Published: September 27, 2008 01:20 pm            

A house united; two Grand Champions in one Locust Grove family

The Burford family is making room for two Grand Champions on their farm south of Locust Grove. Bailey Burford and her little brother Wesley both won Grand Champion titles at the Mayes Count Fair recently with their cattle.

Bailey, a 16-year-old junior at Locust Grove High School, won Grand Champion in the steer show while Wesley, a 12-year-old sixth grader at Locust Grove Middle School, brought home the Grand Champion Heifer title.

The Burfords have been showing animals for many years. Their older sister Audrey got it all started but now that she is off at college, Bailey and Wesley are

carrying the torch.

Bailey first started showing around age 6. Wesley, on the other hand, began at

age 3.

"He did a better job of making circles in the dirt," said their mom, Sandy.

Both Bailey and Wesley started out showing pigs but have added showing cattle in the last few years.

"We wanted to wait until they were a little older and bigger," their dad, Clayton said.

Now the siblings show both cattle and pigs. Bailey showed her steer and two pigs. Wesley showed his heifer and three pigs.

"It was busy," said Bailey. The teen said during the fair she would finish with one animal and move on to the next while some of her friends were getting a chance to relax.

All the hard work paid off when her steer was named Grand Champion.

"It was the best feeling I ever had," Bailey said. "I felt like when we won it was worth it."

Bailey had a few other challenges when it came to her steer. She said last year she had a steer that was very gentle and had more personality.

"I had one last year that was so awesome," Bailey said.

This year her steer was a little more jumpy.

"He’s scared of his own shadow," she said.

During the fair, Bailey and her dad had discussed what would be better, to have a personable steer and get second place, or have a jumpy steer and win Grand Champion.

"I’d rather have a crazy one every year," Bailey said.

Wesley, who is in his third year showing cattle, was also pleased with a Grand Champion win. He said he has learned how to groom his heifer but his dad still helps him.

"My dad helps some on the legs," said Wesley who admits one of his favorite parts of the fair is being in the ring.

Showing and tending to the animals is a lot of work both at the fair and at home.

"They give up a lot of things ... to stay home and feed," said Clayton. "They do have to sacrifice and they do learn how to do the right thing."

Another positive aspect of having kids involved in 4-H and FFA is keeping the family close.

"It’s good family time. We all go as a family and we enjoy it. For the most part we have a good time," Clayton said.

"I think everyone should try it . It makes a stronger family," said Sandy.

All of the family works together to get both the animals and family ready. But Bailey feels her mom plays a very important role.

"She keeps us happy," said Bailey about her mom. "She rubs my feet after the show."

Sandy is proud of

what her children have

accomplished.

"We’re very proud of them. You can tell when they’ve done a good job," Sandy said.

With all of the extra curricular activities available to students, Bailey thinks being involved with showing is the best.

"I’ve been through everything from basketball to cheerleading and showing is my favorite," Bailey said.

The Burfords will head to the Tulsa State Fair which began Thursday.

        

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