In 2013 , Parker County received 13-year-old Maddie O ’ Leary all the way from “ Americas Dairyland .” Eighth-grader Maddie is a photography-loving , cattle-showing girl who has been in the Spring Creek 4-H ’ s Agriculture club for the past three years . She is also the reporter and takes pictures of events for Spring Creek . One of her favorite things , though , is to show cattle .
“ I got involved in showing cows when I was 6 years old ,” Maddie said . “ My parents got me involved in it .”
Maddie has six cows that she takes care of , and shows Mellow Yellow , Red , Wrigley ( named after Wrigley Field , home to the Chicago Cubs ) Snoopy , Blue , and Prosperity . Mellow Yellow has been crowned Champion in his breed in the “ Heart of Texas ” show and reserve , while Red won fifth best steer of prospects at a show at Tarleton State University . She also had a heifer win reserve in division in a National show as well . A week before shows , Maddie shows her love for her cows by practicing every night up to the show to ensure she has it down . Her routines for taking care of these animals includes filling up their water tanks every night , and on weekends washing them and blow drying their fur .
“ It ’ s a lot of work and with Maddie being busy with a lot of school activities . Her dad and I help out a lot ,” Maggie O ’ Leary , Maddie ’ s mom said . “ In this house , we ’ re a team and we believe in teamwork .” Besides Spring Creek , Maddie partakes in UIL Oral reading competitions and is Vice President of 8th grade Student Council , with photography being her favorite hobby . Looking towards the future , Maddie is looking to join FFA when she starts her freshman year at Brock High School next year . For college , she either wants to attend Texas A & M University or Tarleton State University , possibly pursuing teaching or photography in Ag Communications .
She is a shining example of the great work of Spring Creek 4-H . She thanks County Extension Agent Kayla Neill for the support her and the
her and the other members . She has a bright future in her agriculture career , and has the support from her family and friends every step of the way .
Dickie Jones Nationwide Agency
Commercial . Farm . Ranch
Parker County 4-H office brings to 4050 E I-20 | Willow Park , Tx | 76087 | 817.596.5500
JANUARY 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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