Hard work, humility drive Malone’s 4-H journey

For Sheridan County 4-H and FFA member Bentley Malone, showing livestock is about so much more than banners and buckles.

While he enjoys competing and the opportunity to showcase the animals he has worked hard on all year, he says some of the most valuable lessons he has gained through 4-H are learning responsibility, developing leadership skills and understanding how to handle success and disappointment with grace.

Making the most of new opportunities

Now in his fifth year, Bentley says he originally joined 4-H because he wanted to become more involved in agriculture, meet new people and try new experiences.

“I got involved because I saw it as a new opportunity to do new things, connect with more people and get more involved in agriculture,” he says.

This year, Bentley has four market hogs and is helping his younger sister with her goat. His lineup includes two dark crosses, a light cross and a Hampshire, all of which he plans to show at both Sheridan County Fair and Wyoming State Fair.

The family also hopes to exhibit at least one or two hogs at the Northern International Livestock Exposition in Billings, Mont. and recently showed at the Battle of the Bighorns in Sheridan in late May.

“I did pretty well there,” he says. “I got first in my classes with one of my dark crosses, fourth with my Hampshire, fifth with my light cross and fifth with my other dark cross.”

“With early shows and jackpots, I don’t worry too much about how I place though, since my target shows are later in the season, like state fair,” he adds. “I look at jackpots more as a chance to practice my showmanship skills and get my pigs desensitized.”

Working hard, staying humble

Like many successful exhibitors, Bentley understands quality livestock don’t simply appear on show day and being a tough competitor doesn’t happen overnight. Preparing for each show requires months of dedication, consistency and attention to detail.

“There’s a lot that goes into it,” he says. “Every day we’re supplementing them, adjusting their feed, clipping and working their hair, plus desensitizing them and walking them a lot to make sure they’re ready for whatever comes next.”

“Then, in the weeks leading up to a show, we step it up, clipping more, making sure they’re worked every single day and dialing in their environment and feed so they’re looking their best by the time the big shows hit,” he adds.

This behind-the-scenes preparation is what Bentley enjoys most about 4-H.

“My favorite part is learning about the animals, getting new animals each year and understanding how feed and nutrition help them change over the season, plus learning about things like reproductive systems,” he shares.

Outside of showing livestock, Bentley also enjoys competing in livestock and meat judging, which have provided invaluable experiences like attending a meat judging camp at Texas Tech University.

“It was a really cool experience,” he says. “I’m looking forward to all of the other opportunities 4-H and FFA have given me.”

Additionally, Bentley is grateful for the invaluable lessons 4-H and FFA have taught him – lessons he will carry through life long after his livestock projects are finished. He credits the program for improving his communication and leadership skills, especially when it comes to his siblings.

“I want to set a good example for my siblings and show them what it means to win humbly and lose gracefully,” he states.

Striving for personal growth

Bentley is quick to credit his support system – especially his parents Ty and Ryliann Malone – for the opportunities he has been given and thank them for all of their help along the way.

From hauling livestock and attending camps to offering advice in the barn and ringside, he says their support has been instrumental throughout his showing career.

“My parents are out there with me every single day, giving me pointers on how to improve,” he says. “They help keep my attitude in check and keep me humble, while also hauling me to shows, taking me to camps and organizing jackpots so I can get my pigs desensitized before the bigger shows hit.”

“Beyond my parents, I also have a great support system of people who’ve taught me more about livestock structure, feed and nutrition and how different feeds change different parts of the animal,” he adds. “I’m really grateful to learn from people who know more about livestock than I do.”

With county and state fair quickly approaching, Bentley says his goals are focused on both personal growth and competitive success. 

He hopes to continue improving his showmanship skills, become more confident in the ring and learn to focus on the things he can control.

“There’s so much in showing animals that’s out of your hands, and one of my biggest goals this year has been learning how to take losses,” Bentley shares. “It’s still hard for me sometimes and it’s tough to manage the emotions that come up in the ring, but it’s okay to feel those things. I’m just trying to keep a level head when it matters most.”

As showing season reaches its pinnacle, Bentley is excited to see his months of hard work come to fruition.

Whether it’s competing in the show ring or helping his siblings in the barn at home, he is dedicated to demonstrating the values 4-H and FFA strive to instill in all of its members – hard work, humility and a willingness to never stop learning. 

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.