Marsteller and Buis top beef winners

Madison Marsteller (far right) stands with her grand champion heifer of the 2008 Putnam County Fair.

Two Putnam County teenagers couldn't have been happier Tuesday night after taking top honors at the 2008 4-H beef grand drive.

Madison Marsteller's champion shorthorn heifer was named grand champion heifer and Devan Buis' steer was named grand champion steer of the show in addition to grand champion Putnam County steer.

Buis also received the prize for reserve grand champion overall heifer and reserve grand champion Putnam County Born and Bred.

Grant Colvin's animal was awarded reserve grand champion steer at Tuesday night's show.

"It just shows that all your hard work over the summer pays off," Buis said after the show. "It takes a lot of commitment and you can't always go out with your friends."

For Marsteller, attending Tuesday night's show meant missing out on a competition with her teammates on the South Putnam Cheerleading Squad. The squad competed Tuesday night at the Hendricks County Fair.

"It was worth it," Marsteller said. "But I felt bad about it too."

Fourteen-year-old Marsteller, a six-year 4-H'er, and 16-year-old Buis, an eight-year 4-H'er, both said that caring for an animal of this size is quite a job.

"Basically, you've got to stay with them, work with them and make them your best friend," Marsteller said.

Added Buis, "It definitely teaches you a lot of responsibility."

Devan Buis is pictured with his grand champion Putnam County steer.

But there is a social aspect to it as well.

"You meet a lot of new people," Marsteller said.

Now that the county competition is over, the pair is headed for state competition next month. They'll have a lot more work to do between now and then, if they choose to represent Putnam County.

"I enjoy it, though," Buis said. "I enjoy bonding with the animal."

Buis is the son of Darin and Chris Buis.

Marsteller is the daughter of Mike and Renee Marsteller.