Aug. 11 marked the first inaugural “Best of the West” county showcase held in Wessington Springs. Thirty-three counties were invited to take part in the event which was patterned off of the Sweet 16 in Aberdeen and the Showdown of Champions in Salem. “We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to attend if they weren’t already invited to one of the other showdowns,” said Audra Scheel, member of the event committee. 

Fourteen counties paid their $200 entry fee as well as some great sponsors including: First Dakota National Bank, Bankwest, Grossenburg Implement, FK Ranch – Justin and Krista Krell, Werk Weld, Farm Aid Equipment and the Lyman Co. Sheriff Office. All monies were paid back out to the top five in each division in cash and prizes. 

The planning committee consisted of Kama Bruns, Marty and Mandy Michalek, Garrett Bischoff, Steve Zoss and Audra Scheel. Sweet Grass Eatery served a brisket supper on site, and the barn was packed with spectators. The committee plans to grow the event and looks forward to seeing everyone again in 2020. Champions in each county were invited to attend in each of the divisions.

County 4-Hers that placed were Wesley Linke and Bailey Feistner, third and fourth in Breeding Rams respectively; Cannon Zoss, Reserve Champion in Breeding Ewes; Emmitt Feistner, fifth in Breeding Goats; Sutton Senska, fourth in Market Goats; and Teagan Moody, Champion in Market Swine.

…See photos of the event in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.