'It's game time': South Valley honor student prepares for Bernalillo County Fair

Every morning, South Valley teen RaeAnna Gallegos watches her three steers, Magic, Honey and Tank, nourish on grain. As they eat, she said she wonders about “how big they’re going to get” and how they will do at the upcoming Bernalillo County Fair.

The fair starts Friday at Expo New Mexico and ends with an auction on Aug. 1.

“The county fair is really important when you’re showing cattle because it’s the culmination of all your hard work,” Gallegos, 16, said. “It’s where you get the chance to compete, get judged and learn how your animal stacks up against others.

“You also get valuable feedback from the judge, which helps you as a showman.”

Showmanship refers to how well a participant presents and handles their animal in the show ring. It is not only about the quality of the animal, but the exhibitor’s skill, knowledge and ability to work with their animal, Gallegos explained.

In the past, she said she felt pressure whenever she competed during a fair.

“I have to make a bond with my steer to know that we’re going to work as a team going into that ring,” Gallegos said. “I always tell my steer, ‘We got this, buddy. It’s game time.’”

In the ring, the participant is expected to keep their eyes on the judge and follow directions, maintain proper spacing and present their animal, she said.

Gallegos has not let the pressure get to her. Last year, she earned grand champion steer and reserve champion showman in class at the county fair. That is in addition to placing in multiple categories at the New Mexico State Fair.

The Bernalillo County Fair is one of many statewide county fairs that give 4-H participants a chance to showcase a year’s worth of hard work that culminates with the New Mexico State Fair starting Sept. 4. But the events are more than about winning that ribbon.

“It’s not about the awards,” Gallegos said, “but getting that appreciation and knowing that you put all your work and dedication into that animal to make sure they look good, and your showmanship is right.

“It’s just like a big ‘thank you’ at the end of the day.”

Aside from her steers, Gallegos will be showcasing her dairy cow named Daisy; lamb, Lightning McQueen; goat, Baby; and Shih Tzu named Buddy. She will also participate in exhibit competitions like cooking and sewing.

“If I don’t know how to sew, how am I going to fix a pair of pants that I tore while working with my steers?” Gallegos said. “If I don’t know how to cook, how am I going to make cookies for my buyers?”

Teaching responsibility

Gallegos’ love of animals and 4-H came from her upbringing.

Her great-great-grandparents raised sheep on what became her parents’ South Valley property. Gallegos’ dad, Ramiro Gallegos, grew up raising pigs. Her older brothers, Christopher Walker and Evan Garcia, reared animals during their years in 4-H.

The family property may only be a couple of acres, RaeAnna Gallegos said, “but it’s enough for me to show cattle and do the great things I do every year, every day and still get to (honor) my family heritage.”

That passion for animals and agriculture propelled her to become a strong advocate for 4-H. A few years ago, she successfully lobbied to have her middle school, Ernie Pyle, implement a 4-H after-school program.

Molly Hayes, who runs the program at Ernie Pyle, said 4-H offers skills that people can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“She works hard to promote the 4-H, and she understands the values that it teaches,” Hayes said.

RaeAnna Gallegos’ passion for 4-H and her animals do not get in the way of her school work and extracurricular activities. The Valley High School junior has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She’s also involved in cheerleading and softball.

While she enjoys cheering her teams on, if a school activity coincides with her 4-H duties or chores at home, she said, “I have to say, ‘I’m sorry. I have to go to 4-H,’ or ‘I have to put my steers first.’”

After graduating high school, she said she plans to go to New Mexico State University and hopes to one day go to veterinarian school. She also wants to own a ranch and raise steers and heifers for 4-H kids who live in the area.

RaeAnna Gallegos’ immediate goal is to encourage people to come support the kids and animals and learn what 4-H is about.

“I want to represent my club and community well,” she said, “and show the value of youth agriculture programs in 4-H and Albuquerque.”