Barkman learns life lessons raising livestock

2023 marks Rochester Community High School senior Delaney Barkman’s 10th year in 4-H. During that time, she has spent her summers raising rabbits, sheep, pigs and steers to show in the Fulton County Fair, carrying on what has become a family tradition.

“My family has always done 4-H,” confirmed Barkman, who lives on a farm established by her great-grandfather. Though the farm currently focuses on corn and soybeans, there is also a history of livestock, including steers, heifers and cows. Barkman has paid homage to that history in recent years by adding steers to her 4-H activities.

At first, Barkman followed in her older sister Whitley’s footsteps, showing sheep and rabbits. Unfortunately, she developed allergies to both and switched to swine, which she has shown for eight years. She added steers to her summer project two years ago.

“I just wanted to do something new,” said Barkman. She also relished the challenge of working with such a large animal. Her 2022 steer, Diesel, was nearly 1,600 pounds.

“You have to hang on to it. … You have to pull, and sometimes you will get dragged,” she said.

Diesel was a Simmental steer she purchased from “good friend” Wayne Krom. Her steer this year is a MaineTainer purchased through online bidding at the Hoosier Daddy sale. She raises them through the winter and sells them at the end of the fair.

The steer is washed as often as three times per week. “I want them to have good hair for the fair,” Barkman said.

Her swine breeds have been Spots and Duroc breeds purchased locally from Kyle Clauson, Riley Riker and others.

“We try to buy local — county born and bred,” Barkman noted.

After purchasing the pigs in March, they are regularly fed, washed and walked.

“Right now, they are 230 pounds,” she said.

Barkman feeds her steer Depth Charge feed and Sure Champ supplements for a full physical appearance, along with two chunks of hay.

“Steers are a lot more complicated,” she noted.

The pigs get Wilson Show Feed. She walks the animals at night when, she explained, “It’s cooler for them.”

Putting a halter on the steer is “always a struggle,” she said. She then ties it up for a wash, rinse and blow out before the walk. At the fair, the animals are not walked due to the crowds.

Raising these animals teaches responsibility, Barkman said, and there are plenty of “life lessons” along the way. This year, she had to call a veterinarian for her steer after its “gut got twisted,” a condition likely caused by unclean water. She had another steer cut an eyelid.

“It’s not all about winning. It’s about the valuable life lessons, responsibility and work ethic that will be continued throughout the rest of the youth years and later on in adulthood,” Barkman stated.

The 4-H fair has been Barkman’s home for a week every July for as long as she can remember. And she has friends there she rarely gets to see at other times because they attend Caston or Valley schools.

“It’s the time we get together and catch up,” Barkman said. “I encourage everyone to do 4-H. It doesn’t have to be animals, but at least the community building projects. It teaches life skills, gets kids involved and you meet new people and gain friends that you will see every year.”

Next fall, Barkman will attend IUPUI, where she will major in elementary education and study sports marketing in the hopes of one day becoming an athletic director.