The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Poulty Show Champions were selected Thursday, March 8, after advancing from the Junior Market Broiler Show and Junior Market Turkey Show.
JUNIOR MARKET BROILER CHAMPIONS
In his seventh year of showing, Needville FFA member Payton Labay, 15, earned Grand Champion Pen of Broilers at the Houston Livestock Show™.
“I’m in shock,” Payton said. “I was not expecting this and I’m so happy.”
Trung Luong, 18, a George Ranch FFA member from Rosenberg, Texas, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Broilers. Luong, a senior, said this was his first and last year to exhibit broilers. Long said he became interested in showing, and learned how to raise poultry, by participating in poultry judging in high school.
“This show is helping to fund my education to go to Texas A&M University,” Luong said.
JUNIOR MARKET TURKEY CHAMPIONS
Cade Burkholder, a 16-year-old O’Connor FFA member from Boerne, Texas, exhibited the Grand Champion Market Turkey. Cade said he has been showing for nine years and loves the competition.
“I love showing because it gives the kids an opportunity to come out and earn scholarships,” Cade said. “It lets kids show who they are and what they love.”
Long-time Show competitor Hailey Cowey, 16, won Reserve Grand Champion Market Turkey. The Pleasanton FFA member said she has been showing for eight years and her family and friends have played a major role in her success.
“My brother and sister always showed and I loved it, so that’s what I did,” Hailey said.
Exhibitors will sell their broilers and turkeys in the Junior Market Poultry Auction, Friday, March 9, at noon. The auction is open to the public and will be held in the NRG Arena Sales Pavilion.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $450 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 2018 Rodeo continues through March 18.