I had the opportunity to talk to Kaide Hummel. From how she started to how the industry has shaped her, Kadie’s journey shows the kind of passion and dedication that makes her the amazing person she is today.”  about how she started to how this industry has shaped her to be the amazing person she is today.

Introduce yourself:

“My name is Kadie Hummel, and I’m from Cabery, Illinois. I’ll be a freshman at Butler Community College this fall, and I’ve grown up immersed in agriculture on my family’s farm.  m I have been showing since I was 3. It’s played a huge role in shaping the person I am todaytoda!y. I help with everything from breeding and medications to working with clients, and I’ve taken on a big role in mentoring younger exhibitors with showmanship. I love showing livestock because it’s taught me responsibility, patience, and grit. Livestock can be stubborn, but that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. It’s an experience I hope many others get to have”.

When did you start showing?

I started showing livestock when I was about three or four years old.

Kadie has had an incredible show career and is still going to have so many more incredible adventures, but for her, it’s not about the banners. It’s about the relationships and experiences showing has brought her.”

“One of the biggest highlights of my show career has been traveling the country, meeting new people, and building relationships that feel more like family. I’ve also found so much joy in helping younger kids develop their showmanship skills, watching their faces light up when they finally get their animal set or see their hard work pay off in the ring. It’s moments like those that make all the effort worth it.”

 As Kadie’s  junior show career comes to an end, she hopes to accomplish one big goal: to inspire the next generation.

Looking Ahead 

 “ Making sure to inspire the next generation  As I begin to age out of the junior show world, I’m focused on pushing myself harder than ever and making sure I leave this chapter with no regrets. I want to live out the rest of my show career to the fullest, and when it’s over, I plan to continue inspiring the next generation. I hope to keep building lifelong connections with families and exhibitors while encouraging kids to stay passionate about livestock.”

Kadie has had an incredible show career and is still going to have so many more incredible adventures, but for her, it’s not about the banners. It’s about the relationships and experiences showing has brought her.”

“One of the biggest highlights of my show career has been traveling the country, meeting new people, and building relationships that feel more like family. I’ve also found so much joy in helping younger kids develop their showmanship skills, watching their faces light up when they finally get their animal set or see their hard work pay off in the ring. It’s moments like those that make all the effort worth it.”

What do you think is an issue in the show world?

“One of the biggest issues in the show world today is affordability. It takes a lot to show livestock; between feed, equipment, travel, entry fees, and the animals themselves, it can be a very expensive hobby. I absolutely love it, but I know it’s not easy for every family to access. There’s also a lot of pressure to win, which can take away from the fun and learning side of showing. On top of that, there’s not always enough support for families who are just starting out. I want to help change that by being someone those newer families can turn to for guidance, encouragement, and help getting started.”

I asked Kaide who her biggest role model was. She said her parents, “Both of my parents are my biggest role models. My dad didn’t grow up in a livestock family, but he built his legacy from the ground up through hard work and passion. My mom brings just as much heart and dedication to everything we do. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow up learning from two people who lead by example, love deeply, and never back down from a challenge.”  

Kadie believes that when it comes to show animals it is good to have a variety of structurally correct animals that each have different  IT factors.

“When I’m picking show animals, I try to consider the judge’s preferences; if that information is available. But more often than not, the judge isn’t announced, so I focus on building a balanced string. I like to select a mix of styles, whether that are freaky, cobra-necked, and sound wethers or the stout-skulled, wide-built, big-bodied ones; so I’m ready to adapt to different types of judges.”

“My favorite part of showing has definitely been helping other exhibitors with showmanship. I love working with them, offering tips, encouragement, and watching their confidence grow in the ring. But just as special are the memories made outside the ring; like sitting around the stalls playing cards, laughing, and making memories with people from all over. The friendships, late-night talks, and shared passion for livestock are what truly make this lifestyle unforgettable.”

Kadie leaves us with this:

“My biggest piece of advice is to never hold back. The worst that can happen is you learn, grow, and come out stronger. Don’t be afraid to give it everything you’ve got; because in the end, the banners will fade, but the lessons, memories, and relationships will last a lifetime. Live every moment to the fullest, and never take this lifestyle for granted.”