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Unique heifer wins big at fair
Chimera
Jenna Allison, Argyle, stands with her 1-year-old heifer Cali, who was born with two sets of DNA, also known as a Chimera. Cali won the Grade Open Show at the fair July 19. - photo by Marissa Weiher

MONROE — A unique heifer graced the Green County Fair last weekend and, despite its rarity, took the reins as the Supreme Champion of the Grade Open Show July 19.

The grade heifer was born last June at the Nicole and Curt Allison farm about 10 miles outside of Argyle where Curt helped pull the calf. At first, they thought she was going to be all black — but then saw more markings. Everyone was surprised, including their 13-year-old daughter, Jenna.

The calf, who is red and white all over has an almost entirely black head — an uncommon sight among cattle. 

“As she grew we thought it would change to one color but it stayed the same,” Jenna said.

Nicole posted a photo of the calf on Facebook asking if anyone could help them understand why the calf had such unique markings. She said several people were surprised to see it, but finally someone pointed out that what they have is known as a chimera calf. 

A chimera results from the fusion of two fertilized embryos at an early stage of development. As she learned more, Nicole said, she found that her heifer was originally twins. As they grew inside the mother, they morphed, leaving one calf with two sets of DNA. 

Although the calf was never planned to be a show heifer, Nicole said Jenna didn’t give them an option. She insisted she would show the heifer she named “Cali” with the Argyle FFA. She had only shown pigs before.

When she took the reins as supreme champ in the grade open show, Jenna said she was surprised. 

“People have given (the heifer) a lot of attention,” Nicole said. “It’s been an exciting fair for her. (Jenna) has a smile we can’t wipe off of her face.”

Nicole is grateful for a friend, Tracy Dammen, who helped Jenna with her showing skills. The process of showing an animal is often consuming and requires a lot of commitment.

The Allison family are third generation farmers and they milk around 60 cows. All three daughters, Natalie, Jenna and Brooke, help with morning and evening chores and milking. Curt is the primary farmer and Nicole also works at the FSA office in Monroe.