Two Hampshire barrows stood out among the more than 2,700 swine exhibited during the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Barrow Show. After a competitive four days in the show ring, the two winning Texas FFA members beamed with excitement during the Championship Drive, Thursday, March 15.
Dimmitt FFA member Hannah Simpson, 14, exhibited the Grand Champion Junior Market Barrow. Simpson said this is her fifth year competing at the Show, and that she was excited to win for the first time with her Hampshire barrow.
“It just felt so totally awesome to win,” Hannah said.
Katelyn Cozart, 17, from Early FFA, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Barrow. Cozart said she has been showing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since the third grade and that she feels rewarded to win in 2018.
“Winning feels like hard work that has paid off, and that is an incredible feeling,” Cozart said.
The champion and reserve champion barrows will sell in the Junior Market Barrow Auction, Friday, March 16, at noon. More than 660 Junior Market Barrow exhibitors qualified for the auction in 2018. 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 runs through March 18.