FFA Kids Shine at Houston Livestock Show

Two Young County students earned top honors in one of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s most demanding youth agricultural competitions, winning the junior and senior divisions of the Commercial Steer Feeding & Management Contest.

Caden Joy, a Graham High School junior, was named Champion Senior, while True Creel, an eighth grader from Newcastle, won Champion Junior.

Mr. Joy is the son of Brandon and Dana Joy of Graham. Ms. Creel is the daughter of Chet and Dancey Creel of Newcastle.

The contest requires students to raise and manage a pen of cattle while demonstrating knowledge of animal care, feeding programs, and livestock management. Competitors are judged on the condition and performance of their cattle, submit a detailed record book, take a written exam, and complete an oral interview with a panel of judges.

Students started feeding their pen of cattle in August. The Houston Livestock Show accepts only 175 contestants.

Mr. Joy’s performance also earned him the highest final interview score in the senior division, along with an additional $500 cash award.

As senior champion, Mr. Joy received a 2026 Ford truck donated by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, along with $1,000 in prize money, a trophy, buckle and banner.

Ms. Creel, the junior division champion, received an 11-inch touchscreen tablet computer with accessories, a custom tablet case, and $600 in prize money.

Two additional Young County students also competed in the contest: Haven Creel of Newcastle and Jace Haralson of Olney.

The Commercial Steer Feeding & Management Contest is considered one of the Houston Livestock Show’s most comprehensive youth competitions, requiring months of preparation and hands-on livestock management, alongside academic and interview components.

The show took place March 8-10.