Public Relations & Media
More than the Purple Ribbon
By Mallory Blunier, NALF director of PR & media
Excitement or disappointment... No matter how hard I tried and prepped my animals, sometimes the outcome was not what I wanted.
I remember one show, my senior year, I made it to a champion drive and didn’ t even end up placing in the top five. I walked out of the ring feeling pretty disappointed but despite my disappointment, my family was right outside of the ring telling me how proud they were of me. Whether I won or lost, my parents were always beside me telling me I did a great job because showing is not about the purple ribbon.
Stock show parents have the hardest job. They have to place that smile on their faces when you come out of the ring getting last place in the class. They have to support you financially because showing is an expensive hobby that starts when you learn to walk. They are with you through the grey ribbons and the purple ribbons. I admire my parents for all that they did for me, not so I could just“ show,” but so that I could learn important life lessons through showing.
My years in the show ring did not teach me to win, they taught me leadership skills, hard work, and that life is not about“ being the best,” but about being a better person through the good and the bad.
As I sat and watched the Limousin Junior Nationals, I was taken back to my show days. I remember what I was taught and loved seeing so many young people work hard to present some of the best Limousin cattle I have seen in the show ring. I saw families come together and make some great memories that week. Remember, the memories and life lessons made are worth far more than that banner you were all hoping for.
It was my honor to document all these accomplishments and memories. If you would like any specific photo or writeup, contact me. The North American Limousin Foundation also offers free ad design, so don’ t forget to show off your favorite juniors and cattle! I
30 | SEPTEMBER 2018