As a veteran 4-Her (Franklin County, Kan. Rambling Ranchers!), I am thoroughly enjoying watching the skills, fun, and magic develop for my own children. Fair week is a highlight of the 4-H year - one we prepare for in the months leading up to it. This year was no different and the 2024 Riley County Fair was an exciting and successful event for my two oldest daughters! Murphy, age 10, and Eilish, age 7, showcased their hard work during fair week.

As a third-year member of the Bonfire 4-H Club, Murphy enrolled in four diverse projects: Beef, Buymanship/Fashion Revue, Foods, and Photography. The fair events kicked off with the Fashion Revue on July 18, where Murphy modeled a sporty outfit designed around her new sneakers, a gift for her 10th birthday on July 9. Impressing the judges, she received a Purple ribbon, marking her second year in Buymanship.

On July 23, Murphy participated in Photography judging for the first time. She entered an 8x10 color photograph of Simmental cows in a pasture and earned a blue ribbon, showcasing her budding talent in capturing moments through a lens.

The Foods judging on July 24 was a delightful day for both Duggan girls. Murphy, in her third year of Foods, presented her S’mores Dessert Bars, a delicious three-layer treat composed of a graham cracker crust, chocolate chip and marshmallow cookie dough middle, and a topping of mini marshmallows and Hershey’s chocolate bar pieces. Her culinary skills were rewarded with a Blue ribbon.

Eilish, participating as a Cloverbud this year, made Wildcat Puppy Chow with a unique twist - ube powder to turn it purple! She practiced interview judging and received a Cloverbud ribbon, setting the stage for her to become a full-fledged 4-Her next year.

The highlight of the fair for Murphy was her participation in the Beef project. Throughout the official fair days, she and her dad, Edward, were busy washing, feeding, and caring for her three Beef project entries. On Saturday evening, she showed two heifers and one steer in the Beef Show. Her first heifer, Twister, received a third Blue ribbon. Her second heifer, Retta, excelled with a first blue in her heat, Champion Commercial Heifer, and Reserve Supreme Heifer titles. Spot, her first steer, earned Reserve Champion Market Steer.

In Showmanship, Murphy's final year in the Junior age group was stellar. She was awarded Reserve Champion Junior Showman, earning her a spot in the Round Robin the next morning. Competing in Round Robin, Murphy exhibited a pig, dairy goat, dairy cow, horse, meat goat, sheep, and beef cow, achieving the second highest combined score for the junior division and receiving Reserve Champion.

The fair concluded on a high note for Murphy. She loaded her heifers for the return trip to the farm, participated in the Skill-A-Thon, and took her steer to the Livestock Premium Auction. Demonstrating her knowledge and skills, Murphy placed first in the Junior age group in the Skill-A-Thon and was awarded a belt buckle.

As the new 4-H year approaches on Oct. 1, Murphy plans to expand her interests by adding the Rabbit project. Eilish has big plans as well, eager to delve into Foods, Buymanship, Visual Arts, and Rabbits. Here’s to 4-H and making the best better!