Plain and simple, the Russell family is a 4-H family. They have the history, work ethic, success and stories to show for it.
For Brent and Dena Russell, there is no other way of life for their family. Nestled in the Dover community, the Russell family farm sprawls across their acreage with cows, lambs, chickens, dogs, cats and a horse.
And as one makes their way into the family barn, two small heads emerge behind a gate, carrying a handful of hay and a bucket of feed. The tradition continues within the family with Palmer and Renner, the children of Brent and Dena.
“I was out here for hours yesterday,” said Palmer, getting a curious lamb out of the pen fence. “But I don’t mind it. It’s all I know.”
Palmer and Renner have both been active with Yazoo County 4-H for as long as they can remember. When both were eight years old, they began showing lambs at livestock shows. Now at 13 years old, Palmer has made a name for herself in the lamb arena with multiple awards. And Renner, now 9 years old, is stacking up his awards as well in both lamb and pig showing.
“I like showing the pigs because they are crazy and step on toes,” Renner said, with a grin. “Like me.”
For Palmer and Renner, showing animals was a family tradition. Brent was raised in the local 4-H program, showing pigs, cattle and horses.
“I grew up with animals, and I have always loved them,” he said. “I just enjoy being around animals. I was raised around cows and horses. I am glad our kids are experiencing that same thing.”
“I think we have an animal obsession,” Dena added, with a laugh. “We just can’t quit buying them.”
Kevin Ross, from another local 4-H family, and Katrina Wallace, a former local extension agent, were also strong influences behind Palmer first joining the showing circuit. When she was about eight years old, she made a visit with the Ross family to their lamb operation, and she was instantly hooked.
“Palmer has always loved animals ever since she was a little girl,” Dena said. “She was the one who got us all into doing it. She has always had a way with animals. And when she went to Kevin’s, she fell in love with the sheep. That was when she decided that was what she wanted to do.”
Renner soon followed when he turned about eight years old, following in big sister’s path with lambs and sheep.
“Sheep have their own personalities,” Palmer said. “That is what I like about them. Some are sweet. Some are funny. And some are crazy.”
Renner wanted to try something different last year when it came time for the livestock show. Before they knew it, the Russell family added pig showing to their list.
“I like pigs better because they seem smarter,” Renner said.
“They do have more personalities than lambs,” Palmer added.
Both Palmer and Renner will admit that the care of pigs and lambs is totally different. Even on show day, they show differently too.
“The feeding concept of pigs is way more complicated,” Brent said.
“Do-to-day is more with pigs because there is so much behind their feeding,” Dena said. “But show day is easier with pigs. Your day-to-day feeding with sheep is so much easier. But there is more to them on show day. You are out there with them, shearing and washing more. They switch roles when it comes to the care and the showing.”
The Russell family can be found at their family barn multiple times a week, a few hours a day, to ensure their operation runs efficiently. But the chores and duties are more than just preparations for show day. For Brent, it is a tradition of being able to provide for your family.
“I know if something were to ever happy to us, the kids could still make it,” Brent said. “This life teaches them so many responsibilities. It is like I was always told, if you have animals, always feed your animals first. Then you will never go hungry.”
The hard work behind the scenes is evident on show days for Palmer and Renner. Almost every annual livestock show ends with an assortment of awards. Just last show, Palmer won Supreme Lamb, Champion Division 2 Wether Dam, Grand Champion Wether Dam, Champion Division 3 Market Lamb and Grand Champion Market Lamb. Renner also brought home Reserve Champion Market Lamb and Reserve Champion Division 2 Wether Dam.
“It feels amazing when you succeed,” Palmer said, with a smile. “Even when I don’t place well, it just makes me want to try harder.”
In the pig showing, Renner also won Reserve Champion Spotted and Champion All Other Breeds.
“I think Renner likes the pigs more because he is constantly moving, constantly doing something,” Dena said. Showing a lamb is not a constant movement. Renner is more active, but Palmer likes structure. Renner thrives in the chaos.”
But it is also the socialization with the circuit that makes the experience special. At a recent show in Georgia, Dena admits she and Palmer kept to a few friends they knew. But Renner was making the rounds.
“He ended up knowing everybody in the barn by the time we got ready to leave,” Dena said. “He makes friends at every show.”
Renner even named a goat on the family farm after a friend he met at that Georgia show.
Both Palmer and Renner attend Tri-County Academy, where Palmer will be heading into eighth grade and Renner into fourth. When they are not on the family farm or at a livestock show, Renner enjoys fishing, baseball and basketball.
“This is all I do,” Palmer said, sitting on top of feedbags. “This is my hobby.”
When it comes to the future, Palmer and Renner will continue to show as long as their age division allows. But even when that time passes, it is a safe bet that you will find both of them back at a barn.
Palmer would like to eventually become a veterinarian or an extension agent.
And for Renner?
“I like going to the cow sales so I might want to be an auctioneer,” he said. “I think I would be pretty good at it.”
And as the interview with the Russell family concludes, both Palmer and Renner head back to the barn. They still have work to do, and they do it better than most.
