Is that certified beef?

For most kids, summertime means playing, swimming, or relaxing. But, for Elkland resident Kassidie Eagleburger it means working, competing, and cows. Eagleburger went to Kansas City on July 5 to compete in the 2022 National Junior Angus Show. This week-long event involves competitions, including cattle shows, photography, creative writing, and a cook-off. Eagleburger joins competitors who gather yearly to show their knowledge and skills around all things cattle.

Eagleburger, only 10, has been competing in cooking competitions for two years, but that's not all. "I've done quiz bowls, shown cattle, speech contests, and 4H skillathon," Eagleburger shared. Simply put, if there is competition, Eagleburger will most likely be a participant. This love of competing started when she joined her cousins in showing cattle a few years back. The cousins eventually aged out of it, and Eagleburger gladly took over. “She did not get it from me, she got it from her dad, and he’s the quiet one,” giggled Stacy Eagleburger, proud mother of Kassidie.

The judges had a tall order for all contestants. They had to form teams, perform a skit, and cook the Angus burgers. Luckily, Eagleburger was in good company. Her teammates included Cealy Bedwell, Kye Lehenbauer, and Cinch Dowling, all of which she is good friends outside of competing. Their skit was a fun take on the classic Goldilocks and the three bears. In this case, it was Goldilocks and the three cowpokes.

“My youngest cousin came up with the idea for the skit. We practiced our lines at home. We had one virtual meeting. Every day during the show, we would get together and meet.” Eagleburger reflected. There was a lot of pressure on Eagleburger to remember her lines and ensure the burger recipe was right. She did all this while she juggled the other competitions she participated in throughout the weeklong event.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. It was time to dish out the beef, certified Angus beef. Eagleburger recalled, “The judges provided us with the meat; we had to prepare and cook it ourselves.” Eagleburger’s fellow teammate Cinch Dowling, 13, from Fair Grove, added, “ All four of us performed in the skit. We worked hard and helped with the burger as much as we could and answered the judges' questions.”

Their hard work earned them a solid third place in the national cook-off, which did not bother Eagleburger or Dowling. Both seemed just to love being able to compete. Dowling mentions, “I have been to all age group competitions, never won any, but we’ve done super good each time.”

Both are currently preparing to show cattle at the Ozark Empire Fair and then plan on heading to the state fair. Dowling is hopeful and says, "I want to try and win showmanship. Not only do you get a lot of money but also meet new people,” with Eagleburger agreeing. These kids have a passion for competitions that turns up the heat. Though with all this heat Dowling mentions “I hope there is pineapple whip."