Payge Lane shows her cow, Black Russian, during the Ohio State Fair. Photos provided

Lane, 17, won Reserve Simmental Champion-Cow and Calf Pair at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus on July 29. Simmental is the breed of cattle she showed. The cow and calf were named Black Russian and Alani Nu. “It was my first time competing,” Lane said. “(I enjoyed) the fact that I got to fully experience it this year and do what I love.”

Contestants show their animals in front of a judging panel and are evaluated on appearance and presentation.

“You have to make them look good by trimming and combing their hair,” she said.

Lane said she had expectations but was determined to make the most of her first state-level competition.

From left to right, Annamarie Montle, Payge Lane, Stella Gilcher and Becka Cadle hang out before a Tri Valley Conference competition.

“Going in, I knew there were better cattle than mine, but I was there to get the experience,” she said.

Lane was surprised when her name was called as champion.

“I was surprised, but excited as well,” she said. “I didn’t cry or anything. It got my heart pumping.”

Lane’s parents, Ross and Jessica, were equally as excited and proud. While Lane said she does the majority of the work, they also help her with grooming her cattle.

Lane lives on a farm and has raised Simmental cattle for years.

Payge Lane, second from left, was elected as Waterford FFA Treasurer for the 2023-2024 school year.

“I’d been wanting to show cattle for a while and my family thought it would be a good idea,” she said.

Lane said she has shown her cattle at both Washington County Fair and Barlow Fair. She said she has won showmanship and first place in her class.

In extracurricular activities, Lane decided to join the Future Farmers of America chapter as a link to her ideal career.

“I want to be a veterinarian,” she said. “Joining FFA was one step closer to that.”

Lane has been a member for two years and was elected as treasurer for the upcoming year.

Payge Lane holds up her banner signifying her win at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus July 29.

“I look forward to working with the other girls,” she said.

Lane said she’s learned a few lessons since joining FFA.

“It’s taught me a lot on how to be a loyal and responsible person,” she said.

Lane is also a member of the Waterford track team. Her events include sprinting, pole vault, and relay races.

Lane said growing up on a farm has influenced her love of animals.

“I love animals and have lived on a farm since I was a little baby,” she said. “Helping animals makes me feel happy. I get to help them feel better.”

Kristen Hainkel can be contacted at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com