Hard work paid off and dreams came true as Texas 4-H and FFA members exhibited the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Lamb and Goat champions Friday, March 17.
Comfort, Texas native and Kerr County 4-H member Cameron Crenwelge, 17, claimed the title of Grand Champion Junior Market Lamb. Crenwelge said, for her, this is the product of years of hard work.
“Every day, for as long as I can remember, I have been working with lambs,” Crenwelge said. “I’ve been living it, breathing it. So this is an amazing experience.”
Hudson Franklin of Shallowater, Texas, 10, showed the Reserve Champion Junior Market Lamb. The Lubbock County 4-H member said he is doing his part in carrying on the family tradition.
“My dad raises lambs,” Hudson said. “He showed lambs, too. My whole family shows lambs, so winning today means a lot.”
The Grand Champion Junior Market Goat, Willie, was exhibited by Abbott FFA member Daylan Schulz, 16, of Abbott, Texas. Daylan said he started showing goats after his agriculture teacher told him that’s what he needed to do. Daylan said the experience of winning at the Show has been a dream.
“It’s just pure joy and amazement,” Daylan said. “Filled with emotions that your hard work has actually paid off — eight years of hard work paid off.”
Senior Eldorado FFA member Davis Hutto, 18, of Eldorado, Texas exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Goat, Tank. He said he wants to be a marine pilot and plans to be a member of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets. Hutto said he has shown goats at the Show since third grade.
“My favorite thing about showing goats is watching your work become fruitful,” Hutto said. “You put so much work and effort into each of these animals — hundreds of hours — and then at the end of the day when you see them make the sale or win a stock show, it’s amazing. It’s the best feeling.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show runs through March 26.