“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano. Being a show dad is hard work – consisting of late nights in the barn preparing for the upcoming show, making sure everything gets taken care of at home before leaving with the family to the show, and delivering a motivational pep talk before their child enters the show ring. These are all responsibilities that every show dad knows very well. This year’s Best of the Barns Show Dad of the Year is, the one and only, Wade Rodgers from Searsboro, Iowa.
You have three kids at home that call you Dad, can you tell us little bit about them?
Rhylee, my oldest, is always thinking. She absorbs all information like a sponge. Rhylee works and tries hard at whatever she does and is very organized. She is very good hearted and loves animals. Her love passion for animals shines through in her work ethic and showing.
Shay, the middle child, is my easy going one. She’s care free, loving, and always keeps the peace between the three of them. She loves animals as well and has the kindest heart. She is super dedicated to showing and is excited to see where her showing career goes.
Layton, who is the only boy and the baby, is the wild one of the group. As most people know he is infatuated with fishing. He would fish all day everyday if we would let him. Layton doesn’t know a stranger and everyone is his friend if you ask him. He loves doing cattle work, pulling cidirs, working calves, and riding around on the tractors and 4 wheelers.
What do you remember most about first becoming a Dad?
I was very nervous when we went to the hospital but I will never forget it. The joy it brought to my heart is what I remember most!
What does being Show Dad of the Year mean to you?
It’s truly an honor and humbling being chosen for this. The Best of the Barns is such a well known and prestigious award in the livestock industry, to have my peers nominate me for Show Dad of the year was exciting enough. It means a lot that people of the industry think this of me.
At home what “Show Dad” responsibilities do you take on?
Responsibilities at home and at shows are mainly to keep everything on task with our livestock. We always try to keep the same routine at home and at shows the best we can and it takes the whole family to do it.
What is something you all do together besides showing as a family?
As a family our week usually starts at church on Sunday. We are involved in sports and usually we attend these events together. But of course, showing livestock together when we get the chance is one of our favorite things to do!
What’s your favorite part about being a Show Dad?
My favorite part of being a “Show Dad” to not just my kids, but others in the livestock industry as well is being able to teach children many life lessons.This can be anything from taking care of and showing livestock, learning how to win humbly and loose graciously.
What’s one thing you try to instill in your kids and other show kids?
Keep your nose down when you win and your head up when you don’t and never give up until it’s over!
What’s your best advice for Show Dads all over?
Best advice I have is to teach your children right from wrong. Always remember to put God first, and try your best to be humble and kind.
What’s the biggest thing your wife helps you with?
My wife, Kaylene, is the glue that ties or whole operation together. If it wasn’t for her organization, we would be in big trouble! I fly by the seat of my pants most of the time and she’s the one that keeps us all on track and moving in the right direction.
What is your goal as a family?
Our goal as a family is to put God first, always do our best no matter what we do, and never give up!
Thank you Wade for taking the time to sit down with us and give Sullivan Supply the secrets to being the Best Show Dad! We want to congratulate you again on being selected as the 2023 Best of the Barns Show Dad of the Year. Good luck to all the show dads hitting the road this summer and hauling the livestock and kids to the next event. Safe travels and see you down the road!