I am an exhibitor at the Kent County Youth Fair with Sparta Livestock, and also a member of Farm Bureau. In August 2023 I began my first year at Montcalm Community College’s Agricultural Operations Program, which partners with Michigan State University. I joined the Ag Club there, which is also our Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. I didn’t realize all the doors it would open for me and, most importantly, the networking it would provide.
Both years I participated in as many opportunities as I could, including Speak Ag, Collegiate Discussion Meet (where I made top 4 both years). I attended the Young Farmer’s Leaders Conference in Port Huron, Growing Together Conference in Muskegon, and the American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference in Denver, Colorado.
All of these opportunities provided a space for me to learn, grow, and network with others young and old, but the networking at the 2024 discussion meet over a bowl of ice cream led to many memories I will never forget.
I was invited to Grand Rapids a day early by my mom Kristi Caine and my Aunt Laurie Pant, who were serving as Kent County Farm Bureau delegates at the State Annual Meeting. I went down to experience more of what the meeting was like and what being a delegate looked like.
While attending the ice cream social that night we had the pleasure of meeting Mike and Leslie Bradley. As we chatted, we discovered their passion for boer goats and that their daughter Jenna was breeding market goats and had a few for sale. This was perfect timing because I’d decided to show a market goat instead of beef steer--but had no idea where to even begin looking.
We exchanged contact information and a few months later made a trip to check out the goats. On Valentine’s weekend we went back to pick up Cupid, which was my market wether project.
Fast forward to 5 months later, Tuesday July 29th. After countless early mornings, late nights, and hours of hard work it was finally show day at the Kent County Youth Fair. I entered the show ring a total of 5 times throughout the day, from Explorers and Tots & Tykes to the Grand Drive. By the end of the day we walked out with the title of Grand Champion Market Goat.
Then came Thursday, July 31st, which is auction day. I had sent out buyer letters to friends, family, and local businesses to invite them out to support the youth exhibitors at the KCYF. I walked up onto the auction stage with bittersweet feelings, sad to say good-bye to Cupid but proud of the journey we had taken together, knowing it was all part of the process.
When my Cupid was sold to the Kent County Farm Bureau all I could think about was what a full circle moment.
This is exactly what Farm Bureau is all about: bringing people together, building connection, and creating lifelong relationships. Who would’ve thought that going to the State Annual Meeting for a discussion meet would be the place I’d find my championship goat?
I am grateful to Kent County Farm Bureau and Michigan Farm Bureau for the investments they make in members both young and old. Because of their support, myself, along with many others, are able to grow, connect, and learn in ways we had never imagined.
Let me leave you with a little bit of encouragement from what I learned through this experience. When you’re given opportunities in life, take them—even if they’re scary—and along the way you’ll grow as an individual, discover new passions, learn new things, and build relationships that will support and inspire you.
This is a transcript of a speech by Victoria Caine at the Kent County Farm Bureau County Annual Meeting on September 2, 2025.