July 14, 2008
Cornhusker Power Takes Fair Photos 30 Years

For 30 years Cornhusker Public Power District has been making 4-Hers, FFAers and livestock auction buyers happy because they receive a complimentary photo of their champion animal.

In Platte County, livestock picture taking involves a big effort from many people. Volunteers must move champion, reserve champion and purple ribbon livestock auction animals from the arena to the photo staging area. Animals are hot, exhibitors and animal handlers are sweaty, but Information and Marketing Director Judy Trautwein and Customer Service Representative Karen Schlautman are ready to take those pictures the instant the animal is in position.

“Wild and crazy describes the scene. Sometimes the steers are extremely nervous and difficult to get into position. Exhibitors want their cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens set up just right for the perfect picture. It takes a lot of people to get a great picture,” said Trautwein.

The pictures are printed at Cornhusker. One copy is framed and given to the livestock buyer. A photo is also given to the exhibitor. After the fair, those pictures can be seen at businesses that have purchased the animals. Because of the picture, businesses can demonstrate they support the 4-H and FFA program and farm families.

Cornhusker Power has a long history of supporting farm families by taking these pictures. In 1978, when former Cornhusker Power General Manager Wes Schutz retired from being general manager, he took on the project of taking pictures of champion, reserve champion and purple ribbon exhibitors at the county fairs to give to the exhibitor and livestock buyer. In 1983, Judy Trautwein carried on the project. Now, Trautwein and Schlautman take pictures in Platte, Boone, Nance, Colfax and Greeley Counties.

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