We caught up with Ms. Kate Stewart, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2023 Michigan Livestock Expo. Learn a little more about Kate below!
Age: 18
Grade: Freshman at Michigan State University
How do you stay focused on reaching your goal?
I stay focused with the help and support of my family and friends. It is easier when you have a support system behind you to go to the barn and get to work. Whether it’s washing legs, tracking the sheep with our dog Blitz, or feeding, I know that I can count on someone to be there by my side to help.
Do you show any other species besides sheep? If so, what other species?
My family actually raises cattle, so I grew up showing heifers in the wintertime. But, as I got older we started to focus more on showing sheep.
What’s your favorite show? and why?
I would say my favorite show is NAILE. I grew up going every year, whether that was to watch my older sister show or to just go and have fun. I love the atmosphere and there are so many things to do (my favorite is the shopping). When I was little my mom and I would sit in Freedom Hall and watch the horse carriages as we ate our Ehrler’s ice cream. Louisville is a great place to see old friends and to make lifelong memories.
What do you do to celebrate after a big win?
This year I celebrated by spending time with my family and friends at the Pav!
What has showing livestock taught you?
Showing livestock has taught me what community and family is. The livestock community provides you with so many opportunities and it’s nice knowing that there’s always people there to root for you and support you. I think that showing livestock really helps kids learn a different set of values and helps them develop a strong work ethic that they can apply to everyday life.
What’s your biggest dream?
When it comes to showing livestock, my biggest dream would be to win a major. It honestly doesn’t matter which one, because winning any major is such a huge accomplishment. But, when it comes to life I hope to be successful and to have a happy and loving family.
What’s your lambs name? and what made him/her so special?
My sheeps name was Tanner, named after Tanner Hild. All of our sheep are named after where they came from, hence why we’ve had so many Wheatie’s, Lee’s, or Brant’s in our barn from Wheatons. When Tanner first hopped off the trailer, we were pretty excited for what his future would hold. Little did we know that he would be the next Grand Champion at MLE. Tanner was truly a special creature. I am so blessed that I was able to show a lamb of his quality and he made this year so special for my whole family.
Who do you look up to?
Everyone in my family demonstrates the type of person I want to be when I’m older. I look up to my parents for providing me with these opportunities by involving me in the livestock industry at a young age. Growing up, I always looked up to my older sister, Madalyn, because of her ability to work hard when she wanted to achieve her goals in the show ring. But, most importantly, I look up to Timothy Hubbard. Tanner would not be a champion without the hard work and sacrifices that Timothy has made. I admire his way to bring people together and to love and care about others. He provides so much wisdom and truly has such an interesting outlook on life. There is nobody that loves sheep and the livestock industry as much as Tim does. Thank you for everything Timmy 2 Chainz.
