BY KENDRA ELDER
The Patriot Junior Market Steer Show offered a a renewed chance for exhibitors after several livestock show cancelations.
Some may call this the National Finals Rodeo of steer shows where there were almost 1700 steer entries. FFA and 4-H exhibitors traveled from all seven regions of Texas where they participated in the first ever livestock show Grand Entry followed by Miss Rodeo Texas, Jordan Maldonado, who carried in the Texas flag.
Judges Tim Fitzgerald and Amanda Schnoor selected 10-year-old Mason Grady of Johnson Co. 4-H and his crossbred steer, Trenton, as the Grand Champion Steer of the show.
“The feeling of winning was awesome and I think it’s mind blowing how a few people can make such a big difference,” Mason said.
Mason sold Trenton for $50,000 in the Sale of Champions Saturday afternoon where he plans to use the money earned for college funds.
“I would like to attend Texas A&M University when I get older. I will miss my best friend and working with him each day,” Mason said.
Overall, 171 lots were sold during the sale, and like Mason, other exhibitors will use their money for future steers and college funds.
Shane and Tonya Meier alongside many volunteers spent endless hours working to make sure this show was a success. Their hard work and dedication for the youth of Agriculture went unnoticed as exhibitors and families were thankful for the opportunity to be able to show.