The 2025-2026 San Saba FFA Livestock Judging Team has had an incredible season with numerous top ten finishes, but they were able to cap off the year being named the 5th place team in the entire State of Texas in a very close contest. On April 25, the four-person team of Bryli Edmondson, Taylor Wise, Lainey Gross and Jack Stewardson competed at the State of Texas FFA Career Development Event Livestock Judging Contest held at Texas A&M University in College Station. The contest hosted the top 97 teams in the state with 385 students competing.
Of these top ranked individuals, Taylor Wise earned 1st place individual in the State! Bryli Edmondson placed 10th high individual. This is a huge accomplishment for this team and these individuals.
In order to compete at the state level for this contest, the team had to earn a spot at the Area VII contest held just a week before. In arguably the most competitive Area in the State, San Saba FFA earned a 5th place team finish there as well. In this Area VII contest, Jack was the 5th place individual, and Taylor was 9th. This contest also determined rank in our FFA district. San Saba FFA team was 2nd place in district with 1st place individual going to Jack Stewardson, 3rd place to Taylor Wise, 6th place was Bryli Edmondson and 7th place was Lainey Gross.
Other top ten finish highlights from this judging season include: Bell County Youth Fair – 3rd place team and 1st place individual, Taylor Wise San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo - 8th place team and 8th place individual, Jack Stewardson Waller FFA Livestock Judging Contest – 9th place team Hill Country Spring CDEs – 1st place team, 1st place Individual Jack Stewardson, 2nd place individual, Taylor Wise Aggiefest – 4th place team Hill Country Grandstand – 8th place team These young people are under the direction of their advisor, Wayne Cox. Mr. Cox is an Ag. Science teacher at San Saba High School and devotes many long after school hours to the FFA program. His experienced leadership and commitment to his students becoming successful beyond the classroom and in all aspects of life is certainly commendable. Keep up the good work San Saba FFA!