Fair exhibitors take extra precautions to keep animals cool

In light of extreme weekend temperatures, La Crosse County Interstate Fair exhibitors went above and beyond their typical chores to care for their livestock.

Carter Horstman has been showing pigs with his family since elementary school.

His fair duties start well before July. Horstman said he helps on his uncle’s farm to earn the right to show. He starts working with his select animals in June, walking them twice a day while juggling football and other extracurricular activities.

“I think it really teaches you a lot of responsibility, and it is really fun to do it too,” Horstman said.

Horstman said pigs cannot naturally cool their bodies with sweat, so they had to step in to help.

“When we got them here, we fed them electrolytes, put up three big fans, and we rinse them down three to four times a day to keep them cool,” Horstman said.

Over in the beef barn, Ryan Schlimgen of Barre Mills shows with Pleasant Valley 4-H. His dad encouraged his involvement with the fair.

“It’s been pretty fun every year getting to show and getting to know your animals,” Schlimgen said. “It is nice to show with family and create that fun atmosphere here.”

Understanding the needs of his animals, Schlimgen said they have been running extra fans in the barns, providing plenty of fresh water and rinsing his animals multiple times a day to keep them cool.

More than 620 exhibitors participated at the Livestock Interstate Fair, an increase from 2018.