Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Upholds Mission of Promoting Agriculture and Supporting Texas Youth Upon Completion of 2021 Junior Livestock and Horse Show Competitions
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo upheld its mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education, as this year’s private Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions officially wrapped for 2021. The 2021 competitions received more than 24,000 entries.
“We are extremely proud of our dedicated Texas 4-H and FFA exhibitors and horse show competitors whose hard work and dedication was on full display during these events, as they competed for the coveted title of Houston Champion,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO. “It was important for us to be able to fulfill our mission, while promoting a safe and healthy environment for our exhibitors, and together, everyone did their part to help us complete a successful event.”
The 2021 junior livestock and horse show competitions were held as private events and spread out over several weeks, with some events held off-site, allowing the opportunity for Texas 4-H and FFA youth to exhibit their projects in compliance with health and safety guidelines.
“While the look and feel of this year’s junior livestock and horse show competitions were different, the support and enthusiasm for our participants remained stronger than ever,” Boleman said. “We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2022 for the 90th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.”
Highlights from 2021 are included below.
JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AND HORSE SHOW
Junior livestock and horse show competitions and judging contests drew more than 24,000 entries. These events were held Feb. 25 – March 30.
2021 Junior Market Livestock Show Champions
| Barrows | |
|---|---|
| Grand Champion Lainee Cook Slaton, Texas Lynn County 4-H |
Reserve Grand Champion Emily Muehlstein Stamford, Texas Jones County 4-H |
| Broilers | |
| Grand Champion Makensie Till El Campo, Texas El Campo FFA |
Reserve Grand Champion Regan Greer Spring, Texas Spring FFA |
| Goats | |
| Grand Champion Trey Harbour Gatesville, Texas Jonesboro FFA |
Reserve Grand Champion Cydney Newsom Medina, Texas Medina FFA |
| Lambs | |
| Grand Champion McKinley Clem Tahoka, Texas Lynn County 4-H |
Reserve Grand Champion Hudson Franklin Shallowater, Texas Lubbock County 4-H |
| Steers | |
| Grand Champion William Wall Idalou, Texas Idalou FFA |
Reserve Grand Champion Jett James Prosper, Texas Prosper FFA |
| Turkeys | |
| Grand Champion Amber Ellebracht La Vernia, Texas La Vernia FFA |
Reserve Grand Champion Jace Burkholder Boerne, Texas Sandra Day O’Connor FFA |
Judging & Contests
Judging contests for 4-H, FFA and intercollegiate students were held either virtually or in-person at NRG Arena and NRG Center, as well as off-site. Thirteen individuals from the Livestock Judging Contest will receive purchase certificates to purchase a heifer or steer and join the Calf Scramble program.
4-H and FFA
- Agricultural Mechanics Project Show
- Agricultural Product Identification Contest
- Agricultural Public Speaking Contest
- Agricultural Science Fair
- Horse Judging
- Junior Commercial Steer Feeding and Management Contest
- Livestock Judging
- Livestock Quiz Bowl
- Poultry Judging
- Ranching & Wildlife Archery Contest
- Ranching & Wildlife Poster Board Contest
- Ranching & Wildlife Video Contest
- Ranching & Wildlife Young Guns Clay Shoot
- Ranching & Wildlife Young Guns Skeet Shoot
- Range and Pasture Plant Identification
- State Tractor Technician Contest
- Veterinary Science Contest
- Wildlife Habitat Evaluation
Intercollegiate
- Livestock Judging
- Meat Judging
- Wool Judging
Horticulture Competition
While most competitions are for Texas 4-H and FFA members, the Rodeo’s Horticulture Competition provided opportunities for non-4-H and FFA students. The contest was open to Texas residents between the ages of 8 and 18 and did not require participants to be members of a Texas 4-H Club or FFA Chapter. View results from the 2021 Horticulture Competition in the following categories: Photography, Container Grown Plants and Texas Table
Junior Commercial Steer Feeding and Management Contest
The Junior Commercial Steer Feeding and Management Contest and Sale was held March 7 at the Mid Tex Livestock Auction in Navasota, Texas.
- Grand Champion: Macy Lawrence, Randall County 4-H
- Reserve Grand Champion: Emily Ecord, Groveton FFA
All Breeds Sale
- The 54th annual All Breeds Range Bull and Commercial Female Sale was held March 6 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Brenham, Texas. More than 350 cattlemen, both in attendance and online, registered to buy cattle.
- The sale grossed more than $1.35 million.
Horse Show
The 2021 Horse Show competitions were held Feb. 25 – March 17, as private events. Events included:
- NCHA Cutting Horse Show
- Ranch Horse Competition
- Ranch Sorting Competition
- AQHA and All Breed Speed Events
- Quarter Horse and All Breed Roping Events
- Paint Horse Show
- Donkey & Mule Show
- All Breed Youth Horse Show
March Competition Results
The March competitions concluded March 30, 2021. Results are available here. Upcoming competition results will be posted once completed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
With the safety and well-being of all participants in mind, the Rodeo’s focus on mission-driven events will extend beyond the March events to provide additional opportunities for exhibitors, junior market livestock show champions and the community, alike. The 2021 Calf Scramble and auctions will be held as private events in April and May, respectively. The 2021 Rodeo Run will be held virtually in May, as well.
Calf Scramble
- Traditionally a fan-favorite event held inside NRG Stadium during each RODEOHOUSTON® performance, for 2021, organizers have secured an alternative location to ensure Texas 4-H and FFA members have a chance to participate.
- The 2021 Calf Scramble will be held as a private event April 10 – 11 and 17 – 18 in Katy, Texas.
- A total of 258 certificates will be awarded to students who catch a calf during the run of the event.
- These students will receive a $1,750 certificate to apply toward the purchase of a registered beef heifer or market steer to exhibit at the 2022 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, plus a $500 bonus upon the completion of program requirements.
- The event will be available to watch via live stream at rodeohouston.com.
- 2021 Purchase Certificate Total: $609,750
- Calf Scramble exhibitors from 2020 who returned with their heifer or steer projects to compete at the 2021 Houston Livestock Show received more than $100,000 in premiums and awards.
School Art
Thousands of students participated in the Rodeo’s 2021 School Art Competition. Preliminary judging for the competition was held in January, with 72 pieces of artwork selected during the final judging on Feb. 13. School Art winners will be announced April 11 during a private awards ceremony and artwork will be sold at the School Art Auction in May.
Rodeo Run
Rodeo fans may participate in the 34th annual Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips, which will be held virtually May 1 – 9, 2021. Registration is open through May 9. To register and for more information, visit rodeohouston.com/rodeorun.
Auctions
Auctions will be held as private events in May at NRG Center, and will be available to watch via live stream at rodeohouston.com.
| Auction | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Ranching & Wildlife Auction | May 7, noon |
| RODEOUNCORKED!® Champion Wine Auction & Dinner (advance ticket purchase required) |
May 8, 6 p.m. |
| Junior Market Poultry Auction | May 14, noon |
| Junior Market Lamb & Goat Auction | May 15, noon |
| School Art Auction | May 16, noon |
| Junior Market Barrow Auction | May 21, noon |
| Junior Market Steer Auction | May 22, 11 a.m. |
RODEO DRIVE SHOPS
In March 2021, the Rodeo launched “Rodeo Drive,” an online shopping guide to support its vendors after the cancellation of the 2021 Rodeo. The guide showcases more than 300 vendors from near and far, including retail and food vendors, as well as sponsors. A complete list of vendors can be found at rodeohouston.com.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Despite the Rodeo’s early 2020 closure and 2021 cancellation, thanks to the generous support of its donors, volunteers and sponsors, the Rodeo is able to uphold its mission of supporting Texas youth and education in 2021, with a total commitment of $21,691,500.
- $14,186,000 in scholarships
- $5,010,750 to junior show exhibitors
- $2,022,360 in educational program grants
- $472,390 in graduate assistantships
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 $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news. The 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Heritage Partners were NRG, Ford, Miller Lite, Coca-Cola and Mattress Firm.
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