We caught up with Ms. Raquel Lopez, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2020 Kentucky State Fair. Learn a little more about Raquel below!
Age: 17
Hometown: Leitchfield, KY (Western Kentucky University)
With the uncertainty of the show season, how did you stay focused?
I managed to stay focused by having full faith that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture understood the importance of agriculture to Kentucky’s youth and the importance of being able to exhibit their livestock projects this year to give some sense of normalcy to exhibitors who couldn’t even have a graduation.
What was something new you tried this year since you were able to be home more often than normal?
Something new that I did during this pandemic would be that I spent more time in the lambing barn and it was here where I formed a special bond with my wether that I got reserve grand champion with at the Kentucky state fair this year and was able to form a bong that I hadn’t experienced with my previous wethers that I bought from other breeders.
What is your favorite show product to use?
I think my favorite show product would be my Allen Show Lambs treadmill. the treadmill enhances muscle development and creates athletes right before your eyes.
When I grow up I want to be….
When I grow up I want to be a Livestock Embryologist. Being in the show ring has made me want to be a part of the creation of the best genetics.
Showing animals has helped me to develop……
Showing livestock has made me more driven, responsible, and determined and has shown me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
What’s your favorite Barn Chore:
My favorite barn chore would be doing legs. I enjoy doing legs because it allows me to add the extra shag to my animals that many overlook because of the time and effort it takes.
Who is the person you look to for advice right before you go in the ring for that last minute pep talk or pointer:
The person I look for advise before going in the ring would be Dawn Stornetta. She always knows what to say when I am nervous before going into the ring. This allows me to set my emotions apart and focus on the task at hand.
Favorite Celebration Restaurant after a good day at the show:
My favorite celebratory restaurant would be The Melting Pot because their Flaming Turtle fondue is out of this world.
Favorite Song or Singer:
My favorite singer is Kacey Musgrave. My favorite song is 9-5 by Dolly Parton.
