Marisa Linton See

Marisa grew up showing and raising livestock in NC. She has shown animals at the N.C. State Fair for 15 years and is a past youth livestock scholarship recipient. She is an N.C. State University graduate, agricultural photographer and blogger.

Making the Best of a Situation: Livestock Scholarship Recipients Share their COVID-19 College Experiences

Marisa Linton See October 17 October 6

“We took a lot of change in a short amount of time, but it is what it is and we just have to make the best of it.”—Zachery Keeter, NCSU freshman and 2020 NC State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship Recipient Despite precautions and efforts, colleges and universities across the country have had to close their doors to in-person classes. Headlines have often covered the numbers, logistics, and causes. However, there is another story that should be told. That of the student who is having to adapt, pivot, and navigate college in a pandemic. Students are facing challenges ranging from social…

Grabbing a Mask and Showing Cattle

Marisa Linton See October 12 October 6

“Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods.” The goal was to give youth opportunities to show their cattle in the midst of the pandemic. In order to meet that goal, everyone had to be flexible and willing to do things a bit differently. The North Carolina Junior Beef Roundup is an annual event that many cattle families look forward to. It is a tradition that centers around family, fun, and cattle. It is a time to catch up with old friends and show off prized cattle. It’s a place to where conversations revolve around the cattle industry…

Roots in Family & Cattle Help Lynae Bowman Soar

Marisa Linton See October 10 October 6

With a car packed from floor to ceiling, the Bowman family left Stokes County for Oklahoma. Lynae Bowman was starting her first year of college at Redlands Community College in El Reno, and her parents were helping her move in and start a new chapter in life. Aptly, though, her parents didn’t leave her at college. They left her at a cattle sale a few miles from the school. Lynae’s mom, April, said, “she’s in her element.” Lynae Bowman has a passion for cattle. She’s been showing them at the NC State Fair and across the country since she was…

The Greatest Gift of the NC State Fair: The Memories

Marisa Linton See October 6 October 6

In less than a month, youth from across the state will be able to do what they always have, albeit a bit different. In less than a month, livestock trailers will pull in to the NC State Fairgrounds to compete in another year of shows. Goats, cattle, pigs, sheep and turkeys will all make an appearance with some very eager youth. Masks will be plentiful and distance will abound, but the show will go on, thanks to the dedication and hard work of many. Because of their efforts, youth from across the state will be able to make memories yet…

The Show Must Go On

Marisa Linton See July 20 July 20

For months, life has been uncertain. COVID-19 (we’d all be fine never hearing that word again) has wreaked havoc on our world. In many ways, we have come to expect events to be canceled and life to be anything but normal. For many of us, it is just easier not to hope. That’s not to say all hope is gone. When it comes to the livestock show community, hope abounds. Even before the N.C. State Fair announced that they intended “to offer a modified livestock show program for junior competitors” and encouraged “youth livestock exhibitors to continue working with their…

2020 NC State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship Announced

Marisa Linton See July 6 June 25

26 individuals were selected as recipients of this year’s NC State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship. The scholarship is funded through proceeds of the NC State Fair Sale of Champions. This year, more than $53,000 in scholarships were awarded. Thanks to the support of buyers and sponsors of the N.C. State Fair Sale of Champions, more than two dozen students will have some of the financial stress of college eased. Showing livestock prepares youth for their future by teaching them responsibility, hard work, good sportsmanship, dedication, and discipline that will help them succeed in college and future careers. Showing livestock also…

First-time Turkey Showman Wins Grand Champion

Marisa Linton See June 29 June 25

In honor of National Turkey Lovers’ Month, we wanted to highlight one of our turkey showman. This is Hattie Jo’s story. Every year, feathers fly in a large white tent by Gate 2 at the NC State Fair. Youth between the ages of five and 18 flock together to show turkeys that they have raised over the summer. While the Youth Market Turkey Show is similar to other livestock shows in that youth learn responsibility, hard work, and other life skills, the turkey show also stands apart from the other shows in unique ways. Hattie Jo Powell, 14, can attest…

More than One Way to Show Livestock: Virtual Shows Provide Opportunity for NC Youth

Marisa Linton See June 1 May 27

When it became apparent that spring livestock shows across North Carolina would be canceled due to COVID-19, youth were heart-broken. Livestock shows are a special time to not only compete with animals they have worked so hard with, but is also a time exhibit their skills and knowledge and see close friends. Livestock shows, whether the NC State Fair or local spring shows, hold a special place in the hearts of these passionate youth and their family. Knowing just how important these shows are to youth and the positive impact these shows have on their lives, people came together in…

NC State Fair, Where Dreams Come True

Marisa Linton See May 26 May 26

For the sixth year, Ashton Seal and his family drove from Mount Airy to Raleigh to show pigs at the NC State Fair. Like any other year, they were excited to show pigs and see friends, they were also holding their breath ever so slightly. They had a dream of winning the champion banner. This was a dream they had held for years. Many show families have that dream. Perhaps it is fair to say that almost everyone who participates in showing livestock at the NC State Fair comes to the ring with bated breath, a hope filled heart, and…

Showing Livestock in a Pandemic: Going Virtual

Marisa Linton See April 20 April 20

Under normal circumstances, youth all over the state would be wrapping up their spring shows. This year, things look quite a bit different, leaving many youth disappointed. Because of the COVID-19 situation, counties all over made the difficult decision to cancel spring livestock shows. Many of these shows have been going strong for 80 plus years, so having to cancel was more than disappointing for youth signed up to compete in 2020, but it was also disappointing for alumni and communities that are historically involved. Much like the NC State Fair livestock shows, the spring shows bring people together—communities, businesses,…

Author: Marisa Linton See