Reese Wolheter is a Junior at Oak Farm Montessori High School in LaGrange, Indiana. Reese is active in many things involving 4-H and FFA. She started 4-H in 3rd grade and began showing horses at age 6. Reese has had an incredible journey showing from swine to finding love for the dairy beef calves.

“Hello, I’m Reese Wolheter! I’m active in the journalism club and helped charter our FFA chapter in 2021. I currently serve as sentinel for both our FFA chapter and Indiana FFA District 3, I’m also a part of the Dairy Beef Junior Council. while being on the LaGrange County Extension Board. I have shown dairy beef, swine, a dairy goat, and horses, during my years in 4-H. I showed in the Pony Of American Shows on the Michigan Circuit with my siblings, cousins, and grandma. And I started showing in mini 4-H with swine, sheep, and dairy beef calves. When my first year of regular 4-H started I showed dairy beef calves, swine, and horses, and have continued to do so through my years in 4-H. I have been involved with the dairy beef show circuit since 2023, and also had the opportunity to show in a few open swine shows this year. I have continued to also show all over the country with my grandma doing liberty in the International Liberty Horse Association.”

Reese has done everything in 4-H from a dairy goat to liberty with her horses. Even though she has had the ability to do so many things and experience so many memories like winning premier showman at LaGrange County, with dairy beef calves, swine, and horses. The memory that stuck out to her the most was showing at the Midwest Horse Fair, this year in the International Liberty Horse Association non-pro freestyle competition. She competed against 4 others as the only youth and opened for the Midwest Horse Fair PRCA Rodeo on April 11th.

Reese, like many others, values structural soundness and a good pedigree when picking livestock.

“I focus on a combination of structural soundness, breed characteristics, and performance potential. I also consider the animal’s pedigree and siblings, making sure my brother and sister aren’t showing the same type so we can each have our own strengths in the ring.”

“One issue in the show world is that many people outside of it assume that showing is cruel or harmful to animals. In reality, showing requires careful care, respect, and attention to each animal’s well-being. I think educating the public about what goes into showing is really important”

As reece continues her goal is to win the LaGrange County 4-H Round Robin. “It has always been a goal for me since I can remember. To me, showmanship is important because it doesn’t matter what the animal looks like, so I may not always have the best animals, but you can always have a chance in showmanship.” She also wants to show that a good showman doesn’t need the “best” animal to succeed. “What truly matters is how you present your animal. I hope to inspire others to focus on skill, care, and dedication rather than status.”

Reece’s biggest role model is her grandma. “My grandma Sally Durbin, She was involved in 4-H as a child and has continued to advocate for agriculture throughout her life. She is a natural leader and an incredibly hard worker. We perform together all over the country, and she has always supported me in taking care of my animals when I’m away and helping my siblings and me whenever she can. I aspire to be like my grandma when I am older.”

Her favorite part of showing is that moment she steps into the ring. “I love that first impression you get one shot to show everything you and your animal have worked for.” Reese knows the importance of it being just you and your animal. “Be completely focused on the judge. At that moment, it feels like time almost stops, and everything else fades away.”

Reece says “work hard” she has had to work for a place in this industry and will continue to work towards all of her goals. 

“One of the best quotes I heard was:”

 “There is always someone who is working harder than you”. This quote always keeps me going because even though I may think I am working hard at the moment, I may do the easiest part of someone’s day.”