Maddy Udell

The Handshake is the moment we all live for. I think we can all agree that when that judge comes to shake your hand and tells you that you won the show it truly is one of the best feelings in the world. Well I certainly think so anyway, which is why showing cattle has become such an enormous pert of my life. From the first time I lead a feeder calf in the ring at the Plymouth County Fair when I was four years old, I was hooked. Ever since my life has truly revolved around it, from early mornings at the show to late nights in the barn if it involves show cattle, count me in. My hobbies outside of show cattle include photography, helping with our sale, and spending time with family and friends. 

I fell in love with show cattle at an early age. I started showing feeder calves when I was about four years old and have since competed at local, state, and national levels. Even though I have had a lot of success in the show ring it will never compare to the friends and memories I have made in the livestock industry. The things I have learned from the livestock industry will definitely last a lifetime. When I started showing I would never have imagined I would accomplish some of the things I have.

Showing has also changed me as a person. When I first started showing I was a very shy little girl who wouldn’t talk to most people. The livestock industry has taught me how to go up to almost anyone and have a conversation with them. The livestock industry has also taught me other things like hard work, dedication, and the pride in a job well done, because when that judge shakes your hand you know that it was all worth it and you can’t wait to start over for the next show or the next year of shows. 

Showing cattle is an enormous magnificent part of my life and it always will be. The friends I have made will last a lifetime and I don’t know what I would do with out them. From being in the ring to standing on the sidelines taking pictures there truly is nothing better than life at a stock show. •