“I really take pride in knowing that I do everything I can to make my animal look the best when we’re out in the ring,” Dillow says. “Obviously, the work [that] goes in at home, when we’re in the barn, is equally as important.”

That commitment also creates a bond between exhibitor and animal.

“At the end of the day, you have a connection with your animal, and it’s just fun to be out there with them,” Dillow says.

While showing can be physically and mentally demanding, Dillow explains every trip into the ring reminds her why she loves it.

“After I exit the ring, I always feel very happy,” Dillow says. “God allows us to do this every day, but mentally it can be a lot. You always want to do your best, but … nothing is guaranteed.”

Advice from a champion

Although her time as an NJAA member is coming to a close, Dillow says her involvement with the organization and the Angus breed is far from over. She plans to continue mentoring younger members and selling her bred heifer’s embryos.

“This is my last year of eligibility, but you’ll still see me around supporting them and helping them in the ways they’ve helped me,” Dillow says.

As she looks toward the future, Dillow hopes to encourage younger exhibitors the same way others encouraged her through her journey. 

If she could go back, she says she would offer her younger self one simple piece of advice.

“Have patience,” she says. “Everything comes over time.”

She hopes younger exhibitors will trust the process and have confidence in themselves, even when the pressure feels overwhelming.

“Obviously this is a very big moment for any Angus exhibitor, but have confidence in yourself,” Dillow says. “It’s very easy to get scared and stressed out, but at the end of the day, you know what you’re doing and have all the abilities to do so. Just have confidence in yourself.”

She believes confidence comes from focusing on what can be controlled and letting go of everything else.

“Don’t sweat the small things,” Dillow says. “Things are going to go wrong every day, even not in the show cattle industry.”

Rather than dwelling on setbacks, Dillow encourages exhibitors to keep moving forward.

“Whatever happens, you can overcome it,” Dillow says.

Throughout her journey, faith has remained her foundation.

“God’s got you,” Dillow says. “You know what you’re doing and everything is going to be OK in the end.”

Back home, the iconic silver bowl now sits proudly on Dillow’s fireplace mantel. It stands as a reminder of the little girl who once watched from the stands in Madison, inspired by exhibitors dressed in black pants and white shirts, never imagining that one day she’d be walking out of the ring as a champion.