Little exhibitor captures big wins

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Caitlin Brown of DeKalb displays the trophy belt buckle she earned in the JBBA show this summer. Recently, Caitlin exhibited a Beefmaster at the Four States Fair in Texarkana. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

Oct. 13, 2005 - With a winning smile and bright eyes, Caitlin Brown of DeKalb has the art of showmanship down to a win.

The 9-year-old daughter of Brad and Missy Brown is in her first year as a member of the DeKalb Junior FFA, but she already has some big wins under her belt. Matter of fact, she has the belt buckle to prove it. 

In July, she competed against “about 18” in the junior division showmanship category at the Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA) show in Waco. 

�I was shocked that I won with all those people in my class,� Brown said.�

The win gave her a shiny new buckle which claims her as the JBBA National Junior Heifer Show Junior Showman. 

A showman of Beefmasters, Brown is a member of the JBBA and has won another showmanship award at a previous JBBA show. 

She offered some advice to other exhibitors regarding showmanship. “Keep their heads up and look at the judge.” 

Looking at the judge is something that Caitlin has “down pat,” according to her mom. 

Showmanship awards are not the only thing the young exhibitor has won. A Grand Champion award was presented to her in Henderson following the very first show she was an exhibitor. The youngster, who “likes winning” was proud of this win not only because she won Grand Champion but because she beat older brother Joseph. 

Joseph is a big help to Caitlin with her animals. 

�Bubba gets them tame for me,� she stated.�

But, Bubba doesn’t do everything, especially when it comes to the chores. “I have to help water and feed,” the 9-year-old added. 

With a pretty successful year, so far, Brown stated one of the most fun wins was when she won the Junior Showmanship award at the Paul Pewitt show in Omaha and her brother won the Senior Showmanship title. 

The competitiveness between the siblings is likely to continue, but as long Caitlin has a smile that lights up her face and a twinkle in her eye, she will be showing for the win.