Rhinehart Takes Grand Champion Honors at Maryland State Fair

For Catoctin High School student Peighton Rhinehart, showing cattle is more than a 4-H project. It is something she has been working on since she was just five years old.

That hard work paid off at this year’s Maryland State Fair, where Peighton earned Grand Champion Market Steer with her Shorthorn Plus steer, Pablo (pictured above).

Pablo weighed in at 1,472 pounds and was sold during the 4-H Auction to Growing People, Carol Chaney, and KCL Electric for $7,500.

Peighton is a member of the Paddock Pals 4-H Club. Her family has been raising and showing cattle for more than 30 years. The Rhinehart Family purchased their Creagerstown farm in June 2021 and has continued building their operation ever since.

Over the past several years, Peighton has expanded her experience beyond the local show ring, competing at junior national shows and various jackpot cattle shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Her success with Pablo at the Maryland State Fair was not her only major accomplishment this summer. Peighton also traveled to Abilene, Texas, where she competed at the Shorthorn Junior Nationals and earned the title of Grand Champion Shorthorn Plus Steer.

While winning Grand Champion is certainly an accomplishment, Peighton has learned that success in the show ring also comes with its share of setbacks. Her advice to younger 4-H members is simple: “Don’t give up. Don’t let your losses and setbacks stop you from reaching for your goals.”