We caught up with Ms, Chaynee Tennant, exhibitor of the Reserve Champion Market lamb at the 2023 State Fair of Indiana. Learn a little more about Chaynee below!
Age: 19
Grade: Freshman College
How do you stay focused on reaching your goal?
Every year I sit down with my family and set our goals. Some of them we feel are with in reach but most of them make me work harder and harder every day. If your goals don’t scare you then they probably aren’t big enough.
Do you show any other species besides sheep? If so, what other species?
My favorite species to show is sheep, but with this being my last year of 4-h eligibility I decide to take the plunge and show goats. I was also able to show a feeder heifer at the county fair.
What’s your favorite show? and why?
That’s a toss up… it’s between The Indiana State Fair and NAILE. The Indiana State Fair will always hold a special place in my heart. That feeling of walking onto the dirt in front of all your friends and family in the Pepsi Coliseum is something I will never forget. All the goosebumps and chills is out of this world, it’s a goal that every Indiana 4-her needs to set!
NAILE is my favorite because I get to see all my favorite people and friends from across the country in one weekend. We are all doing what we love and that’s showing quality livestock together.
What do you do to celebrate after a big win?
The first thing I normally do is call anyone that couldn’t be with us at the show and tell them the news. Normally that’s Collin, Kylar, Alex and Allison. Then it’s out for supper with the crew at the show. When we get home loud music and hangout with the people that couldn’t make it!
What has showing livestock taught you?
Showing livestock has taught me so much in my 14 years of showing. I first entered the show ring when I was 5 years old and never looked back. I loved it and I have a huge passion for it. My dreams were big and I knew I had to work hard to make them become a reality. You have to be dedicated to achieve your goals at such a young age my goals weren’t as big as most but with age became bigger goals, bigger goals to achieve and work for. I will always have a passion for the livestock industry, it has introduced me to some of the most genuine people. I will forever be thankful for everyone that’s stood in my corner cheering me on!
What’s your biggest dream?
My biggest dream…may have came true 3 weeks ago in Indianapolis. Having 2 animals to walk on the dirt at the “Greatest Show on Dirt”, and walk away with the Grand Champion Market Goat and the Reserve Grand Champion Lamb honors was definitely a dream for myself and my family.
Of course a big dream would be to win a major livestock show anywhere!
What’s your lambs name? and what made him/her so special?
Every year there’s always a “barn favorite”, this year by a long shot it was “Petey”. I can clearly remember the day I laid eyes on this guy! Kylar brought him to use at P10/MWE, it was cold, raining and snowing and miserable day. He was small and green but has ears and a face to die for. We were skeptical for awhile cause he was so green. “Petey” finally decided he wanted to be a show sheep, so we decided it was time to let him shine! We took him to Ohio and Tennessee and he won both shows! When you would walk into the barn he would always be in the back of his pen with his ears propped out and ready to go!
Who do you look up to?
Wow this is a tough one! There’s so many people that have been so influential in my life and my 4-h career, I can’t list just one. Everyone of them has held a piece in my success, whether it be pushing me a little harder, showmanship lessons, traveling to shows with us, finding my set of sheep, finding my goats, helping dad with feeding, or just being there! I look up to each and everyone of these people because they took time to teach me and mentor me to be successful in my dreams. My Dad and Mom, Collin and Bailey, Kylar, Allison and Alex, John Allen and Parker Saum.
