Name: Ashley Preston        

Age: 18

Home State:   Florida

Species and Breeds Shown: Maine Cross Beef Cattle

Favorite Breed: Maine
Why?  They are a really efficient breed that combines all the necessities into an eye appealing package.

Favorite Stock Show: Georgia Junior Beef Futurity
Why? It’s very different than the shows we have in Florida.  It’s really interesting to see such a higher level of completion.  And I cannot forget about spending nearly a week with my best show buddies, doing what we love most!

Favorite Judge:Brandon Callis from Texas
Why? I believe that he is a very intelligent person, and I admire that in him.  And if there is anyone who knows good cattle, it would be him.

How old were you when you first started showing? 15

What is your biggest accomplishment in the show ring? My biggest accomplishment has been winning 6 championships with my steer Peppy.  But the best part about it, is the great compliments I get from the professional guys about how well I fit and clip him, and what a difference it makes on my steer’s performance.

Who is your hero? My sponsors, Miss Rose and Mr. Gary.  They have sacrificed so much for me, and they do it all asking for nothing in return.  I can only hope to be as amazing as they are. 

If you could go to lunch with anyone at a stock show, who would it be and why? Everyone on the Top Notch Show Team!  We live all across the state, and it’s not often we get to see each other, usually only at cow shows.  And grabbing a bite together is often quite a challenge, because everyone always seems to be busy. 

Who is the person who has helped you the most with your show projects? Miss Rose and Mr. Gary have gone above and beyond to support me and my show projects.  They let me keep my cattle at their barn, assist me with costs, and are willing to take me and my cattle anywhere.  But they just don’t come to the shows and watch, they are there helping me and supporting me.  I am very thankful to have them and be called their “adopted daughter.”

On a typical school day, what time do you have to get up in the morning? Luckily Mr. Gary cares for my cattle for me in the morning because it’s about a 30 mintue ride from my house to the barn.  So, in order to be to my morning class on time, I have to be up by 6:30. 

What is your daily routine you use when working with your project? After class and homework, I head down to the barn and tie up all the calves then start rinsing them and blowing them out.  Then they stand in front of fans for about two hours until they are nearly dry so I can apply hair conditioners. 

Favorite tip about showing: Have an “artsy” look.  One of my good friends was always so successful.  She said her trick was to be artsy and catch the judges eye with something a bit different, but effective. 

What’s your typical show ring attire? Usually American Eagle jeans with either a short sleeve polo (on hot days) or a long sleeved button down shirt. 

Do you do anything differently when you’re in showmanship versus when you’re just showing in the show? Not really.  The idea of showmanship is to show your calf the best you can, and I believe doing that in the show ring can make a difference on how well my cattle do. 

If you have a choice, would you rather wash the animals or get them dry? Dry.  I have a tendency to get nearly as much water on me as my calves.  And I also like to work the hair with the blower, and get it just right. 

Besides showing, what are your hobbies? I love going to the beach and tanning.  Being there relaxes me, and I hate having super white skin. 

About how many shows to you get to go to each year? We usually make it to 15 shows all across the state. 

What’s the one show supply you just couldn’t live without on show day? Final Bloom!  If nothing else my cattle with have hair that pops and has a velvety shine. 

Do you have any “good luck charms” about showing? I usually get a “pep talk” before showing.  Mr. Gary usually tells me that if I don’t win I will have to spend the night in the trailer.  It’s pretty good incentive to do well!

Favorite magazine: Cosmo!  And of course there’s the Show Circuit!

Favorite web site: I spend quite a bit of time on Myspace and Facebook.

If you have two animals that win classes, who would be your #1 choice to help show your other animal in the champion drive (adult or junior)?THE JoDan Richburg from Florida.  He has just got the touch of a great stick!

You just won Grand Champion at the biggest show ever. You and your family get a free dinner at any restaurant of your choice. Where would you pick?The Sailfish Marina on the intercoastal in Palm Beach, Florida.