ROME TOWNSHIP — On Thursday evening, 4-H members competing in the cattle showmanship, beef breeding and feeder calf event at the Lawrence County Fair got to show off their animals and the work they put into raising and training them.

The event was broken down into junior and senior categories based upon the age of the competitors.

Beef and feeder cattle were judged upon criteria such as their development, shape and muscle. Beef and feeder cattle in the showmanship division were evaluated based upon how they interacted with their showman.

In the senior quality beef breeding competition, Markie Norris and his heifer took home the grand champion trophy.

“Hard work paid off,” said Norris, who has been showing cattle for seven years.

Norris also took home the grand champion trophy in the beef feeder division and was awarded the grand prize check of $150 given by the Lawrence County Cattlemen Association.

Maddie Needs, reserve grand champion in the quality beef division, said that winning reserve was “a lifelong dream.” Needs said that preparing for the event in advance is what prepares a contestant for success.

“All the winning’s done at home,” she said.

In the junior division of beef showman, Karsyn Ball took home the title of overall best beef showman. Winning the competition was a first for Ball. Although the contestants may make showing beef seem effortless, Ball said showing beef can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge she’s glad to have taken.

“I’m really happy I did it,” said Ball.

Ball also took home the title of grand champion feeder showman in the competition and was awarded $75 from the Lawrence County Cattlemen Association upon her win.

In the beef feeder and beef feeder showmanship divisions, Teddilyn Craft won the title of reserve grand champion.