If you have ever strolled through the dairy barn at the Livingston County Ag Fair, you have likely seen Jerseys from the Kilgus family of Fairbury.
“It was fun,” said Kelsey Kilgus after her first year showing in Wednesday’s dairy show.
This is the eighth year of showing for Carla Kilgus who is preparing for a busy time coming up.
“We go to State Fair then a few of us go to Louisville which is a national show,” explained Carla.
The Kilguses will take more animals to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield than what they take to Livingston County.
“We’ll take cows which we don’t bring here,” noted Carla.
Opening day of the 2022 Livingston County Ag Fair was a good one for the Kilgus kids as Kamber Kilgus received first in her class and won showmanship for her age division. Collin Kilgus received first in his class and received grand champion Jersey and second in showmanship. Carla received first in her class as well and young Kelsey received second in showmanship. They are all members of the Forrest Fireflies 4-H club.
The fair is much more than simply showing up with projects for a few days then going home. Many chores and hours of practice are a necessity – especially if livestock are involved. For instance, dairy responsibilities include clipping, washing and walking the animals ahead of show time.
Back at home on the farm, Collin typically helps milk and run equipment while Carla feeds calves and assists with milking and Kamber helps milk and does some of the pig chores.
“Sometimes I help feed calves then I help milk,” said Kelsey.
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