Competing at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Jr. Heifer Show: A Family Affair

Every January, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) becomes the epicenter of agricultural heritage, fierce competition, and family tradition. For families like ours, attending FWSSR—one of the “Majors” along with San Antonio and Houston—is about so much more than ribbons and banners. It’s about investing in our children, our legacy, and the future of an industry that is central to our way of life: the beef cattle industry.

Parental Involvement Is Key

Raising and showing a heifer is not a one-person job. As parents, we know that these massive projects demand time, resources, and most importantly, our active involvement. Kids can’t manage these responsibilities alone. From feeding and grooming to training and healthcare, every aspect of raising a show animal requires a guiding hand. That guidance becomes even more essential when your child has special needs, as we’ve learned through Savannah’s journey with her Black Angus heifer, Lizzy Mae.

For Savannah, showing cattle is not just about competition; it’s about personal growth, overcoming challenges, and building confidence. But that doesn’t happen without unwavering parental support. As parents, we have to be invested—100 times over—in our children’s future, their goals, and their dreams. Our involvement isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Proverbs 1:8-9 (NKJV) reminds us, "My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck." This verse speaks to the importance of instilling values and work ethic in our children. It’s our duty to guide them in the ways they should go, ensuring they carry these lessons as a mark of grace and strength throughout their lives.

Bringing the Whole Family Along

The FWSSR isn’t just Savannah’s experience; it’s a family affair. We bring her younger sisters along to every major show. Why? Because they’re learning, too. They’re not only soaking up knowledge about cattle projects that they’ll one day manage themselves, but they’re also learning the importance of supporting family members and celebrating each other’s successes.

For our family, the cattle industry is a legacy. It’s who we are, and it’s who we’re raising our children to be. We want them to grow up understanding not just the science and skill of raising cattle, but also the ethics, hard work, and community that come with it. The beef cattle industry is facing challenges, with declining production and increasing demand. We want our children and our ranch to not only survive but thrive in this evolving landscape. That means exposing them to the highest levels of competition and setting a standard of excellence early on.

The Financial and Emotional Sacrifice

Competing at FWSSR is no small feat. It’s a financial sacrifice that involves hotel stays, eating out, registration fees, parking passes, and entry fees. For most families, this means taking five days of vacation, coordinating logistics, and planning for every expense. So why do we do it for what often amounts to a single 30-minute trip into the show ring?

Because it’s worth it. Supporting our children and their passions is worth every dollar, every late night, and every mile traveled. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the lessons learned along the way—discipline, resilience, and pride in their work. These experiences teach our children to aim for something bigger than themselves, to see the bigger picture of the industry and their role within it.

Mixing Business with Fun

Of course, we make sure to enjoy the journey. When we’re in Fort Worth, it’s not all work and no play. We always spend an evening at the Stockyards, watching the cattle drive, shopping for western wear, and getting our hats freshened up. We end the night with a family dinner at Cattleman’s Steakhouse, a tradition that’s become a highlight of every trip.

We also take time to explore Fort Worth’s rich history. Our kids loved visiting the Texas Cattle Raisers Museum and seeing exhibits about Black Angus cattle, the very breed we raise. We found Savannah’s and Cora's artwork on display at the Texas Science Museum, a proud moment that underscored the importance of nurturing all of their talents, not just Savannah's skills in the show ring. These moments remind us that the trip isn’t just about the show; it’s about creating memories and fostering a love for our industry and its history.

The Bigger Picture

When Savannah walked into the ring with Lizzy Mae, we knew she only had one shot. But that 30-minute moment was the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. It was about more than winning; it was about showing Savannah that she’s capable of great things and that her family will always be there to support her.

As parents, we have a responsibility to invest in our kids—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally. We have to show them that their dreams matter and that the work they put in today will shape the legacy they leave tomorrow. By making sacrifices and staying involved, we’re not just raising future cattlemen and cattlewomen; we’re raising leaders.

A Call to Action

To all the parents out there: let me encourage you to get involved. Whether it’s cattle shows, sports, or any other passion your child has, make the sacrifice. Be present. Show them there’s a bigger picture, a bigger industry, and a bigger goal than what’s right in front of them.

When you invest in your children, you’re not just shaping their future—you’re building a legacy. And who knows? They might just become more than you ever dreamed they could be.