Proud to be an American Heifer

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo TM officially completed their Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show: American Champion Drive on Wednesday, March 6.

Judges, Dave Allan and PJ Budler, had the important task of picking the best of the best heifers within eight different breeds. These American breeds consisted of Beefmaster, Brangus, Red Brangus, Grey Brahman, Red Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Simbrah and ARB.

Most of the breeds were judged on Tuesday, March 5, leaving only Santa Gertrudis and Grey Brahman champions to be determined on day two. After all winners from each breed were selected, they compete for the grand title of American Supreme Champion.

With the Houston Livestock Show being one of the most prestigious showing events, students from all parts of Texas work their hardest for their desired outcome.

Junior Heifer Reserve Grand Champion, Cale Cornelius, shared her experience with her Santa Gertrudis, Dream Catcher. Cornelius, a high school senior, said she had been showing Santa Gertrudis cattle since the start of her career and plans to end it that way.

“There’s been lots of hard work and dedication put into this. I’ve been showing since I was 10 years old,” Cornelius said. “I’m out in the barn every day, and I work ‘em…I’ve traveled to all the Texas majors both open and junior shows, and I’ve hit all the fall Texas majors as well. I’ve hit almost everywhere I could to just try to compete the best I can.”

Katherine Allen also expressed gratitude for her newly earned accolade. The 12-year-old stated that these shows greatly impacted her performance with her Brangus, ACC Tricky Woo.

“I raise Brangus cattle. It’s really the best heifer [breed],” Allen said. “I bred her [ACC Tricky Woo], and I thank my parents for helping me out.”

Right behind Allen with the Reserve Grand Champion title was 13-year-old Ryleigh Denmon with her Beefmaster, TG4 Remy.

Denmon gave thanks to her family, friends and breeder for their assistance with her win. This is not Denmon’s first rodeo, as she has showed heifers for the past three years.

These young women are just a few of the many dedicated students who share their passion for RODEOHOUSTON®, proving hard work indeed does pay off.

2024 Junior Breeding Heifer Show – Show B Winners:

Santa Gertrudis

• Calf Heifer
  o Grand – Grace Sutton, Alvin FFA
  o Reserve Grand – Ari Perkins, Brazoswood FFA
• Junior Heifer
  o Grand – Addyson Phillips, Normangee FFA
  o Reserve Grand – Cale Cornelius, Shelby County 4-H
• Senior Heifer
  o Grand – Re’Ana Villanueva, Brazoria County 4-H
  o Reserve Grand – Adalee Grindstaff, Lake Creek FFA
• Champion Santa Gertrudis Heifer
  o Grand – Re’Ana Villanueva, Brazoria County 4-H o Reserve Grand – Grace Sutton, Alvin FFA

Grey Brahman

• Calf Heifer
  o Grand – Brant Barnes, Timpson FFA
  o Reserve Grand – Carlos X. Guerra, Hidalgo County 4-H
• Junior Heifer
  o Grand – Prestyn Shelley, Wharton County 4-H
  o Reserve Grand – Layton Depine, Victoria County 4-H
• Senior Heifer
  o Grand – Kiley Florence, Palestine FFA
  o Reserve Grand – Brooke Wanjura, Columbus FFA
• Champion Grey Brahman Heifer
  o Grand – Kiley Florence, Palestine FFA
  o Reserve Grand – Prestyn Shelley, Wharton County 4-H

American Supreme Championship

• Grand – Katherine Allen, Houston County 4-H, Brangus
• Reserve Grand – Ryleigh Denmon, Pewitt FFA, Beefmaster