Cogle said he became interested in raising livestock after watching his father work in the field for so many years and show animals at the fair.
"My dad's been in it since he was 15. I was pretty much born into it," said Cogle, whose family farm is off Mt. Hammond Road near Charles Town, W.Va.
The long family history in farming paid off for Cogle.
He won first place in the Senior Beef Showmanship class Monday after out-distancing about 10 other competitors in the event.
The cattle were judged on how they are presented. Owners paraded the animals around in a ring while Judge Tommy Carper took a close look at the them.
The youths have a long prod with a hook at the end, which they can use to nudge the legs of the animals to create a perfect stance.
Carper praised many aspects of Cogle's work, including his neat appearance, which included a white shirt buttoned to the top.
"He does a really, really good job," Carper said.
Members of the Cogle family were all smiles as they gathered around the Jefferson County youth at the back of the barn after the event.
One of the family members celebrating the win was Sharon Cogle, Cogle's grandmother.
Sharon Cogle said another grandson, Justin Lopez, came in second in the competition.
"It was a no-lose situation for me," Sharon Cogle said.
The fair continues today at the fairgrounds off Leetown Road with meat goat judging, swine judging, a sheep dog demonstration, the figure 8 demolition derby, slow tractor race and other events.
Admission is $3 for ages 16 and older, $1 for ages 6 to 15 and free for ages 6 and younger.
