"They don't have time to get in trouble," boasted mom Jessi Kostecki talking about her two daughters who help run Show Sisters Sheep Company and the reason for the brand name. The Kostecki sisters Sydney and Savannah have been showing their prized lambs for most of their life. "I've been doing it for twelve years," says 19-year-old Sydney. The girls proudly brush and prepare Unicorn and Loveshack before entering the Montana Royal Junior Livestock Show in the afternoon.
The Montana Royal, sanctioned by the Beyond the Ring Junior Livestock Association and the 509 Show Circuit, create opportunities for young livestock exhibitors to showcase their best market hogs, lambs, and beef to earn points throughout the year. Hundreds of young people, their colorfully attired show animals, and their attentive parents descended on the Flathead County Fairgrounds July 21-23, 2023. Although the prize ribbon and accumulating points may be the contestants' goal, the parents see the real prize: what these programs have done for their children.
"She's learned the circle of life," said Kyla's dad. Indeed, she has.
"I'm not expecting too much," explained 16-year-old Kyla. Pearl is our backup." The sweet heifer came in for her close-up. "Our first choice just died, and we just found out that Pearl has a hernia and will have to be butchered right after the show. It's been a really rough year." Kyla said this with the maturity of a seasoned ranch hand, experienced with disappointments yet smiling and confident. "That's what they're bred for."
There is something different about these young people. Maybe it's the fact they've had to work hard at showing their beloved four-hooved friends. Long hours, bad weather, sick animals, and days of travel are part of the competition.
But it could be more than the competitions and wins: they have a purpose. They have a reason and a responsibility to get up early in the morning and overcome difficult situations. They're not babied, coddled, or entitled. They're humbled. And they can see their future. Sydney is a sophomore at MSU, with an agricultural major and a minor in science. "I'm coming home and helping run the business when I'm finished," said Sydney.
They are planning now to live a life of purpose, to contribute to their family and to the community. Youth involved in 4-H and similar programs learn confidence and compassion, which helps them meet the challenges of adolescence as they transition to adulthood. Studies have shown that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their community and two times more likely to be civically engaged, participate in out-of-school science programs, and make healthier choices Benefits of 4-H - National 4-H Council.
Flathead County 4-H activities and the MSU Extension are the state's largest out-of-school programs. Nearly 1 out of 6 Montana youth choose to participate in and benefit from 4-H programming. If you have a child that’s looking for something meaningful and rewarding, consider Flathead County 4-H.
https://www.facebook.com/FlatheadCounty4H
https://msuextension.org/flathead/flathead4h.html