Growing Success: Brady Wells' Passion for Beef Cattle

For Brady Wells, showing livestock at the Monroe County Fair isn't just a summer tradition — it's the result of a year's worth of work, dedication and a lifelong connection to agriculture.

The 18-year-old Cashton graduate has been exhibiting animals at the fair since he was 4 years old. Over the years, he has shown dairy cattle and sheep, but today his passion lies with beef cattle.

"I feel like growing up on our family's farm, I just had a bigger connection with beef cattle," Wells said.

This year, Wells will exhibit a steer and a heifer at the Monroe County Fair, continuing a family tradition that has shaped both his work ethic and his future career plans.

He credits his father, grandfather, aunt, and cousins with introducing him to livestock showing and helping him develop the skills needed to succeed.

"I wouldn't say there's one singular person," he said. "It's really been a whole family effort."

Preparing an animal for competition is a year-round commitment. From feeding and making hay to washing, grooming and daily care, Wells said there's always something to be done on the farm.

"It's every day we're down at the farm doing something," he said.

One of the biggest challenges isn't physical labor but building trust with the animals.

"I'd say getting them halter broke enough where you can lead them and set them up to the best of your ability is probably the most challenging thing," Wells said.

Judges evaluate cattle on structural correctness, sound movement and overall balance, looking for animals that are well-developed without being too thin or overweight. According to beef industry judging standards, judges evaluate cattle on structural soundness, muscle, body capacity, balance and finish, looking for animals that are healthy, functional and capable of producing high-quality beef.

Wells has experienced success in the show ring, earning Grand Champion Steer and Grand Reserve Champion honors at the Monroe County Fair. While those accomplishments remain special memories, he says winning isn't what motivates him.

"It's not so much about winning," he said. "I like to look back at all the work I've done to get to this point. It makes me feel good knowing I did my best."

Showing livestock has also taught him lessons that extend far beyond agriculture.

He points to time management, perseverance and teamwork as skills he has developed through years of preparing animals for competition.

"If you don't get the placing you wanted, you just go to the next show and do your best the next time," Wells said.

Those experiences helped shape his career goals. This fall, Wells will attend Iowa State University to study agricultural engineering, with plans to design livestock barns, ventilation systems and other agricultural facilities focused on animal well-being.

"I saw myself wanting to go into a career in agriculture to support local farmers and other farmers involved in agriculture," he said.

Although he'll pursue engineering, Wells isn't leaving farming behind. He hopes to continue helping on his family's farm while gradually building his own cattle operation. He already owns six cows and recently welcomed a new calf that he hopes will become part of a successful breeding program.

"I'm kind of proud that I'm starting my own herd and being able to raise my own calves," he said.

Wells believes organizations such as 4-H and FFA have played a major role in his development. Through both groups, he has met new friends, attended national conventions and gained a broader understanding of the agricultural industry.

As thousands of visitors walk through the livestock barns during fair week, Wells hopes they'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn directly from exhibitors.

"I'd just invite them to ask questions," he said. "Everybody in the barn is there to answer them. Everybody's pretty friendly. Don't be shy."

For Wells, the Monroe County Fair is about far more than ribbons. It is a celebration of agriculture, family and the countless hours young exhibitors invest throughout the year — work that often goes unseen until they step into the show ring.

Showing livestock is about much more than what happens during fair week. The ribbons and trophies are only the final result of months of hard work that most people never see. Exhibitors spend nearly every day feeding, caring for, and working with their animals, learning responsibility, patience, and perseverance along the way. They also develop skills in time management, teamwork and communication that will benefit them long after their days in the show ring are over.

At a time when fewer people have firsthand experience with agriculture, the county fair also gives the public a chance to meet the young people raising livestock, ask questions and gain a better understanding of where their food comes from.