Bailey Trujillo participated in several shows at the Eddy County Fair from July 21-25 and said she was happy with her performance.
“I am very proud of how I did,” Trujillo said. “I worked hard and gave it my all. Having no regrets means more to me than any banner or buckle.”
Performance in shows
Trujillo, 17, began the fair with the breeding and market goat shows at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. She also took part in the market lamb show at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Both events took place at the Eddy County Fairgrounds.
Trujillo started the fair slowly, finishing last in the lone class of the breeding goat show. She bounced back, however, earning second and sixth place in Class 4 of the market goat show. She placed fifth in Class 6 and first in Class 7.
Trujillo also stayed busy at the market lamb show, securing first place in Classes 4 and 5. She also earned first place in Division II and second place in Classes 6 and 8. She placed third in Class 9.
The 4-H and FFA awards presentation was held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 24. Trujillo was awarded the Division II Blackface Sheep Plaque and Breeding Goat Showmanship.
Competing against friends
Trujillo went up against some of her friends during the shows and said it was a great experience.
“It’s always intense having to compete against your closest friends, especially when we know how much blood, sweat and tears go into showing livestock,” Trujillo said. “I think it’s just like every other sport. I must focus on myself and not on what other competitors do or what animals they have.”
A helping hand
Trujillo later helped at the booster show at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 25. She lent her goat and sheep to Kollins and Cash Kaufman so they could participate in the show. She said they did an awesome job and she is proud of them.
Preparation pays off
Trujillo said the work she did to prepare for the fair was beneficial.
“No matter how the outcome is in the ring, the hard work always pays off,” Trujillo said. “Since I started showing at the age of 9, I have learned something new every year. Whether it is hard work, self-discipline, dedication or perseverance, they’re all valuable skills I can carry on to my future.”
Junior livestock auction
The 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Auction was held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Trujillo sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the sales, which she said was a great experience.
Her goat, Bean, sold for $10,000, and her lamb, Winndy, sold for $11,000. She said she will put the money to good use.
“The money I made in the sale will go toward college and animals for next year’s fair,” Trujillo said.
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall.
Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.