“Everything is bigger in Texas,” and that includes livestock shows. There’s no better time for youth involved in livestock projects than January through March when Texas major livestock show season takes place.
Rich in history and offering opportunities for the youth, young people in the Lonestar State have the opportunity to shine in the show ring at 5 winter and spring events:
Who Benefits from Texas Major Livestock Shows?
According to several show websites, junior livestock show exhibitors must be Texas residents and members of a Texas 4-H Club or FFA Chapter. They must be enrolled and attending public, private or home elementary or secondary schools. Exhibitors must have continuously owned and personally fed and cared for their animals under the direct supervision of a County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher. Exhibitors must be between 9 and 19 on or before August 31 or 8 years old and in the third grade. The exhibitors participate in their last majors during their senior year of high school, capping off their junior show career in Texas.
BioZyme®’s own Sam Silvers, Director of National Specialty Livestock, was one such youth exhibitor who, back in his day, benefitted from the Texas majors. Now, he and his wife, Jurahee, are raising their kids and attending the same shows. In fact, Sam and his son, Shep, are allegedly the first father-son duo to both exhibit the grand champion market lamb in Houston, a title Shep claimed in 2024.
“That was beyond special for our family. We work hard year-round in our barn. To win any of the Texas majors is a big deal, but winning Houston was especially cool,” Sam said.
Good Luck at 2025 Texas Majors!
At Sure Champ®, makers of products that support the health and well-being of show livestock, we know how hard the Texas youth work on their show projects. We hope the thousands of young people competing have a great run, reach their goals and make lifelong memories.
We also know that your livestock will throw you challenges along the way. So, we want you to know that you can look for our safe products at the Sullivan’s trailer at these shows.
For those interested in following along, here are the dates for the 2025 Texas majors:
- Fort Worth Stock Show – January 17-February 8
- San Angelo Stock Show – February 1-16
- San Antonio – February 6-23
- Houston – March 4-23
- Rodeo Austin – March 7-29
Texas Major Livestock Shows Distinguish Themselves
In addition to being closed to Texas 4-H and FFA youth, there are other characteristics that put the Texas major livestock shows in a league of their own.
Most shows limit exhibitors to one animal per species, except Fort Worth and San Angelo. You can show multiple species, according to Silvers, but no more than one particular species at most of the shows. This is due to the sheer number of entries.
Once an exhibitor wins grand champion at a show, they are done at that show. For example, now that Shep showed the grand champion lamb in Houston, he can’t show lambs there. He could show a goat or pig, but his lamb-showing days in Houston are over.
Most shows don’t offer showmanship; just the confirmation shows. Once again, this comes down to the total number of youth competing.
The History & the Benefits
One of the aspects that Silvers said makes the Texas majors so interesting is the historical aspect of the shows. Multiple generations, like his family, can share the experiences of competing across Texas major livestock shows. Fort Worth is the longest-running stock show, dating back to 1896. San Angelo and Houston both started in 1932.
“The history of Texas majors is just rich. Some of these shows have been going on for over 100 years.”
He continues that the financial gain through the premium auctions and scholarships is another huge benefit for the young Texans.
“To be honest, the money a kid can win breeds hefty competition within our state. Yes, it does cost a significant amount to do what we do; however, if you make a premium auction, the amount of money a kid can make can be life-changing. A kid might now be able to afford college or afford to be able to do what they want to do as an adult,” Silvers said.
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