By Jessica R. Wheeler
Sherman Class of 2020 graduate Bailee Owens is celebrating another big achievement this year, having just finished her ninth year of 4-H specializing in market goats. And for the past three years, she’s also done market lambs.
Goat club leader and mom Miranda Owens said Bailee has raised and grown two Grand Champion market goats, as well as two Reserve Grand Champion market goats, and has received Reserve Grand Champion ribbons in Showmanship.
Among her many accomplishments is winning All-Around Reserve Grand Champion for Showmanship in 2019, learning to show horse, sheep, hogs, goats, and steers in one contest.
“She has had a very successful 4-H career,” she said.
Miranda and husband Ryan Owens have served as 4-H goat club leaders for the past five years and said they’ve enjoyed watching their members grow and learn each year.
“As a youth, I participated in 4-H, and it was one of the best times in my life,” Miranda Owens said. “The memories and experiences made during fair are priceless for me. When I had children, I knew right away that I wanted them to be part of 4-H, as it had done so many amazing things for me growing up.”
Miranda Owens said that as parent and club leader, she’s seen the kids grow tremendously in all aspects of their lives.
“The leadership, citizenship and life skills, which are what 4-H stands for, certainly paid off for Bailee in her nine years of participating in 4-H,” she said. “The program teaches kids responsibility and ownership, and for Bailee it really helped her come out of her shell.”
Bailee said some of her best times are from her years in 4-H.
During her second year of 4-H, she won Grand Champion market goat and received her first belt buckle, which she still wears to this day.
“One of my favorite memories was being able to participate in the All-Around Showmanship contest and being able to learn how to show each species at the fair,” she said.
She said that she would like to pass on the skills she’s learned from 4-H to her own kids in the future, and would love to be a 4-H leader herself someday.
“I think being involved in 4-H helps teach kids respect, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and it is just an overall fun experience,” Bailee said. “I definitely plan on continuing breeding goats for the 4-H members to come.”