Animal shows at McHenry Co. Fair test children's care

Sarah Rann came to McHenry County Fair to win.

The slender 17-year-old 4-H'er from Huntley brought the heaviest steer in the fair's history. At 1,795 pounds, Duncan stood out in the beef barn like a shiny black mound.

Even if the 14-month-old doesn't end up reaping the Grand Champion rosette, the highest honor in 4-H shows, Duncan has already garnered the "Rated Gain" award for his weighty presence.

"We weighed him in February and on Tuesday. The steer that gains the biggest amount of weight gain per day gets the prize," Sarah said. "He put on 5.24 pounds a day."

Good nutrition means high hopes for Duncan: "We want to sell our animals at the auction and get money for my college fund," said the 10-year 4-H veteran.

Besides bringing the steer, Sarah was also attending the swine and rabbit shows.

In a square judging area, Doug Lovegren eyed the pigs up and down, eliminating each contestant until only the best in each group was left. Big winners of blue ribbons are often those with long, lean bodies, which translates into more rib meat. Only pigs between 240 and 280 pounds are eligible for the show, said Sarah, who lives on a ranch where livestock is counted in thousands.

Animal shows are not just for farm kids. Some manage to raise rabbits in their houses, just like 11-year-old Daniel Frank from Crystal Lake.

While cleaning the cage for his black doe, Daniel said, "I keep her in a cage upstairs and elevate it off the ground to make sure my dog doesn't get close to her."

His friends A.J. and Laura Polizzi brought in seven bunnies.

A rabbit show sophomore, 13-year-old A.J. is not aiming for big prices for his projects.

"We are just in for it for them so they can find a good home," he said.