Positive Reactions For New Langlade County Cattle Barn

One of the new attractions to the fair this year is one that will be a mainstay for years to come. A new Cattle Barn is in the works and in use for the fair for the first time this year. Over the past several months work has been going on to replace a decades-old wooden structure with a new steel building.

Rick Schuessler, a member of the committee responsible for the building’s construction and funding, describes what if different. “It went from a four-wing barn to a three-wing barn. All the wings are twice as wide. And now we have the beef are able to be in the barn, versus previously in a tent. The show ring is quite a bit larger, more roomier, more airier; it’s better for the people, the cattle. It turned out to be a really nice facility.” The facility also includes a new animal washing pad and a new milking facility that people can see in action.

Through two days of the fair, Schuessler said the reaction from the public has been all positive. “I was kind of nervous about that when the fair started, but everybody that comes through looks around and says wow this is just beautiful facility it turned out really nice.”

Those also providing affirmative reviews are the kids who are keeping their animals in the barn through the fair. One of them is Matt Bowman, who is one of the beef exhibitors who used to be under a temporary tent, and he says the new facility is a great improvement. “We not out in the rain, and so yeah it’s a lot more nicer inside. A lot well lit, and you’re closer to the ring, and we don’t have a big mud puddle that we have to walk through too, so it’s a lot better.”

Similar sentiments were shared by sisters Abby and Amy Heistad, who are showing sheep at the fair and have done so for several years. “Great cover over top now; we aren’t having a leaking roof anymore,” said Abby. “The concrete is very, you know, smooth and everything. And overall it’s a better set-up, I do believe, than the other barn.”

“I love it,” said Amy. “It’s really fun and it has great space.”

The cattle barn is not complete yet as additional work does need to get done regarding the roof and other amenities. It is expected to be completed by the end of September. When not in use for the fair, it is expected to be both a place for animal exhibitions throughout the year and a storage facility.