One on One with Miranda Dodson

Miranda at the Jefferson County Fair

A Show Chow® Success Story You might have heard the saying 'nothing worthwhile is ever easy' a number of times, but have you ever stopped to think about what this actually means? In many cases, the most important things in life cause us to work the hardest. It's easy to get caught up in the disappointments and lose perspective on your goals. That's where this philosophy comes into play. Whenever you feel like you want to give up, you must remember that no goal is ever achieved without an immense amount of hard work, determination and commitment. Twelve-year-old Miranda Dodson from Charles Town, WV, is the perfect example of a person who encountered several hardships, but she never lost the desire and drive to win! Miranda has been showing cattle since she was seven years old and won several awards along the way. Although she received Reserve Champion Feeder Calf in the open division and Grand Champion Feeder Calf in the youth division (for three years in a row), Miranda dreamed of one day winning Grand Champion. Miranda decided to take action on her goal, and attended one of Kirk Stierwalt's Show Cattle clinics this summer in Winchester, VA. She knew this would be a great way to learn the proper way to clip cattle and become skilled at showmanship techniques. Although Miranda learned a great deal of helpful information, she was still a bit unfamiliar with some of the skills Kirk went over. But Miranda knew that if she wanted to reach her goal of winning Grand Champion, she would have to give it her all. When she returned home, she got right back to work! This is where her story begins… Better Animals: At Stierwalt's clinic, there were a lot of new tips to learn about, listen to, and try out. What part did you find most interesting? Miranda Dodson: One of the things I found most interesting was learning the step-by-step clipping techniques. I also enjoyed Mr. Stierwalt's 'hands on' showmanship classes and what he looks for as a judge. I learned a lot that weekend and met a lot of new people. Thank you Mr. Stierwalt! BA: After the clinic you participated in the VCCP Fair, but didn't quite get the results that you were looking for. How did the results of this fair help prepare you for your next show? MD: I placed well in my classes at the VCCP, but I knew I had to concentrate harder on my showmanship and feeding routine. BA: At the Jefferson County Fair, you won Grand Champion Market Steer, Reserve Grand Champion Feeder Steer Youth Division, and Junior Showmanship! What did you change in your technique from the time between the VCCP and the Jefferson County Fair that led you to great success? MD: I set up a schedule on working with the steers every day, which included washing, blowing, combing and brushing. The most important part was feeding the right amount of feed each day, twice a day. BA: How did it feel to win all of those awards? MD: I was really excited when I won Junior Showmanship. I had some great competition! I was surprised when I won Reserve Grand Champion Feeder Steer. My feeder steer, which was born on the first day of spring break, was from my Registered Angus Heifer. When I was in the ring for the final drive for Grand Champion Market Steer, I was a nervous wreck! I was speechless when the judge shook my hand for Grand Champion! BA: What was the best part about winning at the Jefferson County Fair? MD: I think it was getting the respect from other exhibitors and knowing that all the hard work paid off! BA: As you may know, raising and showing animals can be a tough job. What is some advice you have for kids out there who may be getting a little frustrated? MD: Don't give up! All that hard work will eventually pay off. There were many Saturdays and Sundays where I just wanted to sleep in, but my father got me up, and off to the barn I went. I now realize that you have to work with the animals on a daily basis to get great results! BA: That is some excellent advice, Miranda. What are your plans for raising and showing future animals? MD: I plan on attending at least three jackpot shows this year. I also hope to show a heifer or two this year. My little sister will start showing this year, so I plan to help her in any way that I can, so she too can experience winning results. I also plan to keep feeding Show Chow®! BA: Those sound like great plans – good luck to both you and your sister! We're also glad to hear you've had positive results with Show Chow® products. How did you decide that this was the right feed for your animals? MD: My parents used Purina feed when they had their dairy farm, and the feed proved to be more beneficial. Therefore, my Dad told informed me that Purina was the best choice for my animals. We went to our feed dealer, HC Summers, and decided on Show Chow®. The results speak for themselves! BA: Miranda, we are very proud of your perseverance and positive attitude! Hopefully your story will remind kids just like you that success does not always come easy, but that doesn't mean you should stop following your dreams. It just means you need to keep trying!