What is First Time In The Ring?

First Time in the Ring started with one simple idea: showing livestock shouldn't be so confusing.

When you're new, it can feel like everyone else already knows what they're doing. There are so many questions, and sometimes it's hard to know where to find the answers. That's exactly why I started this.

Whether you're getting your first animal, getting ready for your first show, or just trying to learn something new, you'll find podcasts, articles, videos, and resources that are easy to understand and actually helpful.

At the end of the day, I just want to help the next generation of showmen feel more confident and enjoy the journey. Because every great showman was once standing exactly where you are now.

Everyone has a first time in the ring.

Who’s Behind The Mic?

Hi! I’m Savanna, the creator behind First Time In The Ring!

I've been involved in the livestock industry for over 10 years through 4-H, FFA, showing livestock, livestock judging, and working in agriculture. I've shown sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits, poultry, and more, and I've also had the opportunity to compete at regional and national livestock shows.

I started First Time in the Ring because I remember how overwhelming it felt to be new. There were so many questions, and it often seemed like everyone else already knew what they were doing. I wanted to create something I wish I had when I was starting out, a place where beginners and their families could find reliable information without feeling lost.

But more than that, I wanted to build a community where kids could help other kids. Some of the best advice comes from people who have just been in your shoes. By sharing experiences, tips, and lessons learned, we can make the livestock industry more welcoming for the next generation of showmen.

Today, First Time in the Ring is more than just a podcast. It's a place where young exhibitors can learn through podcasts, articles, videos, and stories from experienced showmen and fellow exhibitors who remember exactly what it was like to step into the ring for the first time.

My goal is simple: to help make livestock showing less confusing, build confidence in young exhibitors, and create a community where everyone feels welcome, whether it's your first show or your fiftieth.

Because every great showman had a First Time In The Ring.

Meet Our Contributors

One person can't know everything, and that's exactly why First Time in the Ring has contributors.

Our contributors are young exhibitors from different backgrounds, species, and states who all have one thing in common:

they want to help others succeed.

By sharing what they've learned, they're making the livestock industry a little less intimidating for the next generation.

This community is built on the idea that kids can inspire, teach, and encourage other kids. Together, we're proving that learning is even better when we learn from each other.

A young girl is kissing a large black cow on the nose at an agricultural fair.

A young woman with wavy red hair kneels on one knee and smiles at the camera while holding a light-colored puppy with long floppy ears. The woman wears a white and orange striped sweater, jeans, and jewelry. The puppy appears calm, and the background is outdoors with blurred greenery.

A woman holding a young black horse's head inside an indoor arena, with a metal railing behind her and spectators seated in the background.

A young woman with red hair standing in a green field next to a brown horse. She is wearing a black top with lace sleeves, blue jeans, colorful jewelry, and a decorated belt. The background shows a fenced pasture and trees under a cloudy sky.

A smiling woman with wavy hair standing in front of a display of posters and signs.

Lexi Johnson

I’m a 20-year-old from Nebraska studying Agricultural Communications with a minor in Public Relations and Advertising at Fort Hays State University. I’m actively involved in the Block and Bridle Animal Science Club and am also a member of three collegiate honor societies. I exhibit Chianina and Maine-Anjou Angus cattle at shows across the region, combining my passion for agriculture with my competitive spirit.

Kate Holland

My name is Kate Holland, and I am from the small town of Ninnekah, Oklahoma. I raise and show commercial goats, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with families who are new to showing livestock.

Meghan Edwards

My name is Meghan Edwards. I’m from Brookfield, Missouri where I grew up on a row crop/cattle production farm, and I’ve shown cattle since I was 13. My passion has always been in livestock. I was heavily involved in FFA in high school, livestock judged in high school and then went on to the collegiate level.

Abby Reamsbottom

Hey y’all, I'm Abby from Sulphur Springs, Texas! I'm currently a student at East Texas A&M University, I raise and exhibit Berkshire show pigs, Simmental and Chianina show cattle. Showing livestock has taught me responsibility, patience, and the value of hard work, and it's given me some of my best memories and lifelong friendships.

Hannah Loforti

Hey y’all!! My name is Hannah Loforti, I’m 18 years old and from Turlock, California! I’ve been showing livestock for the past 6 years, I’ve shown cattle for 5 years, sheep for 3 years, goats for 2 years, and swine for 1 year! One of my biggest passions is helping kids. My goal is to become an Ag teacher one day so I can give back to the industry that has given me so much!

A woman with dark hair tied back, wearing a long-sleeve shirt and plaid pants, holding a large dog on a leash during a dog show or competition. The dog appears to be a breed like a Boxer or similar, with a short coat and muscular build. There are banners and other people in the background.

Young woman in red shirt showing a weighted pig at a livestock show.

A man in glasses, a beige shirt, and jeans holding a black and white cow by a leash inside a livestock arena with an audience watching.

A woman in a blue shirt leading a pig in a livestock show ring with spectators in the background.

Josi Mullen

Hi my names Josi Mullen! I’ve been showing livestock for 5 years currently and working my way into the fitting/sale side of things working for PTV club lambs here in Michigan. I’ve been in FFA and 4H I held many board and officer positions through both organizations in my high school career. Currently I’m starting my own breeding program with club lambs which has been a huge passion of mine, I love giving back to the younger youth as I was once one back in the day!

Kori Jenkins

I’m a student at Oklahoma State University pursuing a degree in Animal Science, where I compete on the livestock judging team. My roots in the livestock industry run deep, having shown pigs across the country through 4-H and FFA. I also serve on the National Junior Swine Association Junior Board, where I work to support and advocate for junior exhibitors across the country.

Quinn Whaley

Hi, I'm Quinn Whaley. I'm 20 years old and live in Eagle Grove, Iowa, where my family and I own and operate Whaley Cattle. Growing up in the cattle industry has taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and dedication, while also giving me a passion for helping others succeed.

Sienna Smith

I am a 19-year-old student at Reedley College with a passion for agriculture and the livestock industry. As a first-generation agriculture student and showman, I have spent the past six years showing competitive show pigs while developing a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and dedication to the industry.