Klein wins national award

Springfield, Mo. – Calli Klein of Jay Em received the Junior Showmanship Award at the 2013 Dexter Cattle Association National Show, held June 13–16 at the Ozark Empire Fairground in Springfield, Mo. Exhibiting a heifer from her neighbor’s farm, Mooster Meadows of Lusk, Klein placed first in the youth ages eight to 12 class.

She also won the 2012 Junior Showmanship award at the Utah State Fair in the Dexter class.

“I like everything about Dexters,” says Klein, “from washing them to showing them.”

Klein has worked with the Dexters of Mooster Meadows for several years and helps desensitize them to the blow dryer and wash rack.  

“She calls it work, but we are not sure what we call it,” beams Vicki Jones, who owns Mooster Meadows with her husband Chris. “I can’t say enough good things about Calli.”

“She is just so bright and has an innate ability around livestock. She just knows what to do with the Dexters and has an insane work ethic for a 10-year-old,” Jones continues. “She is absolutely gifted when it comes to showmanship, and we are honored that she shows our cattle. She is an asset to us.”

Klein also helps halter break the Dexters for the Jones family. Jones said that Klein’s help halter breaking the cattle has been wonderful because these animals respond to training by children better than adults. 

“Halter breaking them is the hardest part of getting them ready for a show,” Klein explains. “We have to run them into the chute and then get the halter on them. Then we have to teach them not run away from us and to lead. We usually use grain and treats to train them.”

Dexters are a breed of naturally small cattle, standing just 36 to 44 inches at the shoulder. They are a dual purpose breed used for meat and milk and are known for their calving ease and positive temperament. 

“Short legged Dexters are my favorite,” says 10-year-old Klein. “They are a lot calmer, and I get attached to them more than the others. The babies are really cute, too.”

Alan, a new addition to Mooster Meadows, has quickly become one of  Klein’s favorite animals.

“Alan is a short legged Dexter and really friendly,” says Klein.  

Klein is also very active in 4-H where she shows her Quarter horse and Dexter cattle. She also enjoys participating in horse judging, sewing and citizenship. She is currently competing in state horse judging and the presentation contest at the Showcase Showdown in Laramie. 

Klein also enjoys playing basketball, competing in rodeo, making crafts and anything to do with animals.

Calli Klein is the daughter of Jenny and Jared Klein of Jay Em. 

Kelsey Tramp is the assistant editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at kelsey@wylr.net.