Four years ago, Angelica Lopez and her family moved from the bustling metropolis Dallas, TX to the much quieter town of Poetry, TX. Now 16 years old, Angelica remembers fondly the day she was introduced to the FFA. “Some FFA officers visited our middle school and it seemed interesting. I was really intrigued with the […]
Angelica Lopez – From City Girl to a Longhorn’s Best Friend Read More »
At 18 years old, Kindal Smith of Logan, NM has 11 years of showing steers under her belt. Kindal has shown steers, heifers, goats and sheep. If that wasn’t enough to vouch for her expertise, she has generations of family experience to draw upon in the show ring. “My sister and I have our own
Kindal Smith – Continuing a Generations Long Family Legacy Read More »
At 17 years old, Maci Finley of Amarillo, TX came into 2020 with 7 years of 4-H under her belt, 5 years of horse shows, and two State wins. This year, with her eye on the prize, Maci focused on one event exclusively. “I only did Over Fences this year,” she explains, “I chose to
Maci Finley – Working Hard, Staying Positive, and Remaining Hopeful Read More »
While the task of raising and showing an animal is a huge commitment that requires time management, patience, and skill; the year 2020 made the work that much more difficult in many ways. However, rural communities and families still came together to make the experience as memorable as possible. For sisters Savannah and Madison Whitt
Savannah and Madison Whitt – Perseverance Through Adversity Read More »
Livestock showing is often a family affair, with former showers passing down their experience to their children and grandchildren for generations. For Kristen Massingill, however, she and her sister are the first generation to show. “I was so little when I started showing calves, my dad helped me halter break. My sister wasn’t quite as
Kristen Massingill – From Raw Beginner to Experienced Breeder Read More »
When 17-year-old Riley Greiten says she got started showing early, she means early. At the young age of 6 years, Riley was out in the show barn with her big brother, then 8, learning the nuts and bolts of raising a show animal. “I loved being in the barn with him.” She says “He let
Riley Greiten – Big Brother Mentors Little Sister Read More »
At 9 years old, Zeb Murphree of Hamilton, TX is a very busy young man. He plays Little League, football and basketball, all while volunteering as the Hamilton County 4-H Treasurer and his Student Council Treasurer. In spite of an already full plate, Zeb decided to raise and show a heifer for his second year
Zeb Murphree – Young and Determined Read More »
While most youth who show are supported by family and community, Cameron Choate from Hubbard, TX is the first to credit that support at the top of reasons for her success. “I’ve been showing since I was 8, so around 10 years. Throughout the process, every year, there was someone helping me. I’m really grateful
Cameron Choate – It Takes a Village…to Raise a Steer Read More »
Although Tripp Phillips of Mount Pleasant, TX is one of the youngest Livestock Show winners to be spotlighted on this blog, don’t be fooled by his age. After six years of showing, veteran 13-year-old Tripp decided he was ready to challenge himself and switched from showing pigs to showing heifers. “I wanted to step up
Tripp Phillips and Livestock Shows – Friendship, Community, and Fun Read More »
Kevin Bloomquist of Bloomquist Lambs, has a very different back story from most successful agriculture entrepreneurs. “I think the thing I’m most proud of is that I was a city kid who always wanted to be in production agriculture, and now I sell lambs all over the country.” Kevin grew up on a one-acre piece
Kevin Bloomquist – From Producer to Scientist and Back Again Read More »
