Ninth-grader Ryleigh Breuch, a dedicated and passionate young exhibitor, participated this July in the Northern Wisconsin State Fair’s livestock competition, where she showcased her well-trained steer and heifers with poise and skill. Her enthusiasm for animal showing and commitment to excellence were evident as she presented her livestock to the judges and the public. Raising animals for show is hard work with preparations beginning in the Fall and lasting through the following summer. “It’s a lot of dedication,” Breuch says mentioning that every day after school she will work with her animals for three to six hours a day. Her family, consisting of parents, Tom and Kim, brothers Noah, Keatton and Emmett and sister, Cali, are very supportive of her endeavors with their own history in animal showing, including her older brother Noah who showed animals when he was in high school, her twin brother Keatton who shows steers, and Emmett who shows sheep and cows. She began showcasing animals at the fair when she was nine years old and took her talents across the country by the age of twelve. Breuch states that she isn’t ready to stop anytime soon. “I think I’ll do it until I can’t, until I’m twenty-one,” she said. Commenting on her future goals she adds, “I think it would be cool to win Supreme Heifer or overall Heifer at World Beef Expo.”
In addition to showing her animals at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, Breuch has shown at the Classic Cattle Show in Iowa, Spring Thaw, UWRF Block and Bridle, Northwood Premiere, Northern Show Circuit, Wisconsin State Shorthorn Show, National Junior Shorthorn Show in Maryland, and most recently, the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis. After that she plans to go on to show at the World Beef Expo, Kids and Cows, and the Boo Bash.
Breuch’s involvement in 4-H and the FFA has been a significant part of her life, and her recent success at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair reflects years of hard work and dedication. Her ability to manage and care for her animals has earned her recognition and respect among her peers and the local community and her attention to detail and nurturing approach have contributed to her success in this competitive field. Ryleigh’s participation in the fair is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the support of her family, friends, and mentors. Her journey reflects the broader impact of agricultural and youth programs that foster growth, responsibility, and community engagement.
This year, Ryleigh sold her Hereford steer at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Auction to Marks Farms for over $6,000 where she donated 10% to Lakken’s Legacy. She shares that this year was extra hard to auction off her steer, Lane, and donating to Lakken’s Legacy made it even more emotional. “This one was terrible. I’ve never cried over an animal until this year and holy cow, I bawled. I think I cried for over an hour.” She adds that as it was announced that she was donating, she was an “emotional wreck.” When asked why she chose to donate to Lakken’s Legacy, she mentioned that losing her uncle to cancer this past January gave her a deeper understanding of what the Burzynski fanmily recently experienced with Lakken’s passing. She felt a personal connection to their loss and was inspired by Lakken’s memory to “Live each day as if it’s your last.”
Greg Burzynski, father of Lakken Burzynski and Middle School Principal at Stanley-Boyd, was moved by Breuch’s gesture. “Ryleigh is a very kind-hearted and thoughtful young lady. She surprised us by giving the auctioneer at the auction a short write-up about Lakken. Our children have all been involved in showing animals at the fair, including Lakken. She then surprised us again by donating some of her proceeds to the foundation we are setting up in Lakken’s honor called Lakken’s Legacy.” Burzynski notes that the foundation will focus on scholarships for both cancer patients and their siblings and work to offer experiences for young adults in their 20’s who are battling the disease.
As Ryleigh continues her journey in the FFA, 4-H and beyond, her story serves as an inspiration to other young individuals interested in agriculture and animal care, demonstrating the rewards of dedication and hard work. Breuch isn’t certain what the future holds for her, but after graduation she plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to pursue a career as an animal nutritionist or to work in another field related to cattle. The Stanley-Boyd community eagerly anticipates Ryleigh’s future endeavors and looks forward to supporting her continued growth and success in the field.