Kenna Cooley from Pomona, Kansas, was named the 2024 Best Goat Showman in the Best of the Barns Awards. For Kenna, this year was all about “closure.” She explained, “It was my last year showing,” and she made the most of it. She won big awards like Grand Champion Doe at the American Royal and earned titles such as Best Goat Showman and Breeding Doe of the Year
Caring for animals has shaped how Kenna sees responsibility. “It means putting my animals and my success before anything else,” she said. “It’s taught me to avoid distractions and focus on what matters.” Even though her family didn’t come from a farming background, Kenna said that growing up in the livestock industry “allowed me to pave my own life paths.”
Kenna takes showmanship seriously. “A showman’s capabilities can make or break the success of an animal,” she said. She believes hard work at home and learning from others are key to doing well in the ring. Her favorite show memory is from NAILE 2023, where her doe “Pistol Penny” won Grand Champion Wether Dam. “Nothing compares to a champion handshake on the green chips,” she shared. “Pistol Penny” became a fan favorite, going on to win again at the National Western in 2024. Kenna’s show day routine focused on keeping things simple: “Feed them until they look good. Be consistent. Be confident.”
Now, Kenna is excited to continue her journey in livestock judging at Butler Community College. Even though she didn’t start judging until after high school, she jumped in by messaging her coach online. “Deciding to judge might be one of my best decisions yet,” she said.
Her advice to other young showmen? “Figure it out,” a phrase she says helped her stay focused. “Showing livestock can be a mental game, but stay devoted and confident in your capabilities and anything is possible.”
Kenna’s Favorite Quote: “Nothing worth having comes easy”
Kenna’s Favorite Sullivan Supply Product: Hocus Pocus
Kenna’s Favorite Show-Day Hype-Up Song: The Next Episode – Dr. Dre
Congratulations to Kenna Cooley on being named the 2024 Best Goat Showman—a well-earned title for someone who has worked so hard and led with passion. As she takes the next steps in her journey through college and continues her path in the livestock industry, we wish her nothing but success. With her drive, confidence, and love for the show ring, there’s no doubt Kenna will keep making an impact. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see where it takes her.