All in the family

Baker children begin beef showing at early age

Gage Baker answers questions from Shawn Varner, cattle judge, during the bucket calf show Wednesday at the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair.
Gage Baker answers questions from Shawn Varner, cattle judge, during the bucket calf show Wednesday at the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair.

In the Baker family, even though the 2-year-old mark hasn't been reached yet, that's no reason not to be out showing a calf.

photo

Jeff Pinto and Jeremy Bunge

At 21 months, Ella Baker pulled a 4-month-old, black calf into the show ring Wednesday during the bucket calf competition at the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair. She was the youngest competitor, and it was her first year showing a calf. However, her brother, Gage Baker, is a veteran - showing for his third year in a row. Gage, 4, started when he was his sister's age. The soon-to-be preschooler said he enjoys the shows, because he likes getting a trophy. Gage showed a 4-month-old bull calf that was a twin to the heifer his sister showed. When the judge, Shawn Varner, asked Gage what his calf's name was, he told him, "Wannamassa," which is also the name of his cousin's cow.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.