Mertens Family Wins Big at Battle of the Borders

Fifty 4-H’ers from the tri-state area of South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota went head to head in the 2016 Battle of the Borders Showdown. Lindsey Mertens was named Grand Champion for her market steer in the market beef show. McKenzie Mertens was fourth overall and Garrett Mertens was fifth.

Tanner Mertens was named Champion Junior Showmanship and Garrett claimed the title of Champion Beginner Showmanship. In the breeding heifer show, Tanner Mertens finished third overall.

In the meat goat show, Kadon Leddy placed fourth overall with his market weather. His brother, Korbin, was first in Class 9.
In the swine show, Tanner Mertens was named Grand Champion Junior Showmanship. His brother, Garrett, earned Grand Champion Beginner Showmanship.

Tanner Mertens was named Reserve Champion with his purebred barrow. Karlee Mertens finished fourth overall. In the purebred gilt division, Marion Mischel placed third overall, Lindsey Mertens won fourth and McKenzie Mertens, fifth.

McKenzie Mertens captured the Reserve Champion title with her crossbred gilt. She was also third overall with her market hog.