Central States Fair hosts day 2 of fleet farm youth livestock

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Saturday was the second day of the Fleet Farm Youth Livestock Show at the 75th Central States Fair.

The event was open to all youths ages 8-21, and took place the first weekend of the fair in an effort to steer clear of other fairs in the state and surrounding cities.

Titled “Youth Beef and Black Hills Gold Beef Futurity,” youths from all over the region showcased the best of what their animals had to offer.

Eleven-year-old Nebraska resident Railey Willis won overall grand champion. Her animal was the top performing in her class.

Although this is not the first time her livestock has taken home the grand prize, Railey says raising livestock can be challenging.

“Sometimes it’s difficult especially with these babies because they rely on their moms and we just took them off their moms” says Railey, “and they like to like bawl and cry all the time ’cause they want their moms and they get out a lot because they’re looking for them.”

The Central States Fair offers youth shows in sheep, goats, pigs and beef.  Approximately 15,000 is paid out in livestock premium monies.