The Grand and Reserve Champion Junior Market Steers were selected in NRG Stadium Friday.
2025 Jr. Market Steer Champions:
- Grand Champion – Jacob Schickedanz, Ochiltree County 4-H
- Reserve Champion – Jett Hale, Miami FFA
- MARKET GRAND CHAMPION STEER EXHIBITOR
Jacob Schickedanz, of Perryton, Texas, exhibited the Grand Champion, a black crossbred steer. Jacob is following in the footsteps of his sister, Maddie Schickendanz, who earned Reserve Champion at the 2024 Market Steer Show.
“It’s a whole lot of hard days, early mornings and long nights,” Jacob said. “They support me — my mom, dad and two sisters, I couldn’t do it without them.”
Winning on Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Texas A&M University Night made the victory even more meaningful, as Jacob plans to attend Texas A&M after high school.
- MARKET RESERVE CHAMPION STEER EXHIBITOR
Jett Hale, of Miami, Texas, earned the Reserve Champion title with a Charolais Cross steer. “This is incredible,” Jett said.
“This moment — I mean it’s accomplishable,” Jett said. “We all have to appreciate what we do; it’s a great deal.”
Jett credited his success to the effort behind the scenes. “It’s a lot of work, and I’d like to thank everybody that has a part of these animals,” Jett said. “Parents, grandparents and ag teachers — people who are helping us in the barn. It’s a great process.”
Judge Jack Ward praised the youth involved in the Grand Drive.
“Thirty-four kids represented almost 2,000 [in the Grand Drive],” Ward said. “They’re great kids. You represent them well. They’re fierce competitors, and we appreciate the job you’ve done.”
The Junior Market Steer Auction will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday in the NRG Sales Pavilion.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $630 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2025 Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – March 23. The 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.