LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Before the Arkansas State Fair gates open to crowds and carnival rides, the barns are already buzzing with activity. Among the early risers is 10-year-old Marley Godwin — the third generation in her family to show livestock at the fair, carrying on a tradition that’s been part of their lives for decades.

During the long, hot Arkansas summers, Marley is up by 5:30 each morning to feed and care for her steers, Dougie and CC. It’s hard work for a 10-year-old, but she says it’s all worth it when show week finally arrives.

“It’s a lot of hard work and it takes a long time, but it’s worth it,” Marley said, brushing her steer inside the cattle barn.

The Godwin family’s roots in agriculture run deep — three generations on Marley’s mother’s side and two on her father’s. Her m

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