The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) announced the cancellation of the RODEOHOUSTON® competitions, concerts and entertainment, carnival, and other attractions and activities, which were recently rescheduled for May 4 – 23, 2021, due to the ongoing health situation.

The Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions were still held in March, as private events, upholding the Rodeo’s mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth. The Junior Market Auctions will also still be held in May (see auction dates with results below), also as private events. These events will follow all state and local health and safety guidelines.

JUNIOR MARKET LAMB

The HLSR named the 2021 Junior Market Lamb champions on Friday, March 5.

Grand Champion Lamb was exhibited by McKinley Clem, 14, from Tahoka, TX. McKinley is a member of Lynn County 4-H. She said it took every bit of hard work throughout the show season to finally clutch the big win.

“We went to a lot of jackpot shows,” McKinley said. “I had to put in effort every day with my lamb and go down to the barn to work him, even if I was tired!”

Following high school, McKinley said she plans to attend Texas Tech University and pursue a career in the agriculture industry.

Reserve Grand Champion Lamb was exhibited by Hudson Franklin, 14, from Shallowater, TX. Hudson is a member of Lubbock County 4-H, and said he credits his Reserve Champion win to the work ethic and patience he has developed throughout the year.

“Working my lamb each day and feeding him correctly helped us be prepared for a major stock show like this,” Hudson said.

Following high school, Hudson said he plans to attend Texas Tech University and wants to raise show lambs just like his dad.

The Junior Market Lamb Show was judged by Dr. Scott Schaake from Manhattan, Kansas.

The lambs will sell in a private auction which will be held May 15.

JUNIOR MARKET GOAT

Junior Livestock Show exhibitors from across Texas showed off their projects during the 2021 Junior Market Goat Show. While the competitions were held as private events this year, the hard work and dedication from exhibitors still was on display as the Grand Champion and Reserve goats were named during the Champion Selection on Sunday, March 7.

Trey Harbour, a member of Jonesboro FFA, exhibited the Grand Champion Goat, Doug. The 15-year old has been showing for seven years and is proud to follow in the family footsteps by competing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“It’s crossed three generations, my grandfather and my older brother showed here, too” he said.

Medina FFA member Cydney Newsom, and her goat Wilson, brought home the prize of Reserve Grand Champion.

“I’ve been showing longer than I can remember and have been competing in Houston since the third grade,” she said.

These champions, plus other exhibitors who qualify for auctions, will sell their projects at the 2021 Junior Market Lamb and Goat Auction. The auction will be held as a private event Saturday, May 15.

JUNIOR MARKET POULTRY

Judges sifted through many entries of turkeys and broilers on Thursday, March 11 to select the Grand Champion Junior Market Turkey and Broilers.

The Grand Champion Turkey was exhibited by eleven-year-old Amber Ellebracht from La Vernia, TX. Amber is a member of the La Vernia FFA and has been showing turkeys for four years.

Reflecting on her win, Amber said she was surprised but excited. Showing animals is more to her than just winning shiny buckles.

“You learn a lot raising animals,” Amber said. “Whether you win or you lose, it helps build your character.”

In the future, Amber hopes to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in business and marketing.

Jace Burkholder, 15, from Boerne, TX, took home the Reserve title. From a young age, Jace has attended the HLSR, showing turkeys alongside his siblings for 7 years.

“My family has raised turkeys since I was two years old,” Jace explained. “We enjoyed getting to learn from each other and cheering each other on through the years.”

After graduation, Jace plans to utilize the earnings he has gained through showing to pursue a degree in agricultural engineering at Texas A&M University.

The Grand Champion in the broiler division was shown by Makensie Till, a senior from El Campo, TX. Makensie has shown at the HLSR for five years and said she was excited to do well on her final year at the Show.

“I’m super stoked,” Makensie said, grinning from ear to ear. “I’m finishing out my senior year with a good win!”

Regan Greer from Spring FFA exhibited the Reserve Champion Broilers. In her five years of attending the HLSR, Reagan said this is the best she has ever done.

Much like Amber, Regan was surprised when her pen of broilers was selected.

“We hoped we had some good broilers coming into the Show, but we didn’t know they were Reserve Grand Champion worthy,” Regan explained. “You never know because it’s always a tough Show.”

This year’s poultry auction will take place May 14, at NRG Center.

JUNIOR MARKET BARROW

The HLSR 2021 Junior Market Barrow champions were named Wednesday, March 17.

The Grand Champion Junior Market Barrow was exhibited by Lainee Cook, 15, of Lynn County 4-H. She attributed her win to a lot of hard work amid an adverse show season.

“My pig was actually supposed to show at San Antonio, but he stopped eating at that time, so we brought him here,” Cook said. “We did everything that we could think of to get him prepared for show.”

After high school, Cook said she plans on going to college to pursue a career in the agricultural industry.
The Reserve was exhibited by Emily Muehlstein, 15, of Jones County 4-H.

Muehlstein said she believes that her career in the show ring has taught her valuable lessons that she is able to apply to her life.

“I’ve learned responsibility and sportsmanship through showing,” Muehlstein said. “I think anyone who shows can learn that, too.”

After high school, Muehlstein said she hopes to attend Texas A&M University or Tarleton State University and pursue a career as a speech pathologist or a teacher.

The 2021 Junior Market Barrow Show was judged by Seth Swanson of Newark, Illinois, and Justin Rodibaugh of Rensselaer, Indiana.

The barrows will sell in a private auction held May 21.

JUNIOR MARKET STEER

William Wall showed the Grand Champion Steer with Jett James Reserve

The HLSR 2021 Junior Steer Show champions were named on Friday, March 19.

The Grand Champion Junior Market Steer was exhibited by William Wall, 16, of Idalou, TX. Despite a year of canceled shows and hardships, he said he never stopped working with his steer and pushing himself to be better.

“Even when shows get canceled, I just kept grinding,” William said. “You can’t stop or let anything get you down.”

After high school, William said he plans on going to Texas Tech University to pursue a career in the agricultural industry.

The Reserve Steer was exhibited by 10-year-old Jett James of Prosper, TX. Although he was one of today’s youngest showmen, he had the biggest smile on his face at the champion drive.

“I did a lot of work to get my steer ready,” Jett said. “I washed him, fed him and walked him every day.”

Jett said he hopes to attend Oklahoma State University and sell cattle when he gets older.

The 2021 Junior Market Steer Show was judged by Shane Bedwell of Holt, MO. The steers will sell in a private auction May 22. 🎠