Meet Payton King, a Sierra 4-H student who is a 6th grader at Foothill Elementary:
"Hi! My name is Payton King, and I'm an 11-year-old sixth grader at Foothill Elementary School. This is my third year in the Sierra 4-H Club, and I just love it so much! Last year, I showed a market pig and a breeding heifer at the Chowchilla Fair, and another pig at the Fresno Fair. I have the best time showing my animals and going to jackpot shows all season with my family. Animals are my favorite thing ever, especially cows—they're so cute and fun! At school, I'm in the leadership program, and in 4-H, I dosewing, photography, beef, and swine projects. Plus, I play volleyball and softball, which keeps me super busy but happy! Agriculture and raising livestock are what make me who I am. Growing up in a family that loves animals, I've spent so many hours taking care of them, and it's helped me learn a ton and become a better person. I can't wait to keep going with all this!
This year at the Big Fresno Fair, I'm showing my awesome breeding heifer named Meg. She's the absolute best—we have so much fun together! Meg had an amazing jackpot season and even won Reserve Champion Market Heifer at two shows. I'm also showing two market hogs: Oliver, who's a dark cross and should weigh about 280 pounds, and Gordon Ramsey, a blue butt who's expected to be around 270 pounds. (I named him after the chef because he'salways hungry and loves food!) I've been working really hard for months, making sure their feed is just right so they grow big and strong. Every day, I feed them, exercise them, and condition them to be ready for the fair. I'm so excited to show all myanimals in the market competitions on Wednesday, October 8, and in showmanship on Thursday, October 9. Oliver and Gordon Ramsey will be up for sale at the livestock auction on Saturday, October 11, at 9 a.m."