Lurkins turns love of showing cattle into a career

Darrin Lurkins is showing his family’s Polled Hereford cattle at the Fayette County Fair.  He seemed especially proud of “Eclipse,” a heifer that was born in September.

Raising Hereford cattle is the Lurkins family’s business.

“We raise seed stock, and sell bulls and heifers to 4-H kids, and try to help people out as much as we can,” he said.

Lurkins, a 4-H Club “veteran,” is an avid supporter of the organization.

“I do a lot of grooming (cattle), etc., and I’m really liking the number of cattle I’m seeing out here for 4-H. I thought the number was going to be lower,” he said.

He is concerned about the future of the 4-H program and believes it is a very important program for kids.

Lurkins began showing cattle as a 4-H member in 1994, when he was 8 years old. He has shown them for 13 years in 4-H, and is still showing them.

His experience in 4-H inspired him to continue working with animals and to major in animal science in college. It also presented him with other opportunities related to work in his chosen career.

“I used to go to about 15 shows a summer, but now I go out to Denver and Fort Worth, Texas, to national shows. Guys hire me to go out there now; I groom their cattle for them,” he said

“A judge saw me (grooming) one time and thought I was pretty good at it, and asked me if I would wanted to work for him, and ever since, people have been calling me. I lucked out – good cattle will bring you good fortune.”

He works for his father, Alan, and Lurkins Brothers’ Polled Herefords.  He also helps his dad with farming, when needed, but most of his work is with the cattle.

“It is demanding, especially around show time. There is a cow to be washed almost every day,” he said.

He said that his older brother, James, was really the one who really started  showing cattle more. “Then he needed help and started dragging me around with him, and then I fell in love with it. We just love doing it; it is our passion,” he said.

Changes in County Fairs

Lurkins said he has noticed changes in the fair over the years.

“The numbers have been down, but that is due a lot to state funding,” he said.

“But the quality of cattle is getting a lot better. As the years go on, cattle have to change, but everyone is adjusting to it. Everyone is doing a really good job of making sure their stock is up to date with everything. Preparation has changed – we use blow dryers now.”

African Cattle

Lurkins went over to Africa for three months last year for a college internship. He graduated two years ago with a degree in animal science.

“The African cattle are the best I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Their cows have to be genetically superior to survive there, because of the terrain.

“The farmers there have a whole different way of dealing with it. They know they have to be able to cope with their environment. It is mountainous and not as much grass,” he said.

“They have the same breeds of cattle as we do here. They have some of their own domesticated breeds, indigenous, but they have Herefords, black angus, red angus … all kinds of breeds,” he said.

The Lurkins brothers have won a lot of competitions.

“We’ve been pretty lucky,” he said, modestly, but a lot of time and work has been invested, plus paying attention counts more than luck in their accomplishments.”

…and 4-H clubs

“I’d really like to see more people get involved in 4-H,” Lurkins  said. ”If anyone ever needs help with it, I’m one to talk to. I’m available. I’m local and I know what I’m doing, and I’d be more than happy to help them find a project.

“They don’t even have to worry about coming to meet me; I’ll find them what they want. I know plenty of people.

“Having a 4-H project is good for kids, it teaches them responsibility,” Lurkins said.

Those are the words of experience, from a 13-year veteran of 4-H membership and showing cattle.