08/11/2024
The last few days have been very emotional and busy. I spent all the time I could with Lex on Thursday and Friday before the auction, but the time passed too quickly. ☹ Friday was a heartbreaking day, but it made me cherish the time I had with Lex even more. The auction started at 6:30pm, but those of us selling lambs weren’t called to line up until around 11:30pm. 😴 I was near the end of the list, so didn’t get into the ring until around midnight. Many bidders had left or maxed out their budgets by then, so the lambs weren’t selling as well as last year. Thankfully, I have some awesome friends at Roach Energy who really came through for me. I can’t thank you enough for ALL of your support, inspiring me to get started last year, helping me pick out Lex in March, and bidding on and buying him at the auction. You all are seriously THE BEST. 🥰
It was hard to say goodbye to Lex, knowing I wouldn’t see him again, but I am thankful for the time I had with him and the memories we made. I learned that raising a market animal is really challenging because of all the time, effort, and care you put into the animal, knowing what their ultimate fate will be. I think I gave Lex an amazing life compared to a lot of animals in the market industry. He really enjoyed running in the pasture and I know I gave him lots of love. What I think he enjoyed above all was food. 😂 He loved his grain, but during fair week he discovered Pop Tarts and loved them, his favorite flavor was strawberry.
I also want to send a big THANK YOU to Brianna Lowe & Ryan Virts for being my mentors, sharing your knowledge & time, taking me to and coaching me during my first jackpot show, and being by my side through fair week – from getting me and Lex there, helping me prep on show day and all through auction night. I couldn't have done it without you two.❤️
This experience is definitely difficult, but the lessons and memories are priceless. ❤️🩹I’m already looking forward to raising another lamb next year. 🐑
