A NAILE To Remember

Can you imagine taking home a Breed Champion banner from the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE)? What about taking home two?

Trace Titus, 15-year-old from Alexis, Illinois simply said, “it’s a rush.”

Trace secured two banners, Champion Natural Market Lamb and Champion Oxford Market Lamb, Saturday during the Junior Wether Purebred Show. He also skillfully exhibited the Class 11 second place lamb in the Crossbred Junior Wether Lamb Show Sunday.

After all the breed champions and crossbred champions are selected, the winners vie for the title of Junior Supreme Champion.

Trace said his preparation for NAILE began months ago in the barn at home. Trace and his family dedicate daily attention to his lambs’ nutrition and exercise. He said a lot of time also went into things such as working leg hair, which gives the lamb as sharper look in the show ring.

Preparing for the Supreme Selection requires the same dedication and attention to detail.

“The most important thing is staying hydrated and making sure the lambs stay healthy,” Trace said. “We also set them up to make sure they are looking good.”

With nine years of being a NAILE exhibitor under his belt, Trace said this is his most successful year.

“Yesterday was definitely a day to remember,” said Trace’s mother, Lindsey Titus.