Stephen Montoya
It’s early. Too early. The kind of early where the sky still clings to the last shreds of night, and coffee is more of a necessity than a luxury. But here I am, making my way to Will Rogers Coliseum for an event I’ve somehow never attended before: the Junior Steer Show at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
I’ve done my time at Bulls Night Out. I’ve marveled at the miniature horse show. I’ve watched the TCU Equestrian team do their thing. But this? This is uncharted territory. And that’s exactly why I dragged myself out of bed at the crack of dawn to see what all the fuss is about.
Finding a prime spot, in hand, I take in the spectacle before me. Rows of meticulously groomed steers, their coats fluffed to perfection, stand alongside their young exhibitors — kids and teens ages 8 to 18 who have poured months, maybe years, into raising these animals. Some of the steers are easily three or four times the size of their handlers, yet the bond between them is obvious. It’s a mix of confidence and nervous energy, the kind you feel when you’ve spent countless hours preparing for something huge.
The show kicks off, and the judges step in, scanning each steer with a practiced eye. Muscle. Structure. Balance. Market quality. Every detail counts. The air buzzes with anticipation, punctuated by the occasional burst of excitement as a steer momentarily breaks free before being wrangled back into place.
The Junior Steer Show isn’t just some side event. It’s a Texas institution, one that’s been around for over 120 years. The stakes? They’re sky-high. This isn’t just about ribbons and trophies — there are scholarships on the line, future careers in agriculture, and, of course, the legendary Sale of Champions, where the top steers fetch jaw-dropping sums. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Grand Champion. Life-changing money for these young exhibitors.
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The Breakdown: How It All Works
- Weigh-in & Classification – Before the competition even begins, steers are weighed and classified into breed divisions.
- Showmanship & Judging – Judges evaluate each steer based on muscle definition, structural balance, and overall market quality.
- Breed Champions & Grand Champion Selection – The best from each breed move on to compete for the ultimate prize: Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
- Sale of Champions – The top steers are auctioned off to sponsors and donors, with winning bids often reaching record-breaking heights.
For the winners, this moment isn’t just a peak — it’s a launchpad. Scholarships, media recognition, and networking opportunities open doors to future success, whether in agriculture, business, or beyond. Some will go on to compete at other major livestock shows—Houston, San Antonio, the State Fair of Texas—building a resume in the show circuit that carries weight far beyond the arena.
And participation is only growing. In 2025, the FWSSR saw over 4,100 entries in the Junior Steer Show alone, according to the Stock Show's website. That’s part of a larger trend, with total junior contest entries increasing year over year. The interest in agricultural programs among Texas youth isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving.
This year's Grand Champion Steer was shown by Mattison Koepp, who, if your memory hasn't completely dilapidated over the last year, showed the Grand Reserve Champion Steer (essentially runner-up) in 2024 that fetched $230,000 during the Junior Sale of Champions. And this year's Grand Champion could garner twice that amount, all of which will be going toward her college education.
Walking away from the coliseum, I can’t help but feel a newfound respect for this tradition. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a rite of passage. A test of dedication, patience, and grit. And for these young exhibitors, it’s a moment they’ll never forget.
As for me? I’ll be back next year—this time, with an even greater appreciation for the kids, the cattle, and the culture that makes the Junior Steer Show one of the most captivating events at the FWSSR.
