92nd Annual San Saba County Livestock Show

On January 4th, 5th and 6th, 2024, the San Saba County Young Farmers hosted the 92nd Annual San Saba County Livestock Show and Sale. 4–H and FFA members from around the county gathered to show off their hard work with their livestock projects beginning with a poultry show on Thursday night.

The grandstands were filled with excited fans as the show kicked off at 6 p.m. with a prayer followed by the national anthem. Then, 13 poultry exhibitors entered the show ring with their broiler projects. Each exhibitor is required to show three broilers each, therefore, they must invite two other youth to participate along with them. Because of the extra required handlers, the show ring was filled with 39 youth along with judge Dusty Mahan of Lometa, Texas, and other volunteer ring help. It was a great site to see our small show ring filled with laughter and excitement. This is the first time in several decades that we have hosted a poultry show, and Lynlee Smith walked away with the honor of Grand Champion Broilers. Eddie Forehand received Reserve Grand Champion Broiler. A rotating trophy was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Mike McDowell for our grand champion winner.

Friday morning started again with a prayer and national anthem, then the steer show began.

The steers were very well represented by a few showmen. Mr. Chris Drews judged the cattle and commented on the high quality livestock that was in the barn. Taylor Wise won Grand Champion Steer and the J.L. Stewardson rotating trophy and Bailey Mask received Reserve Grand Champion. Next, the cattle show continued with the heifers. Again, small numbers did not sacrifice quality. Jace Stewardson was our Grand Champion receiving the Lorena Terry rotating trophy and Bailey Mask received another Reserve Grand Champion banner with her heifer. Jace Stewardson then received Jr. Cattle Showmanship, Jack Stewardson received Sr. Cattle Showmanship and Hudson Knight received the first ever San Saba County PeeWee Cattle Showmanship banner.

Soon after the cattle show, the swine entered the ring. After several great classes of market swine, judge Chris Drews shook the hand of Jack Stewardson naming him Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion of the swine division. With this third consecutive win, Jack was able to retire the rotating trophy. Jace Stewardson was the Junior Swine Showmanship Champion, Jack Stewardson was named Sr. Swine Showmanship and Cody Taylor received PeeWee Showmanship. The afternoon began with an extremely competitive market lamb show. Judge Joel Lanier commented that the quality of lambs exhibited this year was very good and he has high expectations for these animals and exhibitors down the road. Senior Bailey Briseno walked away with top honors for her Grand Champion Lamb receiving the Madia Wynn Lusty Memorial rotating trophy and Bryli Edmondson was named Reserve Grand Champion Lamb. The showmanship competition was very tough on the junior and senior level. Gage Falkner was named Junior Lamb Showmanship Champion and Bryli Edmondson was the Senior Lamb Showmanship Champ. The cutest little showmen competed in our PeeWee division and Allison Millican walked away with the PeeWee Lamb Showmanship banner.

Wrapping up the day was the Market Goat Show. Five very competitive classes made for an exciting show. Bryli Edmondson received the Grand Champion Goat honors and with this being the third year in a row, she was able to retire the rotating trophy. Brody Edmondson received the Reserve Grand Champion Goat as well as the Junior Goat Showmanship award. Bryli Edmondson was the Senior Goat Showmanship winner and Cody Taylor was our PeeWee Goat Showmanship Champion.

Saturday, January 6th, at the San Saba Civic Center, all of the youth exhibitors from the stock show greeted and served light snacks to potential buyers for the premium sale. The San Saba County Young Farmers, youth exhibitors and families are extremely grateful to the local businesses and families that came out to support the future of agriculture at the sale. In a tight economy, every bit is greatly appreciated and these kids could not do these projects without this support. Thank you also to the buyers club members that donated in any way. We hope to have your continued support and look forward to seeing everyone at the 2025 show and sale.