Carson Narup, is from Ohio and is 18. Cason has grown up in this industry-his grandfather showed sheep when he was a kid and since then showing has been a part of the Narup family ever since.Carson has two older siblings who have both helped Carson through his show journey and will continue too. 

“Hi! My name is Carson Narup and I am 18 years old. I have been involved in 4-H pretty much my entire life. Me and my siblings started showing lambs that were raised on my grandparents farm. Each year we have tried to be a little more competitive than the year before. One of the biggest lessons I learned early on is that the amount of work we put in has a big impact on how we do in the ring. This is a lesson that I have helped to pass on to my 10 cousins who are in different phases of their own show careers.” 

Naile this year was one to remember for Carson and his family. “Showing at NAILE this year was a different kind of special.” Every year Carson’s goal has been to be competitive at the bigger shows and this year it happened.

“It doesn’t seem like that long ago that we were struggling to compete at our county fair. So winning fourth overall ewe with Porsche at one of the biggest shows is almost unbelievable. I’m so glad I got to share that experience with my family that works so hard everyday to help me succeed. As we’ve had some success the last year or so, our expectations have gone up.”

After Porsche had done good at Ohio and Kansas City, Carson had hoped she could compete at NAILE. Carson knew though that it would be tough.

 “Everything had to come together perfectly to get that hand shake. Luckily for us that happened. As we were getting ready for the first class, we started to think she might have a shot. When she hit the ring I could tell that she was there to win. “

Carson is very blessed to have an amazing team by his side. Carson’s grandparents started this team and have continued to build it ever since. Everyone has a part from his brother’s support and his sister’s help showing what they could make out of showing livestock. Not to mention the ultimate support of his parents.

 “My grandparents are the OG’s of our group. Without them and their ongoing support, none of us would be showing livestock. Both my brother and sister showed and continue to be a big part of our team. My mom is the ultimate “glue guy”. She was not raised in a livestock family, but she is now an official show mom. She does so many things that are critical to our operation and she is our resident shag expert. My dad is the coach of our team. He is also the feeder, groomer, driver, and banker. The amount of work he puts in to see me succeed is unbelievable.”

Everything that happened this year and the years before was because of this amazing team.  Another person that has been a huge part of Carson’s success is Trey Miller (TKM Livestock). 

“Since starting to work with him three years ago, he has helped to completely transform our program.  His ability to select elite lambs and then assist with guidance in feeding, exercise, showmanship, and showday prep is as good as anyone in the country. Porsche came from TKM Livestock and I’m forever grateful for Trey’s help.”

When asked about what piece of advice Carson would give to the young showman. He said, “There are two pieces of advice I want to share with young showmen.” 

“One, please don’t take this time for granted. Showing livestock will not last forever and before you know it you will be on your last year thinking about all the memories. The next time you want to skip working with your animals, think about the graduated showman that would kill just for one more year in the ring.”

“ My second piece of advice is use this time to create relationships with other showmen and most importantly your family. I urge you to say thank you to your parents and other people who have helped you every chance you get for the time, money, effort, and sacrifices they make to help you be a part of something that can teach you so many lessons, while providing so many wonderful experiences.”

Carson has been very blessed to have so many great people who have helped him over the course of his show career. 

“I have been so blessed to have so many great people who have helped me over the course of my show career.  In addition to the people on my team, there have been others such as breeders, judges, fellow showmen and so many others that are always willing to share advice or help out in any way possible. I want to thank everyone that has helped me to this point and who I know will continue to help me in the future” 

“ I am excited to see what the future holds!”