her parents have done to make this possible, recognizing all it has taken to support her and her dream. Hunter’s stepfather, Jerry Lamb, confirms this: “It’s a commitment on everyone. You need a team and a support group around you. You need people committed to your success and an animal’s well-being.”
“Hunter has her parents and a whole cast of cow family and friends that believe in her. And that’s all because of the person she is. You work hard, and everyone will step up to help, even complete strangers,” he asserts proudly.
Sarasota ranchers Warren and Vicki Rogers are a big part of Hunter’s “cow family.” They raised their children with 4-H and were kind enough to take Hunter under their wing.
“I was lucky enough to meet Mr. and Mrs. Rogers,” emphasizes Hunter. “I don’t know how I could have done this without them.” The Rogers’ Grandson, Carson, is a third grader who also shows livestock and has been working with his own Steer named Elvis, which is a prize-winning calf.
The recently retired principal at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, Angela Lindsay, along with her Teachers have also played a large part in the supporting force behind Hunter’s aspirations. She has made it possible for her to participate in an independent chapter of the Manatee County 4-H program called “Cream of the Crop,” even though the school does not offer the program. The chapter provides membership for kids from elementary school through high school, so Hunter can continue participating until she graduates high school if she chooses. Recognizing, that Hunter independently has represented the middle school.
With the help of Warren and Vicki, along with Casey Wingate, Hunter’s Mentor and “fitter” who clips and trims livestock to get ready to show, Hunter and the Rogers bought her first Heifer. The Heifer is a six-month-old, short-horned Angus cross that she named America due to the United States-shaped marking on her forehead. Getting America ready for show is a big undertaking.
“First, you have to bond with the calf by spending time with them and letting them get used to you,” Hunter explains. She also had to halter break her.
“It’s lots of work, but it’s very rewarding,” her mother, Peggy Kronus, chimes in.
The responsibilities that Hunter, and any aspiring young 4-H member raising livestock, takes on are a bit daunting. Every day, weekends included, there is much to do.
“You have to feed the animals, morning and night, and change it to what they need, maybe more protein or fat,” Hunter explains. “It’s different for a heifer than a steer. And if they are going to fair, you may need to feed them more to bulk them up to make a weight requirement. You have to walk them, and wash and blow dry them. Their hair has to be full and fluffy and go in the same direction,” she concludes.
Although that may sound like a full day, it all needs to happen before and after school for a middle schooler like Hunter. “It’s a lot of work, being a cowgirl!” her mother laughs. But she is totally on board with the routine and has agreed that, as long as Hunter makes straight A’s, she can continue to show once a month.
Preparing and showing cattle through the 4-H is a big responsibility and an incredibly rewarding educational experience that teaches so much more than just how to raise and show an animal. There are lessons to be learned in patience, responsibility, sportsmanship, organization, time management, self-confidence, and respect, not just for the animals but for each other. The skills cultivated through the program can tremendously impact the kids through the school years and beyond. Already, her parents are proud of how the involvement has had such a positive impact on Hunter.
“She has grown so much this year; I can’t wait to see what she does next!” exclaimed Peggy. “It’s amazing watching her soar.”
These children are not only raising animals, but they are also learning about vaccinations and record keeping; they are learning how to add up expenses and compare them with earnings. “It’s a business,” states Peggy, “It teaches so much!” These are important lessons for anyone but exceptionally meaningful to those who hope to raise animals or take over the family farm. Any profits can be saved for college or, Hunter will utilize her portion of the earnings, for another steer and another opportunity to show.
Hunter plans to study animal science and become a large animal veterinarian. She has already had the opportunity to be involved in the artificial insemination that created Wonder and the neutering of a bull. “That is how a bull becomes a steer,” Hunter explains. She is excited to think of all the other opportunities and experiences to learn from as she raises and shows livestock.
But saying goodbye may be the hardest lesson. Auction day is when many 4-H kids and the animals they have trained and fed for nearly a year will need to part. For Hunter, her first steer, named Big Mac, that she cared for and showed at the Manatee County Fair.
“It was hard,” remembers Hunter, “especially when I realized he was going to slaughter. But I had to get over it because he is not coming back.” After a breath, she continues, “It helps that it’s for a good cause. Jackie Baron, with Mosaic, bought Big Mac, and the meat will be used in a fundraiser to help a struggling community.”
This new adventure has been incredibly fulfilling for the entire family. It’s been a time of learning and growing, but it has also brought new friends into their lives and helped bring the family closer.
“It has made the whole family grow, have a unified direction, and be part of something and people we sincerely enjoy,” Jerry shared.
For an eighth-grade girl, it is the simple things that make it all worthwhile: “I get to be with animals, meet new people, make new friends, and spend time with the Rogers.”
- If you want to learn more about 4-H or find your local 4-H office, check out their website at www.4-H.org.
