Harper Hess Wins Big at NAILE

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

Harper Hess, a young talent who turned heads over the summer with her Reserve Grand Champion win in the Land of Lincoln Wether category, has once again proven her skill on a national stage. Competing at the prestigious North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in November, Hess secured two remarkable victories: Grand Champion Percentage Doe in the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) show and Champion Intermediate Showman.

Held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, NAILE is heralded as the world's largest all-breed, purebred livestock show. Known for its rigorous standards and intense competition, the event draws exhibitors from across the country, showcasing top-tier livestock in a facility purpose-built for excellence.

For Hess, the path to victory was steep but rewarding. On November 7, she competed against sixty other participants with her home-raised doe, affectionately named Paige, in the JABGA Percentage Doe Show. "[Paige] exceeded the judges' expectations," Hess said. When considering the animals, the judges look for correct features and structure. "He loved how stout and feminine she was, two very important things in a breeding doe." 

Hess's expertise extended into the Showmanship category, where she bested twenty-one other exhibitors, demonstrating not just technical skill in presenting her animal but also an impressive grasp of the livestock industry. The competition required her to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of other animals in the ring—a task that highlighted her deep knowledge and poise. "The judge was very impressed with how I talked through the other [animals] and in the end that was the deciding factor for my championship."

These victories cap off a remarkable year for Hess. Her achievements at NAILE build on her prior successes in Illinois and reinforce her reputation as an expert exhibitor with a bright future. 

Looking ahead, Hess has no plans to slow down. She is gearing up for a trip to Denver for another major event this January, where she will compete with both market wethers and does. At home, her focus has already shifted to kidding season, an exciting time for her family!