5 minute read
BIG WINS IN THE MINI HEREFORD RING
Meet Blake Buck, a young rancher who’s taking the mini Hereford world by storm,
Submitted by Kyle Shipley
Blake Buck has been passionate about mini Herefords for four years, and he’s already making a name for himself on the show circuit. Inspired by a family trip to the World Beef Expo, Blake’s journey with mini Herefords started with a single cow—and it’s been “full speed ahead” ever since. Alongside his beloved heifer, Cupcake, Blake has won banners, buckles, and bragging rights. But beyond the awards, it’s the friendships, the memories, and the thrill of competition that fuel his love for the breed. Editor Kyle Shipley caught up with Blake to talk about his journey, his biggest wins, and his best advice for future mini Hereford show stars.
—Continue to read the rest of the interview on the next page.—
Kyle Shipley (KS): How long have you been showing mini Herefords?
Blake Buck (BB): I’ve been showing mini Herefords for four years now, and I love it more every year.
KS: What got you started with mini Herefords?
BB: I wanted to show cattle, so my parents took me to the World Beef Expo in Milwaukee two years in a row. We walked around, watched the show, and talked to different exhibitors to see which breed would be the best fit. When we met Kurt from Hoban Miniature Herefords, he told us how great the breed is, especially for younger kids. After that, we knew mini Herefords were perfect. We got our first mini, and we’ve been all-in ever since!
KS: What’s your favorite thing about showing mini Herefords?
BB: They’re so easy to handle and fun to work with. Their size makes them less intimidating when you’re learning, so they’re a great breed for new show kids. Plus, they really help you build your confidence and skills as a showman.
KS: Do you have a favorite show?
BB: Definitely the National Western Stock Show in Denver. I did really well there, and the people and competition were amazing. Plus, the road trip was awesome! Traveling through different states and seeing all the scenery made it even more fun.
KS: Who’s your favorite cow in your herd?
BB: That’s easy—my favorite cow is CX3 Champs Cupcake 124. We got her from Christenson Cattle Company in 2021, and she’s been my best friend ever since. She’s sweet and kind, and she never runs away when I come out to the pasture to hang out with her.
KS: What advice would you give to new show kids?
BB: Put in the time at home! Practice a lot and get to know your animal. When you’re in the show ring, just go out there and have fun. And then, when you get back home, keep working on the things you need to improve.
KS: What happens to your cattle after you’re done showing them?
BB: After we’re done showing our heifers, they join the cow group. I have a steer named Ace who was great in the ring—now he works as a heat detector! We’ve also raised two steers for beef, and the meat has been amazing.
KS: Do you have a breeding process?
BB: We use artificial insemination because we don’t have a herd bull right now. We try to match each cow with the right bull to improve our genetics. We’re also really focused on promoting the mini Hereford breed here in Wisconsin so that there’s a mini Hereford division at shows across the state.
Exhibitor Spotlight continued...
KS: Do you see yourself sticking with mini Herefords in the future?
BB: Absolutely! I love mini Herefords and plan to keep working with my parents to grow our herd and improve our genetics. I can’t imagine not having minis.
KS: Have you won any cool awards?
BB: Yes! I’ve been really lucky. I’ve won banners, money, and awesome prizes over the years. The Miniature Hereford Summer Showdown in Illinois has the best prizes—last year, our tack room was packed with cool stuff! I won a wooden pub table and other amazing things. I’m really grateful my parents support me and travel with me to shows.
KS: What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?
BB: My biggest accomplishment was with CX3 Miss Chloe 148ET. At the National Western Stock Show, we won Reserve Champion Summer Intermediate Heifer in both the Junior and Open Show. I also won a belt buckle as Grand Champion Junior Showman. I love showmanship, so winning that buckle was the best feeling!
KS: If you could change one thing about showing, what would it be?
BB: I’d take the “politics” out of it. Sometimes the most deserving animal or showman doesn’t win, and that’s tough to watch.
KS: What advice would you give to adults in the show world?
BB: I think adults could focus less on winning and more on having fun and making friends. There’s a lot of pressure to do well, and I think it would be better if everyone focused on enjoying the experience.
With his commitment, hard work, and genuine love for mini Herefords, Blake Buck is well on his way to becoming a top competitor in the show ring. From early mornings in the pasture to the thrill of a big win, Blake is proof that passion and dedication can take you far—even at a young age. Keep an eye out for more from Blake and his favorite mini Herefords as he continues to make his mark in the cattle world!
