Three Bedford Valley Sisters Prepare for Farm Show
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 12/31/2009 - 12:36pm.
Linda Williams
Southwestern Pa. Correspondent
On a century-old farm in Bedford Valley, three sisters are preparing for the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. It will mark the fourth consecutive year for all three to compete.
Shannon, Cassandra and Shania, daughters of Tom and Karen Bramen, will be showing steers, lambs and hogs. Shannon, a sophomore at Potomac State College in West Virginia has been participating in the state event since 2001.
In 2007, she had the grand champion market steer. This year, she will be taking a steer named Drake, a lamb she has not yet named, and a pig named Bubbles.
Cassandra will show Rip, a Pennsylvania Beef Expo reserve light weight champion steer. She will also show WMD, a lamb, and a pig named Krinkle.
This will make her seventh year showing at the state event. She showed the grand champion market hog at the Bedford County Fair in 2009.
Shania, a seventh grader at Bedford Middle School began her Farm Show competition in 2006. She will show a pig named, Polar.
This busy trio gets some help from dad with their projects. But, Tom will quickly tell you they do most of the work themselves. They pick out their own animals, do the feeding, grooming and training for showing. All three have been active members of the Farming Around 4-H Club. Shannon is a member of the Bedford County FFA Chapter.
The girls have participated in numerous fair and competitive events. The front room of the farm house is laden with banners and trophies that overflow into the next room.
Braman’s farm was started in 1900 and has won a century award. The 200 acres are now devoted to beef and grain.
Shania says she especially enjoys the Farm Show because she gets to hang out with her friends although she prefers a motel for lodging versus the barns. Their mother, Karen, will also be on hand to oversee any problems that might arise during the week.
In addition to college, Shannon works at the local Sheetz convenience store. Her job, schooling and animals keep her more than busy.
Cassandra, a junior at Bedford High School is a cheerleader and enjoys cross country track and field.
Shania likes volleyball.
They all enjoy the hard work that goes into competitive events such as the Farm Show. The trophies and ribbons they have achieved are evidence of their successes.
