'Other people get to enjoy your animals just as much': Exhibitors prepare all year to show animals at State Fair

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- There are six barns at the Wisconsin State Fair and exhibitors often work around the clock to prepare for livestock shows and do what they love. 

Hours before the gates open at 11 a.m., exhibitors are prepping for competitions. 

It's a chance for them to show off Wisconsin's agriculture and earn ribbons. 

On day two of the fair, Ella Ziemer has already won multiple awards for her goat, Emu. 

"I had a very rewarding day," said Ziemer, minutes after receiving her awards, including 2021 Grand Champion La Mancha. 

La Mancha is one of several different goat breeds that Ella Ziemer cares for. Over the next 11 days she'll compete in other open dairy goat competitions as well. 

"All of my hard work has paid off, so all the hours I spent with her [Emu] is paid off," said Ziemer. 

The dairy barn is also bustling with people and vocal cows. 

Hunter Holewinski is a junior exhibitor, he spends hours preparing his cattle for daily competitions. 

"Taking her out, walking around, I gotta clean out her pan every day, giving her fresh water. Then when it starts getting a little warmer we can wash them," said Holewinski of all his tasks.  

He's showing his calf, Mer, at one competition Friday afternoon, and he hopes to take home a ribbon. 

While these exhibitors spend 11 days at the fair, they spend all year preparing the animals for these competitions. 

"It’s good. Other people get to enjoy your animals just as much as we do," said Ziemer. 

Here is a full schedule of agriculture and judging events at the fair on Friday. 

You can also see horse pulls and daily pig races at the fair this year.