Fast Facts:
Kylie Jo Lasley is member of Mount Vernon-Enola 4-H Club in Faulkner County
Lasley’s 1,300-pound Simmental steer, Jack, won Grand Champion Market Steer
Lasley also won Champion Simmental Steer at Faulkner County Fair, Arkansas Youth Expo
LITTLE ROCK — Among the busy stalls in the cattle barns at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds, two colorful banners hang above one steer with a particularly shiny, fluffy black coat. Jack, a 1,300-pound Simmental steer, was recently crowned Grand Champion Market Steer, the first Arkansas State Fair win for Faulkner County 4-H member Kylie Jo Lasley.
Lasley, 14, has been raising cattle since age 6, when she first joined the Mount Vernon-Enola 4-H Club in Faulkner County. In September, Lasley won Grand Champion Market Steer at the Faulkner County Fair. Earlier in October, Lasley won Champion Simmental Steer, which was then chosen as the Grand Champion at the Arkansas Youth Expo. On Oct. 14, Lasley earned Grand Champion Market Steer at the Arkansas State Fair.
“It feels crazy to win both the expo and the state fair,” Lasley said. “This is my first time winning either.”
Lasley’s father Kyle Lasley said it has been a special experience to watch his daughter’s hard work with Jack.
“It’s fun and very rewarding to see her work ethic and how she takes care of him,” he said. “She really wants to get out there and work, and make sure she does a good job.”
Kami Green, extension 4-H agent in Faulkner County, said Lasley is an exemplary 4-H member.
“Kylie Jo is hardworking, and I have seen her grow, especially while working with her in livestock judging contests,” Green said. “I believe that Kylie Jo can do anything she puts her mind to. Raising any animal is hard work, but a steer is a whole new level of commitment. She and her family are a terrific example of how hard work and dedication lead to success.”
Raising a prize-winning steer
Finding inspiration
Green said 4-H offers a chance for every child to find a project that inspires them.
“4-H is a great program that offers a wide range of projects so that every kid finds their passion, which we can tap into and help them excel at,” she said. “Faulkner County 4-H is heavily dominated by the livestock project, and like any other focus, it teaches life skills that prepare these youth for their future, including responsibility, hard work, dedication and organization.”
4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.